Lytx
#1AI-powered video safety platform with the largest driving behavior database.
Per vehicleDual-facing camera, MV+AI, self-managed video reviewCloud
Telematics for Construction Companies — Track Vehicles, Equipment, Hours, and Job Site Activity
Compare telematics platforms for construction companies. Vehicle tracking, equipment engine hours, fuel consumption, fault codes, and job site geofencing for mixed construction fleets.
Construction telematics covers more ground than GPS location. You need engine hours from heavy equipment for PM scheduling, fuel consumption per machine, fault code alerts before a breakdown strands a crew, and idle time data showing how much fuel evaporates while equipment sits running. The platforms below are ranked for construction telematics fit.
Last reviewed Mar 19, 2026
How to evaluate telematics for construction companies
Construction telematics requires J1939 connectivity, not just GPS. For heavy equipment — excavators, motor graders, scrapers, compactors — J1939 telematics reads engine hours, fuel consumption, coolant temperature, hydraulic pressure, and fault codes directly from the machine's CAN bus. This is the data that drives preventive maintenance decisions, equipment cost accounting, and machine-level ROI calculations. Platforms that only capture GPS location from construction equipment are missing the operational data that justifies the hardware investment.
Idle time is the highest-ROI telematics insight for construction companies. Heavy construction equipment idling consumes 3-7 gallons of diesel per hour — $15-35 per idle hour at current prices. For a 20-machine fleet with an average of 2 hours of unnecessary daily idle, that is $600-1,400/day in wasted fuel. Telematics platforms that report idle time by machine and by operator let supervisors target the specific machines and operators responsible, rather than issuing fleet-wide mandates that irritate high-performers and ignore the actual offenders.
Machine utilization benchmarking informs buy-versus-rent decisions. Construction companies routinely own equipment with 30-40% utilization that could be rented for specific projects instead. Telematics utilization reports showing hours operated per week per machine give project managers concrete data to argue for or against keeping underutilized assets. Most construction companies that implement telematics-driven utilization analysis reduce owned equipment inventory by 10-20% within 18 months, freeing capital for other projects.
Theft prevention and unauthorized use are real telematics use cases in construction. A $500,000 excavator moved off-site after hours without authorization is a major incident — and it happens. Geofence breach alerts, after-hours ignition detection, and tamper alerts for asset trackers on non-powered equipment create a layered theft detection system. The ROI on preventing a single major equipment theft or unauthorized use incident (lost productivity, replacement cost, insurance deductible) exceeds years of telematics subscription cost.
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Pricing guidance
Construction telematics runs $25-45/vehicle/month for powered vehicles with full J1939 data. Non-powered equipment asset trackers cost $10-20/asset/month. For a fleet with 30 vehicles and 25 pieces of equipment: $1,000-1,850/month. Hardware: $150-400/truck (hardwired J1939), $75-200/equipment asset (solar/battery trackers). Full telematics with engine hours, fault codes, and fuel data requires hardwired J1939 devices — OBD-II plug-ins do not access this data on most heavy equipment.
How each platform serves construction fleets
Here's how each leading platform performs specifically for construction fleet operations.
Samsara
Samsara is a strong fit for construction fleets with mixed vehicle and heavy equipment inventories. The AG26 gateway connects to J1939 CAN bus on excavators, wheel loaders, and motor graders to capture engine hours, fuel consumption, idle time, and fault codes directly from the machine ECM. Geofence alerts for job site entry and exit log actual on-site time per machine, supporting equipment cost accounting by project without manual time cards. Idle time reports segment by machine and by operator, giving superintendents data to target idle reduction coaching. AI dashcams extend to construction trucks and vocational vehicles for liability protection on public roads. Pricing: $25-40/vehicle/month; equipment asset tracking $10-15/asset/month.
Geotab
Geotab is the deepest J1939 telematics platform for construction equipment, with the broadest OEM compatibility covering CAT, Komatsu, Volvo CE, Deere, and Liebherr machines. The MyGeotab rules engine supports custom alerts for equipment-specific thresholds — coolant temperature above 230°F, hydraulic pressure deviation, DPF regeneration frequency — not available in most competing platforms. Engine hour-based PM scheduling driven by actual J1939 hour meter data keeps maintenance intervals accurate regardless of mileage patterns. The marketplace includes fuel theft detection add-ons monitoring off-road bulk tank levels via integrated sensors. Open API enables deep integration with construction ERP and project accounting systems. Sold through resellers; typical pricing $22-38/asset/month.
Motive
Motive serves construction fleets where the vehicle component — haul trucks, service trucks, pickup fleets — is as critical as heavy equipment. The platform provides J1939 telematics on Class 6-8 haul trucks and vocational vehicles with engine fault alerts, fuel consumption per trip, and idle time by driver. For heavy equipment, Motive asset gateways connect via J1939 on machines manufactured after 2005. The unified dashboard shows construction trucks and equipment side by side without separate logins. AI dashcam integration on construction trucks provides contractor liability protection on public roads. Pricing transparency at $35-50/truck/month all-in for telematics plus ELD is a genuine advantage for contractors managing CDL-regulated drivers alongside equipment operators.
Verizon Connect
Verizon Connect handles construction fleet telematics for larger contractors operating 50+ mixed assets. Equipment engine hour tracking via J1939 supports maintenance scheduling by hours rather than calendar intervals, critical for equipment with manufacturer-specified hour-based service requirements. Job site geofencing with automated arrival and departure timestamps enables per-project equipment time allocation without manual reporting. Network reliability advantage in rural construction environments — quarries, highway projects, remote earthmoving sites — reduces data gaps affecting smaller LTE networks. Three-year contract structures and dedicated implementation support fit established contractors better than growing companies with variable fleet sizes. Pricing: negotiated, typically $30-45/asset/month.
Teletrac Navman
Teletrac Navman is a practical telematics choice for construction companies with projects spanning the US, Canada, and international markets on a single platform. Equipment asset tracking covers J1939-connected machines with engine hour accumulation, fuel consumption, and fault code monitoring. Multi-region support handles contractors with projects across state lines or Canadian provinces without separate platform accounts. Geofence-based job site activity reporting documents equipment utilization by project for cost accounting and owner billing. Pre-built construction reporting templates covering engine hour utilization, idle cost summaries, and fuel consumption by machine class reduce configuration time versus general-purpose platforms. Pricing: $25-40/asset/month with annual contracts.
Lytx
Lytx is purpose-built for risk reduction in construction fleet driving — meaningful given that construction vehicle accidents on public roads carry significant liability exposure for contractors. The DriveCam event recorder on construction trucks, cement mixers, and vocational vehicles captures triggered video of harsh braking, swerving, and collision events with before-and-after context for claims defense. Machine learning risk scoring identifies drivers with elevated collision probability before incidents occur, critical for managing commercial auto insurance costs that run 20-40% above standard commercial rates for construction contractors. Lytx telematics covers GPS, speed, and basic J1939 diagnostics on connected vehicles. Best for construction companies where safety and claims documentation are the primary telematics objective. Pricing: $35-55/vehicle/month.
Fleet Complete
Fleet Complete is a scalable choice for mid-size construction contractors (20-150 assets) seeking equipment tracking alongside vehicle telematics without enterprise platform complexity. The Asset Tracker product covers non-powered construction assets — trailers, generators, compressors, light towers — with solar-powered GPS reporting location without vehicle wiring. For powered equipment, J1939 gateway connections provide engine hours, idle time, and fault codes on modern machines. Construction-relevant features include equipment utilization reports by project and job site geofencing with automated time-on-site logging. Strong bilingual US-Canada support for contractors operating cross-border. Pricing: $15-30/vehicle/month; $10-15/asset/month for non-powered equipment trackers.
Azuga
Azuga is a mid-market telematics option for construction companies where the light vehicle fleet — foreman pickups, safety supervisor SUVs, parts runner trucks — is the primary tracking target rather than heavy equipment. OBD-II plug-in devices self-install in construction pickups in under 5 minutes, eliminating shop installation appointments during peak project seasons. Driver behavior scoring supports insurance discount qualification — commercial auto premiums for construction contractors are elevated, making telematics-based discounts of 5-15% financially significant. Azuga does not offer deep J1939 equipment telematics for large iron and is best positioned for the vehicle portion of a mixed construction fleet. Pricing: $20-30/vehicle/month with OBD-II hardware included.
GPS Insight
GPS Insight is a strong fit for construction contractors needing to connect vehicle telematics with job dispatch and field service workflows. The work order module assigns jobs to drivers and equipment operators with GPS-verified arrival confirmation at job sites, useful for superintendents managing crews across multiple simultaneous projects. Equipment tracking via J1939 gateways covers engine hours, fuel consumption, and fault codes on connected machines. An open API enables integration with construction project management tools like Procore for real-time equipment location and hour data in project dashboards. US-based customer support and account management are consistently cited by construction fleet managers evaluating mid-market alternatives to enterprise platforms. Pricing: $20-35/asset/month.
CalAmp
CalAmp is a telematics hardware and platform provider with specific strengths for construction fleets operating in harsh environments where standard commercial devices fail. The LMU-4200 and LPAK series are hardwired units designed to withstand construction site conditions — vibration, dust, temperature extremes, and rough voltage from older equipment electrical systems. J1939 connectivity captures engine hours, fuel consumption, and fault codes from heavy equipment with reliable transmission under demanding field conditions. The iOn platform provides fleet visibility for construction managers. For contractors building a custom telematics stack or integrating vehicle data into proprietary project management software, the open API and hardware flexibility is a genuine advantage over closed platforms. Pricing: hardware $150-350/unit; platform $15-25/asset/month.
All telematics platforms for construction companies
21 platforms reviewed with pricing, deployment details, and editorial verdicts. Each profile includes a full review.
Samsara
#2Connected operations platform for fleet tracking, safety, and compliance.
Per vehicleGPS tracking, basic reporting, geofencingCloudFree trial
Geotab
#3Open-platform telematics with advanced data analytics for fleet optimization.
Per vehicleGPS tracking, basic reporting, geofencingCloudFree trial
GPS fleet tracking and fleet management for businesses of all sizes.
Per vehicleGPS tracking, geofencing, basic alertsCloudFree trial
Azuga
#5Simple, affordable GPS fleet tracking with driver rewards and safety features.
Per vehicleGPS tracking, geofencing, trip history, basic reportingCloudFree trial
CalAmp
#6CalAmp is a telematics hardware manufacturer and fleet management software provider known for its LMU and TTU device families and the CalAmp iOn cloud platform. With roots in OEM telematics hardware, CalAmp serves fleet operators, construction companies, and asset-heavy industries. We tested the iOn platform, analyzed real user feedback from G2 and Capterra, evaluated their hardware lineup, and compared CalAmp against leading competitors to deliver this comprehensive review.
~$25–$45/vehicle/mo (custom quotes)Varies by features and fleet size
ClearPathGPS is an 8.1/10-rated GPS fleet tracking platform best suited for small-to-mid-size field service, construction, and trade fleets that want reliable tracking with transparent pricing and exceptional customer support. At ~$20/vehicle/month with no contracts and a 14-day free trial, it offers real-time GPS tracking, geofencing, driver behavior monitoring, and maintenance alerts — making it the top choice for service-based businesses that value simplicity and responsive US-based support o
~$20/vehicle/mo; no setup feesReal-time tracking, geofencing, alerts, driver behavior, reportingFree trial
Fleet Complete (now Powerfleet) is a Canadian-born fleet management platform serving 30,000+ customers across North America. We tested its GPS tracking, AI dash cameras, ELD compliance tools, and asset tracking for 90 days to see how it stacks up against Geotab, Samsara, and other top players.
From $10/vehicle/moGPS tracking, geofences, basic reporting. 36-month contract. Best for basic location tracking.
Fleetio
#9Modern fleet maintenance and management platform for mixed fleets.
Per vehicleVehicle records, basic maintenance, fuel trackingCloudFree trial
GPS Trackit
#10Budget-friendly fleet tracking with flexible hardware options.
Per vehicleReal-time tracking, trip history, basic geofencingCloudFree trial
IntelliShift
#11IntelliShift is a 7.9/10-rated fleet intelligence platform best suited for mid-to-large mixed fleets in construction, utilities, and field service that need to unify data from multiple vehicle types and telematics sources. The platform aggregates connected vehicle data, AI safety scoring, compliance management, and maintenance insights into a single dashboard — making it the top choice for complex operations with diverse asset types, though its custom pricing and steeper learning curve favor lar
~$25–$45/vehicle/mo (custom quotes)Connected vehicle data, GPS tracking, basic safety scoring, reportingFree trial
Motive
#12AI-powered fleet management with ELD, dashcams, and spend management.
Per vehicleELD, GPS tracking, basic reportingCloudFree trial
Netradyne
#13Netradyne is an 8.6/10-rated AI dash cam platform best suited for fleets that prioritize driver safety, video telematics, and positive behavior coaching. The Driveri camera uses four lenses and edge AI to provide 360-degree vision, real-time alerts, and GreenZone scoring that rewards safe driving — making it the top choice for safety-focused fleets, though it requires integration with a separate fleet management platform for GPS tracking and ELD compliance.
~$30–$50/vehicle/mo + hardwareAI alerts, GreenZone scoring, video cloud storage, driver coaching, analytics dashboard
Omnitracs
#14Omnitracs is a veteran fleet management platform now owned by Solera, built for long-haul trucking and enterprise carriers. With the Omnitracs One unified platform, it combines ELD compliance, route optimization, driver safety, and critical event video in a single ecosystem. We tested the platform, analyzed hundreds of user reviews, and compared it against modern competitors to determine whether Omnitracs still delivers value in 2026.
From $23/vehicle/mo (quote-based)EOBR ($23), Compliance ($32), Premium ($46)
One Step GPS
#15One Step GPS is an 8.0/10-rated GPS fleet tracker best suited for small businesses and budget-conscious fleets that need reliable real-time tracking at the industry’s lowest price point. At ~$13.95/vehicle/month with no contracts, it delivers solid GPS tracking, geofencing, and driver behavior monitoring — making it the top choice for cost-conscious fleets that need visibility without paying for features they won’t use.
~$13.95/vehicle/mo (no contract)Real-time tracking, geofencing, alerts, trip history, driver reports
Rastrac
#16Rastrac is a 7.5/10-rated GPS fleet tracking and asset management platform best suited for small to mid-size fleets that need affordable real-time vehicle tracking, geofencing, driver behavior monitoring, fuel management, and maintenance alerts. Founded in 1993, Rastrac is one of the longest-running GPS tracking providers in the industry, offering solid core tracking features at competitive pricing — though it trails newer platforms like Samsara and Motive in advanced analytics, AI capabilities,
Contact for pricingReal-time tracking, geofencing, basic alerts
Simply Fleet
#17Simply Fleet is a 7.6/10-rated fleet maintenance app best suited for very small fleets, owner-operators, and individual vehicle owners who need basic maintenance tracking, fuel logging, and expense management without paying enterprise prices. With a free plan for one vehicle and Pro plans starting at ~$3/vehicle/month, it delivers solid maintenance reminders and fuel tracking — but lacks GPS tracking, telematics, and the advanced features that growing fleets eventually need.
Free plan; Pro from ~$3/vehicle/mo1 vehicle, maintenance tracking, fuel logging, service reminders, basic reportingFree trial
Fleet management with strong compliance and safety features for commercial fleets.
Per vehicleGPS tracking and basic fleet managementCloudFree trial
Zonar Systems is a commercial fleet telematics provider known for its dominance in school bus and public transit fleet management. Now merged with GPS Trackit to form Zonar Ignition, the platform offers GPS tracking, EVIR electronic inspections, ELD compliance, and AI-powered dash cams. We tested the platform, analyzed 300+ user reviews, and compared it against market leaders to deliver this independent assessment.
From ~$26/vehicle/moIncludes Zonar Logs, DVIR, Ground Traffic Control, HOS
Rhino Fleet Tracking is a 7.8/10-rated budget GPS fleet tracking platform best suited for small to mid-size fleets that need affordable real-time vehicle tracking, geofencing, maintenance alerts, and basic reporting without long-term contracts. It delivers solid core GPS tracking at low cost but lacks advanced telematics, dash cams, and ELD compliance features offered by larger platforms.
Contact for pricingStandard rate; all core features included
Trimble
#21Trimble Transportation is one of the most established names in enterprise fleet and transportation management. Born from acquisitions of TMW Systems, PeopleNet, and others, the platform now offers a cloud-native, AI-powered TMS alongside fleet maintenance, driver mobility, and real-time visibility tools. We evaluated the full Trimble Transportation ecosystem — testing its new AI-powered Trimble TMS, analyzing hundreds of user reviews, and comparing it against Omnitracs, Samsara, Motive, and Geot
Contact for pricing
telematics software for construction — side by side
Pricing, deployment, and trial availability for every platform reviewed. Click any row to read the full review.
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| Software | Pricing model | Starting price | Deployment | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lytx | Per vehicle | Dual-facing camera, MV+AI, self-managed video review | Cloud | — |
| Samsara | Per vehicle | GPS tracking, basic reporting, geofencing | Cloud | Yes |
| Geotab | Per vehicle | GPS tracking, basic reporting, geofencing | Cloud | Yes |
| Verizon Connect | Per vehicle | GPS tracking, geofencing, basic alerts | Cloud | Yes |
| Azuga | Per vehicle | GPS tracking, geofencing, trip history, basic reporting | Cloud | Yes |
| CalAmp | ~$25–$45/vehicle/mo (custom quotes) | Varies by features and fleet size | — | — |
| ClearPathGPS | ~$20/vehicle/mo; no setup fees | Real-time tracking, geofencing, alerts, driver behavior, reporting | — | Yes |
| Fleet Complete | From $10/vehicle/mo | GPS tracking, geofences, basic reporting. 36-month contract. Best for basic location tracking. | — | — |
| Fleetio | Per vehicle | Vehicle records, basic maintenance, fuel tracking | Cloud | Yes |
| GPS Trackit | Per vehicle | Real-time tracking, trip history, basic geofencing | Cloud | Yes |
| IntelliShift | ~$25–$45/vehicle/mo (custom quotes) | Connected vehicle data, GPS tracking, basic safety scoring, reporting | — | Yes |
| Motive | Per vehicle | ELD, GPS tracking, basic reporting | Cloud | Yes |
| Netradyne | ~$30–$50/vehicle/mo + hardware | AI alerts, GreenZone scoring, video cloud storage, driver coaching, analytics dashboard | — | — |
| Omnitracs | From $23/vehicle/mo (quote-based) | EOBR ($23), Compliance ($32), Premium ($46) | — | — |
| One Step GPS | ~$13.95/vehicle/mo (no contract) | Real-time tracking, geofencing, alerts, trip history, driver reports | — | — |
| Rastrac | Contact for pricing | Real-time tracking, geofencing, basic alerts | — | — |
| Simply Fleet | Free plan; Pro from ~$3/vehicle/mo | 1 vehicle, maintenance tracking, fuel logging, service reminders, basic reporting | — | Yes |
| Teletrac Navman | Per vehicle | GPS tracking and basic fleet management | Cloud | Yes |
| Zonar Systems | From ~$26/vehicle/mo | Includes Zonar Logs, DVIR, Ground Traffic Control, HOS | — | — |
| Rhino Fleet Tracking | Contact for pricing | Standard rate; all core features included | — | — |
| Trimble | Contact for pricing | Custom quote | — | — |
Frequently asked questions about telematics for construction fleets
Can telematics track heavy construction equipment like excavators and loaders?
Yes, through J1939 telematics devices connected to the equipment's CAN bus. For machines with J1939 connectivity (most equipment built after 2005), telematics can read engine hours, fuel consumption, fault codes, idle time, and GPS location in real time. For older equipment without CAN bus, basic GPS asset trackers provide location and movement data only. Samsara, Geotab, Verizon Connect, and Teletrac Navman all offer J1939-compatible telematics devices for heavy construction equipment.
How does telematics help construction companies reduce fuel costs?
Telematics reduces construction fuel costs primarily through idle time management. Heavy construction equipment burns 3-7 gallons per idle hour — $15-35 at current diesel prices. Telematics platforms report idle time by machine and by operator, enabling supervisors to target specific behavioral issues rather than fleet-wide policies. Additional fuel savings come from routing efficiency for construction vehicles, fuel consumption benchmarking across similar equipment, and fault code alerts that catch fuel system issues before they become major repairs.
What telematics data is most useful for construction equipment maintenance?
The most valuable telematics data for construction maintenance is: engine hours (for hours-based PM intervals instead of mileage), fault codes (early warning of mechanical issues before breakdowns), coolant temperature (early warning of cooling system failures), hydraulic pressure anomalies (catches wear before catastrophic failure), and fuel consumption deviation (a machine using 20% more fuel than its baseline is likely experiencing a mechanical issue). This data requires J1939 connectivity — GPS-only trackers do not access engine data.
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