Fleet managers in the United States contend with a variety of challenges that hinder profitability. Whether it’s rising fuel costs or new regulations, the right fleet management system addresses the most pressing issues. However, not all fleet management software provides the measurable Return on Investment (ROI) that organizations seek.
For example, some solutions lack video telematics capabilities to minimize the number of road incidents. Others fail to scale as a commercial fleet grows. Therefore, it’s essential to select a fleet management platform that has the following five must-have features:
- Near real-time Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking and route optimization
- Video telematics for driver safety
- Fuel/maintenance cost reductions
- Compliance automation
- Open integrations and scalable architecture
1. Near Real-Time GPS Tracking and Route Optimization
As a fleet manager, one of the top priorities is to optimize the use of vehicles and assets. To achieve this, a fleet management system must include Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and route optimization capabilities.
Near real-time GPS tracking provides live updates on a map, enabling fleet managers to perform dispatch and share accurate Estimated Times of Arrival (ETAs) to key stakeholders. It also helps identify the best route based on weather conditions, traffic updates, and other external factors.
Beyond vehicle tracking and route optimization, the best fleet management systems track expensive assets. For example, Verizon Connect customers can pinpoint where both powered equipment (e.g., tractors, excavators, cranes) and non-powered assets (e.g., containers, tanks, trailers) are located on a live map within the Reveal platform. This functionality helps fleet managers recover lost/stolen assets more quickly, identify excessive idling, boost productivity, and maximize the profitability of previous investments.
Near real-time visibility and route optimization help to:
- Improve security
- Enhance asset value
- Minimize miles driven
- Reduce idle time
- Ensure customers are happy
62% of fleets say GPS tracking is beneficial for increased efficiency in managing daily operations. (Source: Verizon Connect’s 2025 Fleet Technology Trends Report).
2. Video Telematics for Driver Safety
Driver safety is another must-have feature of a fleet management system. Fleet management software that uses video telematics can detect risky behavior both outside and inside the vehicle, prompting driver alerts. The fleet management solution will issue an audio warning if the driver is speeding, hits the brakes too abruptly, or performs other unsafe maneuvers.
For in-cabin driver monitoring, Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a key role. For instance, Verizon Connect offers AI-powered dashcams that alert drivers when they detect signs of fatigued or distracted driving, such as yawning or looking away from the road for an extended period of time. Tools like this can also be used by fleet managers to coach drivers on safety best practices, comply with safety regulations, and help exonerate their company from false insurance/legal claims.
47% of video telematics users see a positive ROI in less than a year. (Source: Verizon Connect’s 2025 Fleet Technology Trends Report).
3. Fuel/Maintenance Cost Reductions
Increasing costs are a key challenge for 77% of U.S.-based fleet managers. Fleet management systems must monitor mileage, track routes, and issue idling alerts to minimize fuel costs. These features can be supported with near-real-time GPS tracking and route optimization tools. Case in point, Verizon Connect’s 2025 Fleet Technology Trends Report found that fleet managers can reduce fuel costs by up to 16% by using GPS fleet tracking.
U.S.-based fleets also face surging vehicle maintenance costs due to more miles being driven and a dearth of qualified technicians. Consequently, the selected fleet management software must continuously monitor engine health, fault codes, battery voltage, and other vehicle diagnostics. That way, fleet managers can identify potential failures early and meet their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Additional functionalities like automated service reminders, a centralized dashboard of maintenance records, and parts inventory integration are also essential to minimizing fleet maintenance costs.
4. Compliance Automation
As the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and other governing bodies introduce more transportation regulations, fleets need a fleet management platform that:
- Collects Hours of Service (HoS) data
- Automatically logs driving and rest periods
- Notifies drivers when they approach legal limits
- Streamlines the submission of Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs)
For instance, Verizon Connect includes automated features like Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for HoS data tracking. Commercial drivers simply sign in to the mobile app to have their hours logged, minimizing penalties and enhancing transparency for fleet managers. Verizon Connect also offers DVIRs to verify that a fleet complies with inspection requirements, thereby avoiding Out-of-Service (OOS) orders.
43% of U.S. fleets say increasing regulations are their top challenge in 2025, making compliance automation a crucial feature of a fleet management system. (Source: Verizon Connect’s 2025 Fleet Technology Trends Report).
5. Open Integrations and Scalable Architecture
Lastly, a fleet management system must easily integrate with other systems and vehicle types to provide much-needed scalability. Data stemming from dispatch, maintenance tools, Human Resources (HR), supply chain control towers, ELD systems, fuel card providers, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms should seamlessly merge with the fleet management software.
To achieve this, leading fleet management technology vendors use open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), cloud-native architecture, and modular design. As a result, commercial fleets can easily scale operations as needed.
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Today, the best fleet management software goes beyond location tracking. Fleet managers will maximize ROI by looking for a fleet management system with the following features:
- Route optimization
- Enhanced safety
- Fuel/maintenance cost reduction
- Automated compliance
- Scalable architecture
Download the executive brief, Resilience at the Wheel: How Fleets Are Using Telematics Solutions to Navigate Disruptions, for a comprehensive analysis of the top challenges facing fleet managers in the United States and how telematics platforms like Verizon Connect will help overcome them.