On the surface, most GPS tracking offers look the same: a device, a map and a monthly fee. The differences show up later, when a truck loses signal at a border, a report doesn't answer the question you need, or nobody picks up when a device goes offline. This guide helps you compare providers on the things that matter once the system is running.
1. Start with the problem you want to solve
Before comparing providers, write down what you need the system to fix. The answer decides which features are essential and which are nice to have.
- Knowing where vehicles are: live tracking and trip history.
- Losing fuel: fuel level sensors, not just GPS.
- Accidents, claims or driver behaviour: dashcams and driving alerts.
- High-value or sensitive cargo: route deviation alerts and delivery verification.
- Unpowered assets such as trailers or generators: battery-powered trackers.
2. Hardware
The tracker is the foundation. A cheap device that drops offline or reports inaccurate positions will undermine everything else.
- Wired trackers connect to the vehicle's power and are the standard choice for trucks, vans and cars.
- Battery-powered trackers suit trailers, containers and equipment with no power of their own.
- Add-ons such as fuel sensors, dashcams, temperature probes and driver ID readers should be supported by the same platform.
- Backup battery, so the device keeps reporting if its power is cut or tampered with.
3. Connectivity, especially across borders
This is where regional fleets are most often caught out. A tracker is only as good as the mobile network it reports through. If your vehicles cross into Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, South Sudan or further, ask how the device stays connected once it leaves the home network.
- Which networks does the device use in each country on your routes?
- Does it store positions when there's no signal and upload them later, so there are no gaps in the trip history?
- Are roaming costs included, or billed separately?
See the networks our devices use in each country on our network coverage page.
4. The platform
Your team will use the software every day, so ask for a live demo using realistic scenarios rather than a slide presentation.
- A clear live map with vehicle status at a glance.
- Alerts for geofences, speeding, fuel drains, idling and out-of-hours use.
- Reports your team can actually read: trips, mileage, idle time, fuel and driver behaviour.
- Access for several users with different permissions.
- Access from a phone browser, not just a desktop.
- Fuel, dashcam and cargo data in the same place as GPS data, rather than in separate systems.
5. Installation and support
- Who installs the devices, and can installation be scheduled around your operations?
- Are fuel sensors calibrated per tank?
- What happens when a device goes offline, and how quickly is it fixed?
- Is training included for your team?
6. Understanding pricing
Fleet tracking is usually priced as a one-off hardware and installation cost plus a monthly or annual subscription per vehicle. When comparing quotes, make sure you are comparing the same things.
| Ask about | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Hardware: bought or leased? | Leased hardware lowers upfront cost but may tie you into a longer contract. |
| What the subscription includes | Check platform access, data, SMS alerts, support and updates. |
| Add-on pricing | Fuel sensors, dashcams and extra users are often priced separately. |
| Roaming and data | Cross-border data can add cost if it isn't included. |
| Contract length and exit terms | Know what happens to the hardware and your data if you leave. |
Questions to ask every provider
- Which networks do your devices use in each country on my routes?
- Do devices store data when there's no signal and upload it later?
- Can fuel, dashcam and asset data be seen on the same platform as GPS?
- Who installs and calibrates the equipment?
- What is your response process when a device stops reporting?
- What exactly is included in the monthly fee?
- Can I export my data?
- Can I see a live demo using my own use cases?
The best test of any provider is a pilot. Start with a few vehicles on your hardest routes, and judge the results on real data before rolling out to the whole fleet.
Red flags
- No clear answer on cross-border connectivity.
- Demos only on slides, not on a live platform.
- Fuel sensors installed without calibration.
- Unclear ownership of hardware or data at the end of the contract.
- No named support contact after installation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does installation take?
It depends on the vehicle and the add-ons. A standard tracker is quicker to fit than a fuel sensor, which also needs calibrating to the tank. Installation can usually be scheduled around your operations.
Will tracking work when my trucks cross borders?
It depends on the provider. Ask which networks the device uses in each country. Data Drive Telematics devices connect through partner networks in 14 African countries.
Can I start with a few vehicles?
Yes. A pilot on a small group of vehicles is the best way to test a system on your real routes before a full rollout.
Is GPS tracking enough to stop fuel theft?
Not on its own. GPS shows where a vehicle went, but only a fuel level sensor shows where fuel went. For fuel control you need both.