Your construction crews are scattered across multiple job sites, which means you spend too much time playing phone tag just to figure out where your equipment actually is. Without real-time visibility into your fleet, you're likely losing thousands of dollars each month to equipment theft and loss, underutilization and unnecessary rentals.
We've worked with construction companies who were drowning in spreadsheets, constantly calling drivers for updates, and discovering equipment had gone missing days after the fact. Most generic fleet tracking solutions weren't built with construction's unique challenges in mind.
In this guide, we'll break down seven of the top GPS fleet tracking systems for construction operations, covering everything from equipment monitoring to jobsite geofencing. We'll show you exactly what makes Tenna the standout choice for construction fleets, plus honest assessments of how other popular options stack up.
Why Tenna is the Best GPS Tracking System for Construction Fleets
Tenna is a GPS tracking system for construction companies. Unlike generic fleet tracking solutions designed for delivery trucks or sales fleets, Tenna focuses on the unique challenges construction companies face when tracking mixed asset fleets — from heavy equipment and on-road trucks to generators and small tools across multiple job sites.
Real-Time Location Tracking
Tenna's GPS trackers show you the exact location of every vehicle and piece of equipment on interactive maps. Instead of calling drivers to ask where they are, you can see their current position and track their movements throughout the day from your computer or phone.
Equipment Utilization Metrics
GPS devices monitor when equipment engines are running versus idle, helping you understand actual usage patterns. The location data shows you which job sites are keeping equipment busy and which machines are sitting unused in yards or on projects. Tenna also allows you to distinguish between idle time and Power Takeoff Mode with the TennaCANbus tracker, for better insight into true utilization and run time.
Geofence Capabilities and Theft Prevention
Set up virtual boundaries around job sites using GPS coordinates. When tracked equipment crosses these boundaries, you get immediate alerts with the exact location and time. This helps to identify how much time certain assets are spending on jobsites and aids in quick responses to theft incidents.
Preventive Maintenance Scheduling
GPS tracking helps schedule vehicle maintenance by monitoring actual mileage and hours of service rather than relying on manual logs, allowing contractors to proactively schedule routine service and maintenance based on use. A GPS tracking system can also track equipment location to coordinate maintenance pickup and delivery. When maintenance is due, managers can see exactly where the equipment is located and whether or not it's in use before deciding whether to bring it to the shop or send a mechanic to perform service in the field.
Equipment Lifecycle Management
GPS data helps track total mileage and operating hours over an asset's entire lifespan, providing accurate usage metrics that inform resale timing and valuation decisions. This, as well as comprehensive maintenance history, creates a detailed service record that can increase resale value by proving the equipment was properly maintained and operated.
Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports
Instead of using paper forms that can get lost or damaged, Tenna's digital DVIR system lets drivers scan QR codes on their fleet vehicles as a shortcut to easily complete inspections on their mobile devices. The app guides drivers through each required inspection point and automatically submits completed reports to fleet managers, immediately flagging any identified defects for maintenance attention.
Driver Scorecards 
GPS tracking data feeds directly into driver performance scores by monitoring speed relative to posted speed limits, tracking harsh acceleration and braking events, and measuring excessive idling times. The GPS data shows you potentially problematic driver habits and exactly where they happened.
Advanced Video Telematics and Dash Cameras
Tenna’s AI-powered dash cams combine GPS location data with video footage, so you can see exactly where driving events occurred and related context. When the dash cam detects speeding, harsh braking or other specified violations, it records both the GPS coordinates and video footage, giving you complete context for what happened and where.
Safety events from Tenna’s fleet dash cams also feed seamlessly into the scoring for Driver Scorecards.
ELD Compliance
The platform supports ELD requirements and tracks driver HOS in real time to ensure your fleet complies with FMCSA ELD mandates.
IFTA Tracking
Make mileage tracking easier by capturing records digitally. Tenna automatically records jurisdiction-level mileage data, enabling accurate, audit-ready IFTA reporting while maintaining detailed compliance documentation for regulatory reviews.
Dispatching Capabilities 
With Tenna's construction resource management software, field personnel can reserve assets for projects, make requests and reservations, and coordinate moving equipment and materials between locations. This means logistics and equipment managers can efficiently dispatch resources to job sites or maintenance shops, helping improve project planning and resource allocation.
Customizable Reporting and Analytics
Tenna boasts customizable report building and data visualizations for all mixed fleet information on the platform. Users can filter, manipulate, and configure reports according to specific analytics sought. Plus, the platform can distribute construction reports to specified users on a preset schedule.
Integrations
Tenna connects with major construction ERP systems including Viewpoint Vista, Viewpoint Spectrum, Sage, Coins, and Foundation. Additional integrations include construction management platforms like Procore and Boom & Bucket, plus direct OEM connections with Caterpillar, John Deere, Komatsu, and many more.
Mobile App Accessibility
The Tenna App for iOS and Android provides complete platform functionality away from desktop computers. Field personnel can add new assets, scan QR codes, perform inspections, access detailed asset information, submit maintenance requests and work in offline mode ensuring continued operation in areas with limited cellular coverage.
Industry-Leading Customer Support
Tenna's support team gets construction and understands the real challenges fleet managers face daily. You get dedicated people for onboarding, tech support and ongoing account management, not just a generic help desk.
Tenna’s construction-focused team provides hands-on setup help and sticks around long-term to guide you through optimizing your system. We’ll help you create operator improvement programs based on actual data from your dashboard, not theoretical best practices.
What customers consistently mention is how easy it is to directly contact Tenna's team when they need help. The company actively listens to feedback and continuously updates their product based on what users actually need in the field.
Additional Fleet GPS Tracking Systems
Samsara
Samsara is a GPS fleet tracking solution that provides real-time visibility and control over vehicles and assets. The platform integrates advanced telematics, live location sharing, and intelligent mapping tools to help businesses optimize routes, enhance safety, and streamline operations.
Key GPS Tracking Features:
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- Real-time GPS tracking with instant aerial view of assets
- Geofencing with automated alerts for entries, exits, and unusual activity
- Smart map overlays for live weather and traffic monitoring
- Live location sharing for accurate customer ETAs
- Driver behavior monitoring and safety analytics
Shortcomings:
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- While Samsara supports construction, it's a generalist platform serving multiple industries. Unlike construction-focused solutions like Tenna, Samsara doesn't provide native project-based cost allocation or automatic equipment-to-job association features.
- Customer reviews describe Samsara's support as difficult to reach and unresponsive. Users report being unable to get phone support, being ignored by staff for months, and frequent account manager turnover.
- Users report frequent bugs and false alerts that waste fleet management resources. Common complaints include false safety violations, system glitches, and recurring issues requiring expensive mechanic time.
Motive
Motive offers a comprehensive GPS tracking system focused on live fleet visibility, compliance, and operational efficiency. The solution supports real-time location data, workflow automation, and integrates with mobile devices for seamless fleet management.
Key GPS Tracking Features:
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- Real-time and historical location tracking for vehicles and assets
- Geofencing with instant notifications for arrivals, departures, and unauthorized use
- Live location sharing and automatic ETA updates for customers
- Traffic and weather overlays for proactive route management
- Incident investigation with detailed fleet activity playback
Shortcomings:
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- Customers say they experience blind spots and tracking problems when operating in remote locations where cellular service is unavailable or unreliable.
- GPS data can be inaccurate, and customers report technical glitches, electrical issues, and overheated trackers that compromise tracking capabilities.
Teletrac Navman
Teletrac Navman’s TN360 platform provides a scalable GPS tracking solution that centralizes fleet, asset, and equipment management. The system delivers actionable insights through real-time data, customizable reporting, and supports a variety of hardware options for different fleet needs.
Key GPS Tracking Features:
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- Real-time location updates for vehicles and assets
- Geofencing with customizable alerts for movement, entry, and exit
- Solar and battery-powered fleet trackers for remote asset monitoring
- Centralized dashboard for all fleet data and reporting
- Automated maintenance and compliance alerts based on engine hours or diagnostics
Shortcomings:
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- Teletrac Navman is designed around fleet vehicle management. While the TN360 ACM module includes features for construction, its capabilities for managing a wide range of heavy equipment and specialized construction assets are not as extensive as others on the market.
- Requires customers to rely on the separate Qtanium Connect solution for connecting with OEM telematics and ERP systems. This can introduce additional costs and may require custom integration work for compatibility with many construction ERPs.
HCSS
HCSS Telematics is designed for the construction industry, offering GPS tracking and equipment monitoring for mixed fleets. The platform integrates with OEM equipment and other HCSS products, providing comprehensive oversight and automated reporting for all fleet assets.
Key GPS Tracking Features:
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- Real-time GPS tracking for powered and non-powered equipment
- Geofencing with entry and exit alerts for job sites
- Equipment hours and mileage reporting with automated updates
- Location and speed reporting with live map refresh
- Custom alerts for abnormal engine startups and digital inputs
Shortcomings:
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- HCSS requires users to switch between separate applications for different functions rather than providing a single platform. Contractors must navigate between distinct modules for telematics, maintenance, dispatch, and safety functions, which creates workflow inefficiencies.
- This solution is designed for companies already using other HCSS products. As a standalone solution, HCSS Telematics lacks a unified experience and broad asset coverage.
- Customers frequently highlight navigation difficulties on mobile devices. Many users report that the HCSS interface appears dated and cumbersome compared to modern fleet tracking solutions.
Verizon Connect
Verizon Connect is a flexible GPS tracking solution that offers near real-time updates, advanced analytics, and customizable alerts. The platform supports a wide range of hardware and integrates vehicle diagnostics, driver behavior monitoring, and route optimization to improve fleet efficiency.
Key GPS Tracking Features:
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- Near real-time GPS tracking with updates as often as every 30 seconds
- Geofencing and custom alerts for vehicle activity and unauthorized use
- Driver performance monitoring including speeding, idling, and harsh driving events
- Route optimization and planning for efficient fleet operations
- Integrated vehicle diagnostics and maintenance tracking
Shortcomings:
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- Verizon Connect can't track the full spectrum of construction assets on a single platform, requiring separate solutions for different equipment classes.
- Requires constant connectivity and doesn't function when WiFi or cellular coverage is unavailable.
- Customers mention lengthy downtimes, hardware failures, and customer support tickets closed without resolution.
Fleetio
Fleetio is a cloud-based fleet management platform that combines GPS tracking, maintenance, and telematics integrations. The software provides real-time and historical location data, customizable alerts, and comprehensive reporting to help organizations maximize fleet utilization and compliance.
Key GPS Tracking Features:
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- Real-time and historical vehicle location tracking with interactive maps
- Geofencing with custom notifications for arrivals, departures, and threshold breaches
- Telematics integrations for automated odometer and engine hour syncing
- Driver performance monitoring and scoring using telematics data
- Comprehensive reporting on vehicle utilization and maintenance needs
Shortcomings:
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- Fleetio is a general fleet management platform and lacks built-in tools for jobsite-level tracking, mixed asset visibility, and project cost recovery.
- Relies on third-party hardware integrations for GPS and telematics. This adds complexity and potential compatibility issues for construction fleets.
- Doesn't connect natively with major construction ERPs like Viewpoint or Sage. Integrations require manual processes for project and financial data.
- Customers say Fleetio support is largely self-guided during onboarding. This can slow implementation and troubleshooting for construction teams new to the platform.
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Take Control of Your Construction Fleet
Tenna’s GPS Fleet Tracking system is engineered specifically for the unique challenges of heavy civil and specialty contractors. With construction-ready hardware, deep equipment insights, robust telematics, and seamless integration with your existing workflows, Tenna delivers the visibility, accountability, and control you can’t get from other providers.
See why industry leaders trust Tenna to keep their operations moving efficiently, safely, and profitably.