Geotab Fleet Management Review

Geotab doesn’t directly sell its telematics solutions to clients, but partners with a reseller network to make sales. This makes it unique among fleet management vendors, most of which will offer quotes or reach out to customers themselves (Tech.co's quotes form lets you easily gather personalized fleet tracking quotes from these vendors). However, Geotab still invests plenty into the final product. They’re responsible for the R&D and innovation, developing software, engineering hardware, and tracking engine analytics.

Geotab sells the MyGeotab software and hardware as two separate products. While they can be used together as a complete fleet management system, the software’s open API allows it to be paired with hardware options from other companies and the hardware unit can similarly run other software.

This greater compatibility underscores Geotab’s goal as a telematics company: to create solutions that meet fleets where they are, rather than locking them into inflexible products.

In this guide:

• MyGeotab Fleet Management Software Features
• Geotab GPS Tracking Hardware
• Set Up and Customer Support
• Plans and Pricing
• Geotab Alternatives
• The Verdict
• FAQ

MyGeotab Fleet Management Software Features

Functionality

The MyGeotab SaaS program runs through a browser window, so it can be used interchangeably on Android or Apple devices, and on desktop or mobile.

It’s available in four plans: Base, HOS, Pro, and ProPlus. Each tier offers slightly more options than the last. The most notable differences between the tiers are that the HOS tier is designed to meet US and Canada regulatory mandates, and the ProPlus tier is the only one to offer active tracking, the most quickly updated GPS tracking ability.

Customizability

It makes sense that Geotab emphasizes the customizable aspects of their application. Since the software is designed to be sold by resellers, each of whom may add their own unique programs. As a result, MyGeotab is built with an open API and software development kit. Its reporting function is editable, allowing for a variety of parts and inventory management options, and its dashboards are customizable.

MyGeotab is likely the most customizable FMS on the market, even beating the more modern offerings from software-only company Fleetio.

BYOD — Bring Your Own Device

MyGeotab is a device-agnostic software. This means those who already have their own vehicle tracking devices can simply connect MyGeotab, and run the software on pre-existing hardware.

In other words, any fleet operators who have purchased their own in-vehicle devices from a different vendor can now end their contract and easily swap in MyGeotab as their SaaS of choice. We weren’t kidding about this being the most customizable option out there.

ELD Compliance

Geotab can be ELD compliant, depending on which service options are chosen. Fleet managers will need Cloud ELD, which runs within the MyGeotab software, and Geotab Drive, a driver app that can run on a tablet and syncs with a Geotab Go hardware device. Got all that?

The Geotab Drive app includes automatic duty status changes, sends alerts if there’s a violation, and collects data for IFTA fuel management and Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs).

Geotab GPS Tracking Hardware

Geotab Go

The Go device is plug-and-play, meaning it can be installed within seconds through a vehicle’s standard OBDII port. Data recorded includes ignition, engine idle times, route distance and time, and vehicle speed. One feature is even unique to the FMS industry: the Go device can detect in-vehicle reverse collisions.

What’s more, the Go device is capable of recording data that additional add-on software modules can read, from satellite tracking to temperature tracking. Additional add-ons can also incorporate other hardware, such as in-cab cameras.

Geotab Go Rugged

This telematics device is the same as the Go, but is “ruggedized,” meaning it can handle harsher conditions. It can even withstand installation on the exterior of a commercial vehicle. It’s specifications meet the IP67 standard, an international standard of protection against the forces of nature.

Video: More About Geotab Drive

This quick video explains more about the main functions of Geotab’s driver app, which can help drivers compile DVIR logs, monitor vehicle condition, and more.

Set Up and Customer Support

Unlike most FMS providers, Geotab doesn’t publicly list a phone number clients can call for support. Instead, it offers contact information for each client’s Authorized Geotab Reseller, who can offer technical support and training. Customers signed into their MyGeotab account can find their reseller by navigating to “Getting Started & Help” and clicking the “Support” button.

That said, the Go hardware devices are easy to install, and the main Geotab website offers plenty of product and installation documents.

Plans and Pricing

Pricing and plans for Geotab products can vary as third-party resellers are responsible for setting the retail price. They can be rented as well as owned outright. Some resellers may include their own software add-ons that allow fleet managers extra features, and may charge an additional fee.

Go devices come with a standard one-year warranty, which becomes a lifetime warranty with the ProPlus plan.

The best way to learn how much a Geotab service plan will cost your fleet is likely to contact Geotab directly. Once you have a quote, you can compare it to the industry standard for your personal needs by filling out Tech.co’s quick fleet management quotes comparison form.

Geotab Alternatives

Geotab primarily focuses on hardware, so their software solution MyGeotab is a stripped-down version. If you're in the market for a more feature-rich fleet management solution, you'll likely want to consider a few other options. Our top picks for the best vehicle tracking solutions that include safety and fuel tracking abilities, among many more, are Verizon Connect and Samsara.

Geotab vs. Verizon Connect

Verizon Connect Reveal fleet management is widely used, offering a host of features including live maps, engine status, geofencing, reporting, servicing, and of course ELD tracking. Notably, the ELD hardware units needed are included for free with the software bundle, which might cost anywhere from $50 to $250 per month per vehicle.

Both services offer great location tracking and alert features, though Verizon Connect includes integrations with additional software services including field service management and a variety of dash cam arrays. On the whole, Verizon Connect sets itself apart with far more features and much better customer support.

Geotab vs. Samsara

Samsara is another top fleet management service, with a dashboard that gives managers both a live vehicle map and a left-hand bar tracking diagnostics including engine speed and fuel rate. Like Verizon, the system comes bundled with plug-and-play hardware units. Supported features include routing and dispatch, safety, fuel tracking, time on site, ELD compliance and a mobile app, with a broad range of integrations so that managers can work with third party services for payroll, inventory, fuel cards, and more.

We've rounded up all the top Geotab competitors in this table, for a quick comparison:

The Verdict

Geotab’s hardware and software options are dependable, but their customer service is provided by third-party resellers and might be irregular. Still, Geotab’s range is hard to beat. Their services work for light or heavy vehicles in small or large fleets, and are highly customizable.

FAQ