Managing a dump truck fleet is all about efficiency, safety, and keeping costs in check. The best telematics platform helps you track trucks in real time, monitor driver behavior, cut down on fuel waste, and stay ahead of maintenance issues. But with so many options, finding the best one can be a challenge.
Which features actually matter? Which platform gives you the best mix of tracking, reporting, and integration? And what dashcams work best with each system?
We’ve done the homework for you. In this guide, we’ll break down the must-have telematics features, rank the top 10 platforms based on what they actually deliver, and highlight which dashcams work with each.
Telematics is the technology that lets you track your fleet in real time — showing where your trucks are, how they’re running, and how your drivers are performing. It gives you a full view of your operations without needing to be in the passenger seat.
Here’s what telematics usually offers:
But that’s just the basics.
Today, fleet managers want more detailed insights and systems that work well with the tools they’re already using. The focus is on improving operations, cutting costs, and keeping things running smoothly.
Dump trucks work hard in tough environments, so having the right telematics features is key to keeping things running smoothly. Here are features every dump truck fleet needs.
This is the heart of any good telematics system. Real-time GPS tracking lets you see exactly where your trucks are at any moment, whether they’re heading to a job site or stuck in traffic. No more guessing or calling drivers for updates.
Geofencing adds another layer by setting virtual boundaries around job sites or drop-off zones. If a truck leaves or enters the area, you get an alert. It’s great for monitoring routes, improving dispatching, and even preventing unauthorized use.
The result? Faster dispatching, better route planning, less fuel waste, and more accurate billing based on how long trucks are on-site. Simple but powerful.
Dump trucks take a beating, and breakdowns can throw off your entire schedule. With engine diagnostics, you get real-time updates on each truck’s health, spotting issues before they turn into expensive repairs.
It tracks engine performance, transmission faults, and brake warnings, so you can schedule maintenance before something goes wrong. This means less downtime, fewer unexpected repairs, and longer-lasting trucks.
The way your drivers handle dump trucks directly affects fuel costs, safety, and how long your trucks last. Speeding, hard braking, and rapid acceleration not only burn more fuel but also increase the chances of accidents and wear out your vehicles faster.
Driver behavior monitoring tracks these habits in real time. It shows who’s driving safely and who’s costing you more in fuel and maintenance. You can coach drivers to adopt better habits, leading to safer roads, lower fuel consumption, and fewer repairs. Insurance companies like it when you can prove you’re prioritizing safety so you might see some savings there too.
Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for dump truck fleets, and it’s easy to lose money without even realizing it. Long idling times, poor routes, and aggressive driving all add up to wasted fuel and higher costs.
Fuel efficiency monitoring helps you spot exactly where that waste is happening. It tracks fuel usage, idling, and route efficiency so you can make changes that save money. Maybe a driver’s idling too much, or a route is longer than it needs to be. And if there’s any suspicious fuel usage, like potential theft, this system will catch it.
Cutting back on wasted fuel is good for your budget and better for the environment too.
Dump trucks go through a lot, and waiting for something to break before fixing it is a recipe for downtime and expensive repairs. Staying ahead of maintenance keeps your fleet on the road and saves money in the long run.
Telematics systems with maintenance scheduling make this simple. They track mileage, engine hours, and vehicle usage to tell you exactly when it’s time for things like oil changes, brake checks, or tire rotations.
If there’s a problem starting, like low oil pressure or a faulty sensor, you’ll get an alert before it turns into something major. This way, you’re not stuck dealing with unexpected breakdowns that throw off your entire schedule.
Managing dump truck operations without clear communication? That’s a recipe for chaos. Between last-minute changes, unexpected delays, and tight schedules, dispatching can quickly turn into a nightmare if you’re relying on calls and texts alone.
Integrated dispatch and communication tools streamline how dispatchers and drivers stay in sync — no more endless phone calls or waiting for drivers to check in. Everything happens in real time.
Got a new job? Assign it directly through the system. Need to reroute a driver because of traffic? Send the update instantly.
It’s simple, but it makes a huge difference. Drivers know exactly where they need to be and when, while dispatchers get a clear view of who’s available and how jobs are progressing.
You can’t improve what you don’t measure, and that’s where reporting and analytics shine.
Telematics platforms collect an insane amount of data, but the real magic happens when that data turns into insights. Fuel consumption, driver behavior, vehicle utilization, maintenance history — all of it gets broken down into reports you can use.
It’s not just about charts either. Maybe you notice one route is eating up more fuel than expected, or a specific truck keeps racking up maintenance issues. Now you have the info to fix those problems before they become bigger (and more expensive) headaches.
It’s also a great way to measure how well your telematics system is working. If you’re saving on fuel and cutting down on downtime, it’s proof you made the right call investing in the tech.
If your fleet falls under the ELD mandate, you know how important it is to keep accurate Hours of Service (HOS) logs. It keeps your drivers safe and avoids hefty fines.
A solid telematics system with built-in ELD compliance makes this way easier. Drivers don’t have to mess around with paper logs or clunky apps. The system tracks everything automatically, like driving time, breaks, rest periods — all logged in real-time.
And when inspectors come knocking? Everything’s there, neatly organized and ready to go. It cuts down on paperwork, reduces errors, and helps you avoid the stress of audits and potential fines.
Bottom line is if ELD compliance is on your checklist, make sure your telematics system has you covered.
Telematics systems can send real-time alerts for just about anything — speeding, hard braking, geofence breaches, engine issues, or even when it’s time for routine maintenance. The best part is you can tailor these alerts to fit your specific needs.
Maybe you want to know every time a truck idles for more than 10 minutes or get an alert if a vehicle leaves a job site unexpectedly. These alerts help you catch problems before they spiral.
No one wants to juggle five different software platforms just to manage one fleet. That’s where integration and API capabilities really shine.
A solid telematics system should play nicely with the other tools you already use, like your accounting software, maintenance management systems, or dispatch platforms. With API capabilities, you can connect these systems, so data flows smoothly between them without having to manually enter the same info twice.
Having that interconnected system means better insights. You can combine data from different platforms to get a fuller picture of how your fleet’s performing, from costs and maintenance to fuel efficiency and driver behavior. It’s smarter, faster, and way more efficient.
Ranking telematics platforms are subjective. The “best” platform for you depends on your fleet size, budget, and the features that matter most to your operation.
The following are some of the features of each telematics platform.
Samsara is a newer player in the telematics space but has quickly become a favorite for its sleek design and user-friendly platform. It offers a complete fleet management solution with advanced telematics features aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and compliance.
Features:
Verizon Connect is one of the largest telematics providers in the U.S., offering a robust platform built from the merger of Fleetmatics, Telogis, and Hughes Telematics. It delivers a comprehensive solution that goes beyond tracking, helping fleets manage safety, compliance, and overall performance.
Features:
Geotab has built a reputation for offering one of the most flexible and customizable telematics platforms on the market. Known for its strong integration capabilities and vast marketplace of third-party apps, Geotab gives fleets the tools they need to tailor their telematics system to their exact needs.
Features:
Trimble Fleet Management focuses on using smart technology to transform operations from the ground up. With a strong emphasis on data-driven insights, Trimble helps fleets optimize performance, improve safety, and manage costs more effectively.
Features:
Motive, previously known as KeepTruckin’, offers a comprehensive fleet management solution. Known for its AI-driven tools and user-friendly platform, Motive focuses on safety, efficiency, and compliance for fleets of all sizes.
Features:
Since being acquired by Solera Fleet Solutions in 2021, Omnitracs has continued to focus on intelligent, cloud-based telematics solutions, especially for heavy-duty fleets. Their platform offers deep insights into fleet performance, safety, and compliance while optimizing routes and improving driver efficiency.
Features:
Zonar has been in the telematics game since 2001, originally focusing on improving pre- and post-trip inspections with electronic verification to boost safety and cut down on breakdowns. Today, Zonar offers a comprehensive fleet management solution that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and data security.
Features:
Fleet Complete, based in Canada, delivers a robust telematics solution tailored mainly for small to mid-sized fleets. With a focus on safety, compliance, and operational efficiency, Fleet Complete combines traditional telematics with advanced video monitoring to help businesses stay on top of their operations.
Features:
IntelliShift is a fleet platform designed to give businesses complete visibility over their vehicle and heavy equipment operations. With a focus on safety, compliance, and real-time tracking, IntelliShift makes it easy to manage diverse fleets from a single platform.
Features:
Platform Science takes a unique, platform-based approach to telematics, offering flexible solutions that scale with large, heavy-duty fleets. Their telematics-as-a-service model helps businesses future-proof operations by integrating tools from the back office to the driver’s seat.
Features:
Dashcams have become a key part of telematics systems, helping improve safety, provide footage for accident reconstruction, and support driver coaching. But not all telematics platforms handle dashcam integration the same way.
Some platforms offer their own branded dashcams, while others rely on third-party options. Integration levels can also vary, from basic video capture to advanced AI-powered features like real-time driver alerts and incident detection.
Before committing, it’s always a good idea to double-check with the provider about which dashcams are supported and how well they integrate. Compatibility can change, and you’ll want to ensure the setup fits your specific fleet needs.
Note: The sequence below isn’t ranked by dashcam quality but is based on our overall assessment of each platform’s telematics performance and features for easier reference.
Dashcam Options: Samsara offers its own AI-powered dashcams designed specifically for their platform, providing a seamless and integrated experience.
Features: The dashcam uses intelligent sensors and computer vision to automatically detect unsafe driving behaviors. It includes in-cab voice coaching to alert drivers in real-time, and incident footage is automatically uploaded to the Samsara dashboard. The dashcam features a wide-angle lens with full HD 1080p video and infrared LED for low-light driving.
Focus: Safety and real-time driver coaching with automatic incident uploads and advanced analytics.
Dashcam Options: Verizon offers its own line of AI-powered dashcams and supports select third-party cameras.
Features: The system includes multiple camera options: road-facing, driver-facing, dual-facing, side, rear, and cargo cameras. The AI-powered dashcams detect risky driving behaviors and provide real-time in-cab alerts. Video footage is stored in the cloud and accessible through the Verizon platform. Features like night vision, weatherproofing, and high-definition video (720p or higher) ensure clear footage in various conditions.
Focus: Comprehensive video coverage with strong platform integration for enhanced safety and reporting.
Dashcam Options: Geotab integrates with a wide range of third-party dashcams through its Geotab Marketplace, including Lytx, SmartWitness, Surfsight, and Garmin.
Features: Geotab’s open platform allows fleets to choose from various dashcam vendors and integrate their data into the MyGeotab platform. This flexibility lets users customize their dashcam setup while still benefiting from unified reporting and analytics.
Focus: Flexibility and broad ecosystem integration, offering fleets a range of dashcam choices to suit their needs.
Dashcam Options: Trimble offers its own integrated dashcam solution, Trimble Video Intelligence, and also supports third-party dashcams.
Features: Trimble’s Video Intelligence provides event-triggered recording, driver scoring based on video events, live view, and accident reconstruction. The system includes forward-facing and driver-facing cameras, with a multi-channel DVR setup that delivers a real-time 360˚ view around the truck using a minimum of four cameras. This setup helps eliminate blind spots and enhances safety by offering comprehensive video coverage.
Focus: Video safety and risk management, with an emphasis on providing full visibility and coaching opportunities as part of their fleet management solution.
Dashcam Options: Motive offers the AI-powered Motive Smart Dashcam, with optional add-ons like the AI Omnicam for complete 360° visibility.
Features: The Motive Smart Dashcam uses advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to detect unsafe driving behaviors and send real-time alerts to drivers. It integrates seamlessly with Motive’s ELD and fleet management platform for a streamlined experience. Pairing the Smart Dashcam with the AI Omnicam allows for comprehensive side, rear, passenger, and cargo monitoring, offering a full picture of fleet operations.
Focus: Streamlined integration with ELD compliance, focusing on safety, simplicity, and comprehensive driver monitoring.
Dashcam Options: Solera Omnitracs offers CamCoach™, a dual-camera AI-powered dashcam, and incorporates SmartDrive’s advanced video safety technology as part of its fleet solutions.
Features: CamCoach™ uses AI to detect unsafe driving behaviors and provides in-cab alerts to drivers in real-time. The system captures both the road and in-cab footage, giving full context for incidents and enabling better coaching opportunities. SmartDrive technology complements this by offering video event reviews, in-depth trip data, and human-reviewed footage to ensure accuracy. The system also captures risky driver behaviors like texting, drowsiness, and speeding, using computer vision to score and prioritize coaching needs.
Focus: Comprehensive video-based safety and risk management with an emphasis on AI-driven driver coaching and full 360-degree visibility.
Dashcam Options: Zonar offers its own dashcam solution, Zonar Coach, and integrates with select partner dashcams for added flexibility.
Features: Zonar Coach includes event-triggered recording and driver coaching tools, focusing on safety and driver improvement. It installs directly into the vehicle’s Zonar DashCam device and offers a range of camera options, including dual-facing, forward-facing, and external cameras. This setup provides comprehensive coverage of both the road and the driver, helping fleet managers monitor performance and address risky driving behaviors.
Focus: Safety and compliance, with an emphasis on driver coaching and integrated video solutions within the Zonar telematics platform.
Dashcam Options: Fleet Complete offers FC Vision, an AI-powered fleet dashcam solution designed to improve safety and visibility across fleets.
Features: FC Vision uses real-time vehicle data, computer vision, and machine learning to detect unsafe driving behaviors and capture high-definition video evidence during incidents. It helps fleets monitor both driver behavior and external risks, providing critical footage for accident reconstruction and insurance claims. The dashcam only records when the engine is on to conserve battery life and includes a Standby Recording mode that captures up to ten minutes of footage after the ignition is turned off.
Focus: Enhancing fleet and driver safety with AI-driven dashcam technology, focusing on energy efficiency and capturing essential video evidence.
Dashcam Options: IntelliShift offers an in-house dashcam solution with both road-facing and optional driver-facing cameras for complete visibility inside and outside the vehicle.
Features: The IntelliShift dashcam provides continuous recording with the ability to pull footage even when no events are triggered. The road-facing camera comes with a 150° wide-angle 1080p lens, 4G LTE connectivity, and a 64GB SD card (expandable to 128GB) for up to 50 hours of recording. It also supports in-cab audio recording and parking mode to capture events after the ignition is off. The auxiliary driver-facing camera records at 720p with infrared for clear day/night footage.
Focus: A comprehensive dashcam solution focused on safety, continuous recording, and driver behavior monitoring with real-time insights and flexible video access.
Dashcam Options: Platform Science integrates with Motive’s AI-powered dashcams, offering fleets access to advanced video telematics through the Platform Science Marketplace.
Features: Motive’s dashcams provide HD video recording with real-time uploads to the cloud within seconds of an event. The system stores up to 104 hours of footage, allowing managers to review incidents through tools like Video Recall and Live Stream. The dashcams also feature automated driver coaching, with insights provided post-trip by Motive’s safety team to help drivers improve performance.
Focus: Leveraging Motive’s AI dashcam technology to enhance safety and driver coaching, with seamless integration into Platform Science’s telematics ecosystem.
Now that we’ve covered the unique dashcam features of each telematics platform, it’s clear that dashcam integration is just one part of what makes a great telematics system. While having a telematics provider with its own fully integrated dashcam is a plus, third-party options can also be a great fit depending on your needs.
To explore more, check out our guide on the top dashcams for fleets.
Here’s a table ranking 10 popular telematics platforms across the features we discussed. A higher number (1 being lowest, 5 being highest) indicates a stronger offering for that feature based on publicly available information.
Disclaimer: Rankings are based on general industry reputation, feature sets described by vendors, and common user reviews. Actual performance and specific feature availability may vary. Always conduct thorough research, demos, and trials before making a final decision.
| Platform | GPS Tracking & Geofencing | Dashcam | Fuel Efficiency | Maintenance Scheduling | Dispatch & Comm | ELD Compliance | Reporting & Analytics | Overall Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsara | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
| Verizon Connect | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4.5 |
| Geotab | 5 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4.3 |
| Trimble Fleet Management | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4.2 |
| Motive (KeepTruckin) | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4.0 |
| Solera Omnitracs | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3.9 |
| IntelliShift | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3.8 |
| Zonar | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 |
| Fleet Complete | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3.3 |
| Platform Science | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3.3 |
Remember: This is a generalized ranking. For your specific needs, some platforms may be a much better fit even if their overall score is slightly lower.
Key observations from the ranking:
Finding the perfect telematics platform and dashcam setup isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. It all comes down to what matters most to your fleet, whether that’s safety, efficiency, compliance, or something else entirely.
Investing in the right telematics platform and dashcam setup is a big move, but when done right, it can transform your fleet operations. Take your time, do the research, and choose the solution that makes the most sense for your dump truck fleet.
If you run a bulk hauling operation with 10 or more trucks, and need help deciding which GPS, dashcam, and business software would be best for your business, sign up for a free consultation.
