Best GPS tracker for trailer options

Although some fleet managers may overlook their importance, trailers play a critical role in daily trucking operations. They also go missing more often than you would think. 

With GPS trailer tracking, fleet managers can remotely monitor these assets to ensure they’re where they ought to be at all times. These trailer trackers provide valuable location data at every shipping process step. 

Discover the best GPS tracker for trailer options on the market today, and learn more about how they can help your company. 

Quicklook: Best GPS trackers for trailers

• Best for reefer tracking: Samsara
• Best for durability: Trimble
• Best for TMS integration: Verizon Connect
• Best for asset protection and efficiency: Azuga
• Best for user-friendliness: MaTrack – Find a GPS
• Best for customized solutions: GPS Insight – Find a GPS

What is a GPS tracker for trailers?

Freight tracking is essential in today’s transportation and logistics industry. Fleet managers can keep track of their assets by using GPS tracking devices attached to trailers. These small devices make it easy to know precisely where each trailer is and if it is connected to a truck. 

Here are the main uses of a trailer tracker:

• Fleet management: Companies with multiple trailers use GPS trackers to optimize routes, monitor usage, and prevent unauthorized use.
• Theft recovery: GPS tracking provides a precise location to assist in recovering stolen trailers.
• Asset monitoring: Knowing the real-time location of trailers helps businesses manage logistics, track valuable cargo, and improve overall operational efficiency.

By offering a reliable, real-time overview of a trailer’s location and movement, GPS trackers enhance security, improve logistics, and help owners protect and manage their assets effectively.

How does a GPS tracker for trailers work?

A GPS tracker on a trailer works by using satellite signals to determine the trailer’s location and then transmitting this data to a remote server or device, where it can be accessed by the user in real-time. Here’s a breakdown of how it operates:

1. Satellite communication

• The GPS tracker installed on the trailer communicates with a network of satellites orbiting the Earth.
• By receiving signals from at least four satellites, the tracker determines its exact geographic location (latitude, longitude) through a process called trilateration.

2. Data transmission

• After calculating its location, the tracker sends this data through cellular networks (typically 3G, 4G, or LTE) or, in some models, satellite connections.
• The tracker must have a power source, which can be a built-in rechargeable battery, a hardwired connection to the trailer’s electrical system, or solar power in some cases.

3. Real-time tracking and data access

• The transmitted location data is processed by a remote server, which makes the information accessible to the user via a web interface, app, or SMS.
• Many GPS tracking systems allow users to see the trailer’s exact location on a map, monitor movement, and access location history.
• Advanced trackers may include additional sensors to monitor speed, environmental conditions (such as temperature or humidity), or even the trailer’s status (for instance, if the doors are open or closed).

4. Alerts and notifications

• These notifications are typically sent by SMS, email, or app notifications, allowing for quick response if unauthorized movement or tampering is detected.
• Users can set up alerts for various scenarios, like if the trailer leaves a predefined area (geofencing), if it’s in motion outside of approved hours, or if the battery is low.

6 best GPS tracker for trailer choices

With these six GPS trackers for trailers, you will know the exact location of these important trucking assets. 

Samsara

Tracking with Samsara empowers fleet managers to view trailers’ locations while helping them assign drivers, manage routes and monitor cargo. Samsara has tracking solutions for any trailer type, from the most basic dry vans to specialty equipment. Its advanced cargo monitoring sends instant alerts when doors are opened or a load is outside the necessary temperature range. 

Best for: Reefer tracking

Special features: 

• Trailer assignment 
• Maintenance alerts 
• Real-time customer ETAs
• Temperature monitoring

Benefits: 

• Increase trailer utilization 
• Reduce detention costs
• Protect temperature-sensitive loads
• Integrate trailer data into a transportation management system (TMS)

Disadvantages:

• Some reports of software bugs 
• Limited third-party integration 

Pricing: Customized with a free quote

Trimble

Trimble shines in the realm of durability and weather resistance. Their trackers are designed to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring reliable performance no matter the environment. 

Built to withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, and shock, Trimble’s devices are well-suited for demanding industrial and construction settings. Furthermore, their long-lasting battery life ensures uninterrupted tracking, even in remote areas with limited access to power sources.

Best for: Durability

Features:

• Fuel price tracking
• System alerts
• Geofencing

Benefits:

• Maintenance management tools
• Engine diagnostics and alerts
• User-friendly
• Customizable reports

Disadvantages: Occasional issues with customer care 

Pricing: Based on features, contract length, and fleet size

Verizon Connect

As part of Verizon Connect’s fleet solutions, Verizon trailer tracking devices can help protect your cargo and your bottom line. These heavy-duty trailer trackers are ideal for flatbeds, dry vans, tanks and shipping containers. This trailer tracking solution integrates seamlessly into the Verizon Connect modular telematics system for a customized TMS to suit any fleet. 

Best for: TMS integration

Special features: 

• Rugged and weather-proof trackers
• Runs on the Verizon network
• Trailer utilization optimization 
• Hardwired and battery-powered options

Benefits: 

• Improve on-time delivery 
• Geofence alerts  
• Reduce trailer theft
• Can track various types of trailers

Disadvantages: 

• Difficult to cancel membership
• Outsourced installation 

Pricing: Customized with a free quote

Azuga

Azuga’s GPS tracking system offers reliable, real-time trailer tracking, enhancing both security and efficiency for businesses. Its features include geofencing alerts and comprehensive in-transit reports. The long-life battery of Azuga’s tracking devices ensures dependable service.

By enabling better dispatch management and theft prevention, Azuga’s system helps businesses optimize their trailer usage, contributing to higher productivity and revenue. Whether for theft prevention, asset optimization, or enhancing productivity, Azuga’s GPS tracking system offers a comprehensive solution for businesses managing a fleet of trailers.

Best for: Asset protection and efficiency

Special features: 

• Geofencing
• In-transit alerts
• Asset utilization reports
• Mobile app support

Benefits: 

• Improved efficiency
• Enhanced security
• Long battery life

Disadvantages: 

• While Azuga provides a wealth of data that can be highly useful, some users might find the amount of information overwhelming and require time to understand how to make best use of it.
• GPS tracking performance might be affected in areas with poor network coverage, potentially causing inaccuracies or gaps in tracking data.

Pricing: Customized with a free quote

MaTrack

Specializing in mobile asset tracking, MaTrack provides user-friendly and economical trailer tracking solutions. Its trailer trackers are highly durable, with in-house hardware innovation that provides a device lifetime of up to five years, even in extreme weather. On the software side, MaTrack has an easy-to-use interface that works with any Android or Apple device. 

Best for: User-friendliness

Special features:  

• Integrates with MaTrack fleet management systems 
• Trailer maintenance monitoring 
• Aggressive mode for stolen trailers
• Teammate subgrouping

Benefits: 

• Perform yard check quickly
• Estimate detention times
• Instant geofence alerts 
• User-friendly interface

Disadvantages: 

• Hard to read for some users
• Limited international options

Pricing: Customized with a free quote

GPS Insight

At GPS Insight, the team understands that trailer tracking is about more than location monitoring. Its GPS trackers for trailers help solve real business challenges to optimize fleet operations. GPS Insight trackers help you manage your trailers to reduce risk and increase revenue through highly automated and tailored solutions. 

Best for: Customized solutions

Special features: 

• 24/7 service 
• Customizable features and interface 
• Unlimited access to historical data 
• Maintenance scheduling for powered trailers

Benefits: 

• Easy installation 
• Location, drop and pickup verification  
• Locate lost or stolen trailers 
• Geofencing alerts

Disadvantages: 

• Location accuracy occasionally affected by weather 
• Limited hardware options

Pricing: Customized with a free quote

4 top benefits of a GPS tracker for trailer

Tracking your fleet’s trailers can improve trucking operations in several ways. By knowing the exact locations of your trailers, you can reduce cargo theft, monitor performance and eliminate yard hunts. 

Know exact locations

While in-truck GPS offers vehicle location information, trailer trackers specifically provide trailer locations, regardless of whether they’re attached to trucks. And if you contract with other trucking companies or owner-operators, you can still track your cargo without accessing their telematics. 

With exact trailer locations, you can tell when they’re being loaded, unloaded or are in transit to generate accurate ETAs. Fleet managers can also respond more quickly to potential delivery delays by seeing when a trailer gets behind schedule. 

Reduce cargo theft

Loss prevention is a major concern for trucking managers. Powered by geofencing technologies, trackers can be set to generate alerts if a trailer crosses a specified virtual boundary. Managers can then respond instantly, if necessary, thus increasing their chances of recovering assets that may otherwise be lost.  

Monitor performance

Fleet managers are constantly trying to optimize their fleet’s performance. With trailer location information, you can easily track drivers’ locations to ensure they remain on track and on time. Historical data is also helpful for route optimization as it can pinpoint routes with frequent delays. Some trailer trackers can identify under-utilized trailers so that you can improve your truck-to-trailer ratio.  

Eliminate yard hunts

Distribution centers can be massive, and sometimes it’s difficult to identify a trailer’s precise location. With one of these GPS tracker for trailer options, you can find the load you’re looking for without wasting precious time walking the yard.  

Do you know where your trailers are?

GPS trackers for trailers enable you to monitor each trailer in your fleet, no matter where it goes. With one of these options, you can streamline operations through real-time updates, more transparent ETAs and effective loss prevention. Choose a GPS tracking solution for your trailers and see the difference yourself. 

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