How do I track my truck?

Real-time location tracking is possible today with GPS telematics. You can track your truck using built-in, aftermarket, or carrier-based solutions, and view live location and ETA on a dashboard or mobile app. This guide explains the options, setup steps, and best practices for reliable tracking across personal, fleet, and shipment contexts.

Whether you’re monitoring a single owner-operator truck, a small fleet, or a shipment in transit, this article breaks down the approaches, installation considerations, and operational tips you’ll need to keep tabs on a truck’s movements while balancing privacy, cost, and data access.

Tracking options for trucks

The following options cover the most common ways people track trucks, from built-in systems to third-party solutions. Each option has its own data access methods, costs, and installation requirements.

• OEM telematics and factory-installed fleet solutions: Many trucks come with built-in telematics that provide live location, speed, engine diagnostics, and route history, accessible through the manufacturer’s portal or mobile app.


• Aftermarket GPS trackers: Plug-in OBD-II devices or hardwired units that attach to the vehicle’s power and display real-time location, speed, geofences, and trip data in a companion app.


• Fleet-management platforms: Integrated systems that aggregate data from multiple trackers, offering live maps, dispatch tools, driver performance metrics, maintenance alerts, and custom reporting.


• Carrier or shipment-tracking apps: For loads and deliveries, tracking is often provided via the carrier’s website or app using a tracking/shipment number, showing current location and ETA.


• Smartphone-based location sharing (for small operations): In certain cases, drivers may share their location via a mobile app to coordinate pickups or provide visibility, though this is less robust for long-haul operations.

Each option serves different use cases—from monitoring a single vehicle to coordinating an entire fleet or tracking individual shipments. Consider what data you actually need (live location, route history, vehicle health, ETA) and who needs access when choosing.

Getting started: setup and implementation

To set up tracking, you’ll want a clear plan that matches your goals, budget, and operations. The following steps outline a practical path from decision to deployment.

1. Define tracking goals: decide whether you need real-time location, ETA, route history, maintenance alerts, or driver behavior data.


2. Choose a solution type: select OEM telematics, aftermarket GPS trackers, a fleet-management platform, or a carrier’s tracking service based on your goals and fleet size.


3. Assess installation needs: determine whether you’ll self-install (OBD-II plug-ins are common) or require professional installation for hardwired devices or OEM integrations.


4. Install or activate the device/service: physically install trackers, power connections, and drivers’ accounts in the chosen app or portal; ensure devices are paired correctly.


5. Configure dashboards and alerts: set up live maps, geofences, speed or idle alerts, maintenance reminders, and who can access the data.


6. Test and train: run a test trip to verify data accuracy and provide training for drivers and dispatchers on data usage and privacy policies.

Successful setup hinges on aligning the technology with practical needs: do you require instant visibility for dispatch, or is periodic location history enough for compliance and maintenance?

Choosing the right solution: key considerations

Fleet size and operations

Small operations may start with plug-and-play aftermarket trackers or OEM solutions, while larger fleets typically benefit from scalable fleet-management platforms that can handle hundreds of vehicles and offer advanced analytics.

Data access, privacy, and compliance

Decide who has access to location data and implement clear privacy policies, especially when drivers are involved. Some regions have laws governing employee monitoring; consult legal counsel if needed to ensure compliant data collection and retention practices.

Cost vs. return on investment

Costs include device hardware, installation, and ongoing subscription plans. Weigh these against potential savings from improved dispatch efficiency, reduced fuel use, preventive maintenance, and improved customer ETA accuracy.

Summary

Tracking your truck comes down to choosing the right mix of telemetry, hardware, and software for your needs. Whether you opt for OEM telematics, an aftermarket GPS solution, or a carrier tracking service, the key is to define goals, ensure reliable installation, and set up clear access and alerting practices. With proper setup, you can gain real-time visibility, optimize routes, improve maintenance scheduling, and deliver better service to customers.

Can I track my car's location in real time?

Real-time car monitoring requires a GPS device that can calculate and communicate its location frequently. LandAirSea trackers can transmit their locations every three seconds to three minutes depending on the subscription plan selected.

How can I track my vehicle location?

You can track a car's location using its built-in features, dedicated GPS trackers, or phone apps. Options range from simple parking-saving features in apps like Google Maps to more advanced systems that provide real-time tracking and driving data. For a simple, built-in solution, use the "Save parking" feature in apps like Google or Apple Maps. For more robust tracking, consider an OBD-II GPS tracker that plugs into your car's diagnostic port, or a dedicated, battery-powered GPS tracker that can be placed discreetly in the vehicle.
 
This video explains how to save your car's location in Google Maps and navigate back to it: 55sCyclone CydYouTube · Feb 8, 2023
Using your smartphone

• Pre-installed map apps: Both Google Maps and Apple Maps can save your parking location manually. 
  • Google Maps: Tap the blue dot for your current location, then tap "Save parking" to pin it on the map. You can then get directions back to it later. 
  • Apple Maps: When parked, you can find the location of your parked car and save it to the map. 
• Dedicated car-tracking apps: Many apps are designed for this purpose. Some common ones include Life360, Glympse, and various others available on the Apple and Google Play stores. Some may require you to manually save the location, while others have automatic features that can be activated by pairing your phone with the car's Bluetooth. 

Using a dedicated GPS tracker

• OBD-II trackers: These devices plug directly into your car's onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) port, which is often located under the dashboard. 
  • They provide real-time location tracking and can also collect data on your driving habits, speed, and fuel consumption. 
  • Many connect to a smartphone app for easy access to information. 
• Battery-powered GPS trackers: These are standalone devices that don't connect to your car's power system. 
  • They are easy to install and can be hidden in the vehicle. 
  • You can activate them, and they will send location data through a compatible app. Some can be wired for continuous charging if you want to avoid replacing the battery. 
  • Factors to consider when choosing one include battery life, ease of use, and features like geofencing, which sends alerts if the vehicle moves outside a set area. 

You can watch this video to learn how to set up a GPS tracker for your car: 1mRichie's Gaming, Gadgets & GizmosYouTube · Mar 23, 2024
Other methods

• Bluetooth trackers: Devices like Tile can be attached to your car keys. This works well for finding your keys if you frequently misplace them, but it's not a reliable method for tracking the car itself if you are not with the keys. 
• Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR): This is not a method for individual users to track their own car, but rather a system used by law enforcement and commercial services to track vehicles by their license plates. 

Can I locate my car using Google Maps?

To help you find where you left your car, Maps automatically saves your parking location. It stays saved for 48 hours unless you remove it or start driving.

Is there a way to track a truck?

Truck GPS tracking devices are small, easily installed devices that connect to a vehicle's OBDII or another diagnostics port. These devices connect to cellular or satellite data networks and transmit important information to the home office for analysis and decision making.