5 Best Truck Tracking Devices

Last Updated: Apr 29, 2024

Truck tracking using GPS is an affordable method for monitoring any truck. When you buy a new truck, it’s highly unlikely that it will have a pre-installed GPS tracker.

So, if you want your truck to be equipped with GPS, then purchasing a truck tracking system (aftermarket) is your best option.

From big commercial trucks that have multiple axles to small utility box trucks, tow trucks, and even dump trucks, a GPS tracking device is a good idea.

Now, you could just buy a random truck tracking system, however, if you’re looking for some expert advice on how to choose the best device for your particular needs then you’re in the right place.

No matter what your truck tracking needs may be or even your budget, we’ve done in-depth research aimed at including the top-rated options that are suitable for diversified needs and fit various budget ranges.

The best GPS trackers are suitable for any of the following truck types:

Tracking for Different Trucks:

Box Trucks

Box trucks are a good option for when you need to haul large items that you can’t quite fit into any other vehicle. Whether you’re going to use one for towing ATVs, deliveries, transporting farm equipment, or motorcycles, a box truck can easily handle the load you need to transport for business, personal, or recreational needs.

But, whatever you’re hauling, having a GPS tracking device on your truck is a good idea to prevent stolen trucks. 

Dump Trucks

Dump trucks benefit from GPS trackers because they can prevent theft, but you can also predict when the dump truck will arrive and how long it was at the customer’s location.

This gives you accountability and helps keep customers happy.

Commercial or Company Trucks

Commercial trucks are somewhat similar to fleet trucks in a number of ways but are actually considered to be more closely related to company trucks or vehicles. In fact, some people call the terminology “company truck” a general term for basically any truck used for mobile living.

These trucks are critical in running businesses and knowing where they are and when to expect them is no longer a luxury, but a requirement. So, whether it’s on your truck or towed behind it, you want to be able to track yours if it’s stolen and that requires a good quality tracking device.

Pickup Trucks

A pickup truck is a flatbed truck (similar to a utility truck) with a roof and walls that are capable of completely containing the contents inside. They’re widely used for all kinds of purposes that range from bike trucks to car haulers, equipment trucks, motorcycle trucks, utility trucks, and much more.

Larger enclosed trucks generally have a gate or a door at the rear plus a door located on one of the sides to provide easier access to the items inside. Not only do you not want to lose your enclosed truck but also the contents in the event of truck theft.

That’s when a reliable GPS truck tracking device is a must. 

Semi Trucks

Semi-truck tracking is essential for your company’s dry van or refrigerated fleet. It’s true that, when they’re out on the road, it can be difficult to track their mileage or anything else for that matter.

However, when you install a truck tracking GPS device, it will allow you to immediately start monitoring everything from driver activity to the distance, speed, and even the exact mileage that your trucks travel.

Some trackers also provide reefer temperature monitoring in addition to GPS tracking. This will provide the necessary information for finding the best ways to conserve fuel, cut costs, reduce labor, and reduce load spoilage.

Check out the best subscription-free WiFi-enabled temperature monitoring solution for reefer trailers!

Tow Trucks

Tow trucks have a need for real-time GPS tracking. You want to know exactly where your tow truck is at a moment’s notice.

Predictability for your Customers

These trucks and other containers protect your cargo, but what protects your container? GPS truck tracking devices are a must for monitoring location and usage as well as for keeping deliveries on schedule. Whether your trucks are out on the road, you need total visibility for tracking them.

Having a GPS tracker on your truck helps provide arrival times for your customers.

When did it leave?
How long was it there?
Did it ever show up?

If you’re buying and installing GPS tracking devices on your company’s trucks or vehicles, you’ll realize a wide range of benefits, including the opportunity for:  

• Growing your business.
• Improving driver retention.
• Keeping your trucks on the road longer.
• Managing your capital.
• Maximizing your truck utilization.
• Protecting your valuable cargo.
• Seeing a reduction in your CSA score. 

Best Locations on a Truck to install a GPS Tracker

So, your next question would probably be about where you should install a truck tracking device. The best mounting locations depend, of course, on the type of truck.

The best mounting location for the majority of trucks will be inside the truck’s frame rail and close to the battery or power source. Why? Well, because it’s out of sight but still has fairly easy access to the power it needs and a view of the sky.

If your GPS tracking device is not magnetic, then you could use a strong Velcro adhesive that sticks to the truck’s inside walls. One side will stick to the device and the other will be stuck to wherever you choose to place it. Depending upon the type of truck that you have, you may have many good areas for hiding it.

Most truck tracking systems are waterproof and can even survive bad weather. However, be sure to check the packaging and instructions for yours to make sure it can withstand a wet environment. If not, you’ll need to give it a little help in this area.

Fortunately, there are some very good methods for turning your tracking device into a waterproof device while still taking advantage of the special features.

Some handy accessories for turning your tracking device into a waterproof GPS tracker include (but are not limited to) waterproof boxes and waterproof magnetic cases. 

Or simply mount it in a dry area.

Also, keep in mind since GPS trackers have lithium batteries, they must not be exposed to temperatures above 140°F

-Install in a Roof AC or vent enclosure with air-conditioned trucks

-Install in the tongue crank housing near the hitch (see above pictures)

-Install in a registration box of dry trucks, wire into the 7-way receptacle. You can also paint the box white to help disguise it.

-Install in the cowling near the top of the refrigeration unit for reefer trucks, connect power to the battery.

Hardwire to 12 Volts

If your truck has a battery (some have a second battery), then it is best to connect the tracker to the battery or the Aux or 12v power of the truck.

This way even if the tracker loses power, when it is hooked up again it will get the power and start tracking.

* Remember to test the GPS tracker in a few locations on your truck to see which performs best before settling on a permanent install.

The following are the best truck tracking devices tested:

LandAirSea-54 GPS Tracker  (Made in the USA)

This is one of the most popular brands when it comes to these necessary tracking tools, and you can see why.
It can also be hardwired.

Check Price

This tracker offers a magnet-mount that’s 100 percent waterproof as well as complete global coverage. It’s a real-time tracking device ( 4G LTE) that also offers geofencing, location reporting, and historical playback.

The box includes your tracker, charging accessories, and an on/off pin. The cheapest subscription plan (as of 12/31/21) is $19.95 per month (for 3 minute updates) unless you choose prepayment on either a 6 or a 12- month plan. There are considerable savings offered with both plans.

Pros

• Compatible with Android, iPhone, and MAC devices as well as PCs;
• Is one of the top GPS tracking devices on the market when it comes to versatility;
• Made of weatherproof materials, ultra-durable for standing up to tough weather conditions;
• Has LED lights that you can disable (via the app) so your device won’t give away the location;
• Includes a built-in high-powered magnet that makes it simple to install the device on your truck;
• Includes a SIM card and there are no other accessories needed;

Cons

• Subscription is required;

Yes, this GPS tracker is not only an easy-to-use tracking device but also provides the capability of customizing all of your settings so you’re receiving all of the important updates (like tracker movement notifications and proximity alerts via emails,  text messages, or even push notifications.

With all of those amazing features, you’ll rest easy knowing that, if something happens to your truck, you’ll have a much better chance of recovering it and its contents.

Features: 

• Reliable tracking of assets, people, or vehicles with this personal GPS.  
• Offers an ultra-compact design with a built-in magnet that’s super-strong.
• 100% waterproof.
• Attaches easily to the truck frame.
• Tracking and mapping in real-time with Google Maps on the SilverCloud App or web-based software.
• Provides both email and text alerts.

Technical Details:

Trak-4 GPS Tracker for All Trucks, and Vehicles (complete w/ 12v wiring harness)

This truck tracking device is weatherproof and offers not only good battery duration and a battery life of 18-months but also supports text messaging. It’s about the size of your open hand. 

Check Price

Its internal battery is high-capacity, which means that it continues operating even after disconnection from the 12-volt power system (or if your 12-volt power system happens to go dead).

In addition, the Trak-4 12V is capable of reporting for more than 12 months without charging it again. 

Pros

• You can use this device with your computer, tablet, or phone;
• You get unlimited cell data;
• No contract is required;
• No activation or cancellation fees;
• SIM card built-in;
• Only costs $6.99 a month (prepaid annually) or $12.99 per month (paid monthly);

Cons

• Subscription required;
• Only works in the U.S.

For charging, all you have to do is connect the device to 12-volts on your truck for continual trickle charging. And, it’s quite easy to use, too.  Anybody can sign in and start to use this device in just minutes.

Basically, it’s “just attach and go”. You can start getting texts or email alerts whenever your device and your truck leave or enter a selected area. You can also receive alerts when your battery gets low. The device itself is weatherproof and made for both indoor/outdoor use with its sturdy commercial housing, while still remaining conveniently small.

Features: 

• You can choose between Elite or Battery-Saver reporting frequencies.
• Your Trak-4 checks in once a day even when your truck isn’t moving.
• You can track multiple units using the same map with Expert Mapping.
• Map history includes animated trails for indicating your device’s direction of travel over time.
• Sharing your device location with business associates, family, and friends in real-time is easy with  Unlimited Sharing.
• Trak-4’s cell-trilateration gives you an approximate location (if there’s no GPS signal available like inside your garages).

Technical Details:

Spytec GPS Tracker (GL300) with App and Real-Time Tracking 

This GPS truck tracking device is one of the fastest and easiest to use. This is one of the most popular brands when it comes to these necessary and valuable tools, and you can see why. 

Check Price

It utilizes 4G satellite technology for receiving location alerts via its Android and iOS apps. With its easy-to-use software, you can watch your truck tracker as it’s moving on a map, and customizing the boundaries and alerts is simple as well and the same goes for seeing speed, past data, speed, distance, and more.

Pros

• Very easy to set up and track;
• Extremely reliable;
• Rechargeable battery lasts up to two weeks;
• The automatic low-battery alert helps you with planning ahead and tracking longer;

Cons

• Customer support is only available via online chat;
• Requires monthly subscription;

How about reliable service, you ask? This Spytec GPS Tracker also offers a 99.99 percent uptime as well as a .256 millisecond processing time. Simply put, the cloud-based technology used by this tracker is capable of giving you all of the data that you want, and exactly when you want it.

Size and versatility are also very important factors when choosing a GPS tracker and this one is one inch thick and offers a two-week battery life. All you have to do is set/activate and then use your GPS tracker to keep your truck secure. And, the affordable subscription is another plus.

Spytec’s subscription prices start at $19.95 per month if paid annually or $24.95 per month if paid monthly. With your subscription, you get free 24/7 support plus a lifetime warranty on your GPS truck tracking device.

Features:

• Get flexible measurements (either imperial or metric units).
• Use follow mode for watching your tracker moving across the map in real-time.
• Track your team, users,  and/or tiered permissions.
• Use group monitoring on the same account.
• Get help from the Help Center and Webinars to get up and track with no unanswered questions.
• Create custom boundaries.
• Get detailed tracking information.
• Receive customized alerts.
• Get changeable maps.
• View your tracking activity in light mode, dark mode, or satellite view.

Technical Details:

Spark Nano 7 GPS Tracker by Brickhouse Security  

With this GPS truck tracking device from Brickhouse, you get fast 4G Coverage for traveling across the state and even the country lines without ever having to miss any important data.

Check Price

That’s because the amazing Spark Nano 7 is operating on the 4G networks across Canada, Mexico, and the US, which are lightning-fast with future-proof coverage.

Pros

• On standby, the battery lasts up to 15 days;
• While active, the battery lasts 8 days;
• You can track it on your cell phone with any provider;
• The magnet is quite strong;
• The tracker is both small and sleek;

Cons

• Only programmed for use in Canada, Mexico, and the US;
• Subscription required;

The Brickhouse Security subscriptions are affordable. They include three different plans for you to choose from. They are the annual plan, the quarterly plan, and the monthly plan.

The most cost-efficient is, of course, the annual subscription plan at $17.99 per month ($215.88 per year). Next is the quarterly plan at $22.99 per month ($275.88 per year/$68.97 every three months). The highest price is for the monthly plan at $29.99 ($359.88 per year). However, there are no contracts required for any of the subscription plans and the company offers you the option of hassle-free cancellation at any time.

Features:

• Smallest GPS Tracker with coverage (4G) all over North America.
• Waterproof magnetic case.
• View your GPS truck tracker’s location in real-time.
• No long-term contract is required.

Technical Details:

Tracki – 4G GPS Hidden Tracker/Locator

With this GPS tracker, you can get the whereabouts of your truck in real-time via Android, iPhone, or on the Web app.

This one also has a larger battery option in addition to a 12v hardwire power cable.

Check Price

It features advanced 4G LTE Technology. These days, with 2G and 3G coverage gradually coming to an end, it’s now time to start upgrading to 4G LTE because it can provide better network coverage for ensuring a stable high-speed connection for tracking devices. 

They have a 12v power adapter cord that works well to hardwire this tracker.

Pros

• This 4G hidden magnetic GPS tracker has a strong magnet and high-gain GPS module;
• Activation only requires a simple email to the company’s support line;
• Comes with a Sim card already installed;
• Doesn’t require a clear view of the sky;
• Three working modes, including normal, intelligent, and power-saving;
• Various Smart Alerts range from a vibration alert to a geofence alert, low-battery alert, and more;

Cons

• Can be difficult to update the time;
• Some units would only display kilometers per hour and meters;

This hidden GPS tracker is capable of keeping a 180-day tracking history. It also features historical track playback and multi-smart alerts. In addition, it’s built to last from the heavy-duty materials used in manufacturing to the IP65 water-resistant housing. And, this tracking device also features an extended battery (10000mah) that can last as many as 20 days or more (on a full charge). 

With 30-second updates and three working modes for supporting efficient power saving, you have the option with this tracking device for modifying your settings according to your particular needs. This GPS tracker uses Google Maps for mapping and tracking. If you’re involved in fleet management, this device is convenient for keeping you advised of your trucks’ current locations in real-time. 

One of the more unusual (and always welcome) features of this tracker is the fact that it comes with one free year of subscription service included. And, renewal for the second year is only $69.00.  So, your company can easily afford a tracker for each and every truck and track their whereabouts via Android, iPhone, or Web app.

Features:

• SIM card included.
• Supports a 3G/4G network.
• Is an innovative GPS+LBS type of tracker/locator that’s well-designed for keeping assets safe.
• Delivers high-quality and very powerful software functions.
• IP65 waterproof.
• Provides a history playback, tamper alarm, geofence, and more.

Technical Details

Truck Tracking Software & App

Each of these trackers comes with an app that allows you to track the location of your trucks. Most also include a desktop app that makes it easier to monitor from the commercial dispatch centers and terminals.

They may have an API that can tie the truck tracking data into your backend systems.

Cheaper Way to GPS Track your truck

Did you know a cell phone makes the best GPS tracker?

It can be hardwired into your truck just like a standard GPS tracker and can be hidden in places other trackers can’t because of the GPS receiver sensitivity and cellular coverage.

You can even install the phone tracker inside a metal tool box or battery box and still track location.

This is because smartphones use cell trilateration to get their location if GPS is unavailable.

Above is a screenshot of the Trakkit GPS phone tracking kit pictured below hidden in a Utility dry van.

And the most important part is the monthly cost.

Just about all GPS trackers and the ones mentioned above have about $20 / month costs, but there are cell phone plans that are under $10 per month and are perfect for use as a GPS tracker because the data used is so small.

If you already have a spare phone and have a data plan, this could be the closest thing to a free GPS tracker for your truck.

Once you get the data plan and phone, all that is needed is to install the Trakkit app on the phone.
Search the app store for trakkit.

Final Thoughts

It’s quite clear that GPS truck tracking devices are a good option for adding safety and security to your already busy life. They can definitely help you with keeping track of your truck (or even a fleet of trucks) as well as any contents involved if theft occurs.

Your tracker accomplishes this by keeping you informed of its whereabouts. No matter worrying constantly about your truck when you’re up-to-date at all times.

Yes, many require a subscription but it’s minimal when you compare it to the cost you could incur if thieves target your truck.

Hopefully, the above info about our choice of the five best GPS truck tracking devices will be of some help to you in choosing the best device for your needs.