Construction projects run on tight timelines, expensive equipment, and even tighter margins. Without the right visibility, every delay or lost asset cuts into profits. Discover how data-driven fleet management software is helping construction firms boost on-road safety, prevent theft, and keep projects on schedule.
Construction fleet managers have a lot of weight on their shoulders. They’re responsible for maintaining smooth operations, keeping workers safe, and meeting project deadlines on time. If that’s not enough, the finger is pointed at them when assets are stolen or when someone uses equipment without authorized access.
Fleet management software provides the visibility required to track construction site assets in real time. In turn, organizations extend vehicle/equipment life spans, keep sites secure, and minimize downtime. This blog identifies several challenges in the construction industry and demonstrates how a fleet management solution addresses each one.
Key Takeaways:
- Visibility drives productivity and safety. Near real-time fleet tracking and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven monitoring help construction firms prevent delays, reduce idle time, and improve on-road safety across multiple locations.
- Data converts maintenance and security into strategy. Preventative maintenance and geofencing tools reduce theft, unauthorized use, and costly downtime while extending equipment life span.
- Successful adoption requires planning and integration. A phased rollout, on-site tech champions, and integration with existing project management systems ensure fleet management technologies deliver long-term Return on Investment (ROI).
Project Delays and Idle Equipment
The challenge
Large construction fleets have numerous equipment and vehicles in operation, which are difficult to keep track of. When equipment goes down, it gets misplaced, resources are misallocated, and construction companies face increased costs and project delays.
The solution
Fleet management software provides near real-time Global Positioning System (GPS) location tracking of construction vehicles and equipment. For instance, a bulldozer might be unused at one site, while another site is short on bulldozers. Site managers can use fleet telematics data to identify usage, prompting them to reallocate the bulldozer to a nearby site.
Moreover, fleet management solutions enable construction workers to quickly locate lost or misplaced equipment, giving them more time back for project tasks.
Nearly two-thirds of fleets report improved utilization using asset tracking tools (Verizon Connect’s 2025 Fleet Technology Trends Report).
Multi-Site Visibility
The challenge
Managing one construction site is challenging enough; managing multiple sites efficiently is nearly impossible when you have limited visibility into asset location and usage. Limited asset visibility often leads to the underutilization of equipment/vehicles at one site, while another site could desperately use those assets for operations.
Just as concerning, many construction businesses lack the monitoring capabilities needed to minimize asset downtime.
The solution
A fleet management system improves multi-site visibility by centralizing asset data in one place. A GPS tracking device can be placed on equipment, machines, and vehicles to track asset location. This provides construction managers with transparency into where and how assets are being used across sites. This near real-time data facilitates more proactive decision-making for resource allocation.
Construction firms also leverage fleet management technology for condition-based maintenance. Internet of Things (IoT)-based telematics solutions measure key metrics such as engine hours, fuel consumption, equipment performance, and diagnostic codes. That way, managers can optimally plan maintenance schedules and improve uptime at each site.
Over 53% of organizations say “predictive maintenance alerts” is the most important fleet telematics feature when selecting a vendor (Source: ABI Research’s Supply Chain Management & Logistics Survey – 2025).
Equipment Theft and Unauthorized Use
The challenge
Construction sites are fast-paced and use numerous assets, so equipment can easily be stolen. The National Equipment Register (NER) estimates up to US$1 billion in annual losses from stolen equipment and materials. When someone steals expensive equipment, construction firms face replacement costs, downtime, missed timelines, and increased insurance costs.
Unauthorized use of machinery is another concern. When construction workers use machines after hours or off-site, businesses risk added wear and tear, overhead costs, and legal liabilities.
The solution
Fleet management systems with geofencing capabilities automatically alert construction managers when equipment exits an authorized area or is being used in violation of approved operation hours. Companies can set up custom rules to tailor the solution to their specific requirements.
Leading fleet management systems, such as Verizon Connect, let construction companies use asset data devices on both powered equipment (e.g., tractors, excavators, etc.) and non-powered assets (e.g., generators, trailers).
29% of fleets have reduced unauthorized use/theft with GPS asset tracking (Verizon Connect’s 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report).
What Should Construction Firms Do Once They Adopt a Fleet Management System?
A fleet management system provides robust tracking capabilities, enabling construction firms to quickly locate assets, detect signs of equipment failure, optimize resource allocation, and bolster on-road safety. As shown through recent Verizon Connect survey results, fleet management technologies are delivering clear ROI.
To conclude, ABI Research recommends that construction firms take the following actions when adopting a fleet management system:
- Take a Phased Approach: Organizations should begin by introducing fleet tracking technologies to a single site or for specific asset classes. This allows construction firms to identify quick wins, simplify the change management process, and apply early lessons to subsequent deployments.
- Appoint On-Site Tech Champions: Select employees who will be the first adopters of fleet technology. These internal champions will become advanced users of the solution, enabling them to teach co-workers how to extract the most value from digital tools. Tech champions are also key to building advocacy for new technologies, which is essential for digital transformation in the construction industry.
- Integrate the solution with other enterprise systems/workflows. Construction firms should use Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) or built-in integrations to connect the fleet management system with other organizational systems and workflows (e.g., project management and scheduling). By collating data across various construction sites, fleet managers can break down silos, enhance cross-departmental coordination, streamline billing, and optimize asset utilization.
Download the executive brief, Connected Construction, to get a more detailed analysis of how construction firms benefit from fleet management systems like Verizon Connect.