Verizon Connect Fleet Management Review and Pricing

Verizon Connect Editor’s Rating: 9.2/10

Why We Chose Verizon Connect for Midsize Fleets

For companies with midsize fleets, access to usable and actionable information is essential for managing costs and improving efficiency. The cost of running vehicles and employing drivers at scale is significant, and failing to manage these expenses properly eats into profit margins, especially for haulers. We like that Verizon Connect’s features are built to help businesses with midsize fleets organize workflows efficiently, stay on top of vehicle maintenance, manage drivers and technicians, and save money on fuel and wages. The system is particularly adept at mapping ideal routes for drivers and handling job scheduling.

Because of the volume of data obtained through Verizon Connect, fleet managers and administrators can create customized reports tailored to their business needs. We also like how the platform helps companies comply with state and federal laws and regulations no matter where their drivers are. Additionally, Verizon Connect is scalable. As you add to your fleet and expand your geographical footprint, the system can grow with you. With all this in mind, we recommend Verizon Connect as the best GPS fleet management system for midsize fleets.

Verizon Connect’s desktop dashboard lets you see precisely where vehicles in your fleet are on a map. Source: Verizon Connect

Ease of Use

We like how easy Verizon Connect has made its system to use out of the box. The following ease-of-use functionality stood out to us: 

Intuitive design and user experience

Simplicity was a priority during Verizon Connect’s development process. We really liked the following user experience elements:

• Intuitive interface: The platform’s interface makes excellent use of screen real estate; no function is more than one or two clicks away. Unlike other platforms we reviewed that require multiple clicks to access key features, Verizon Connect keeps everything within easy reach.
• Easy feature access: You can access the platform’s primary features at all times via the left-hand dashboard, including the main navigation screen, jobs & routes, reports, tasks and the help section. We like how you can pin your most-used features to the top of the menu.
• Multiple tab access: Another helpful feature is the ability to have multiple tabs open, similar to how you can have multiple pages open in a web browser at the same time for ease of access. For busy transport managers, this will save a lot of time.

There is often a learning curve if you’re new to GPS fleet tracking systems, but it shouldn’t be very steep with Verizon Connect’s design and usability choices.

The well-organized and user-friendly Verizon Connect dashboard on desktop, tablet and mobile devices makes it easy to grasp vehicle locations and fleet data. Source: Verizon Connect

Online knowledge base

Verizon Connect offers extensive online documentation featuring hundreds of articles. We like that business owners and their teams can easily familiarize themselves with the platform. (These online help resources are on par with what we detailed in our Azuga review.) 

A collection of videos walks users through topics like watching fleets in real-time, setting up geofences, and using alerts and reports. We were impressed that you and your team can watch multiple training videos and even book live training sessions with customer support.

Connecting to other business apps

We appreciate how straightforward Verizon makes it to connect the platform to other apps, including enterprise resource planning software, the best CRM software and many of the best online payroll services through its comprehensive API. You can quickly integrate time sheets, driver performance data and work orders with your existing software while monitoring compliance and maintenance issues.

The Verizon Connect marketplace boasts 48 apps across 11 categories, including accounting, dispatching, fuel management and more. Additionally, in-house apps power fleet tracking, dashcam use, compliance management, asset tracking, commercial navigation and route optimization. 

We also appreciate the ability to build custom workflow scripts in Verizon Connect, although you may require assistance from a third-party developer at an additional expense.

Verizon Connect Features

From high-quality hardware to intuitive and functional software, here are some of the features that make Verizon Connect particularly desirable for midsize fleets.

Route planning, work planning and geofencing

Route optimization and planning are integrated deeply into the Verizon Connect GPS fleet tracking solution. 

• Route planning: Drivers get tailored directions based on their vehicle’s type, size and load. The system ensures drivers are directed to roads where they comply with local transport regulations. It also steers drivers away from traffic jams and obstacles. We like that drivers can warn administrators and other drivers about unreported road closures and that drivers can download map data in areas with poor 4G reception. 
• Work planning: We were impressed by the platform’s work management feature that optimizes drivers’ schedules for routes and time management at each drop point. If a driver is running late, you can send a message with the vehicle’s estimated arrival time to the end destination. We like that drivers can use Verizon Connect’s mobile apps to collect paperless proof-of-delivery forms, providing the functionality courier companies often need.
• Geofences: You can set up geofences like virtual perimeters or boundaries with Verizon Connect, which is a feature we like. You can use the system to send alerts to end users (like people or businesses awaiting a delivery) or end travel points (such as warehouses where goods are picked up or dropped off).

A geofenced area on the Verizon Connect platform lets you analyze fleet information for a specific region. Source: Verizon Connect

AI-powered dashcam

Verizon Connect offers two types of artificial intelligence-powered dashcams: one monitors the road only, and the other films both the road and the driver. The cameras perform well in low light and offer a live view capability for real-time monitoring, although direct audio recording is not supported.

• Road-monitoring camera: The camera monitoring the road detects unsafe behavior like near-misses, drowsiness and aggressive driving (like tailgating, fast cornering, hard braking and rapid acceleration). 
• Driver-monitoring camera: The camera monitoring the driver watches for mobile phone use, smoking, and eating and drinking behind the wheel. When incidents occur, the driver hears a warning and footage is sent back to fleet managers and administrators. Each clip is tagged with an automatic AI-generated incident description.

HD video footage is kept for 90 days in case of a crash or false insurance claim against one of your vehicles. If your driver is not in a 4G area when an incident occurs, the footage is held in the dashcam’s internal memory and sent back to your control panel or app when the connection is reestablished.

The Verizon Connect dashcam uses artificial intelligence. Source: Verizon Connect

Mobile apps

The vendor’s Integrated Video app, which connects to the dashcam, is just one of many Verizon Connect apps available for fleet management. The apps are aimed at different user groups but all help improve midsize fleet operation efficiency:

• WorkPlan: WorkPlan (previously WorkMobile) is a field service app that allows technicians to view detailed work orders while on the road. They can also use it to get real-time updates from other field techs, ensure compliance with electronic logging mandates, and communicate with the office.
• Reveal Driver: Reveal Driver helps drivers conduct vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs). They can append photos and notes for issues requiring follow-up. The app also provides drivers with directions, access to roadside assistance, general road condition alerts and job details. Fleet managers can use the Review Field app to manage new jobs remotely and change driver schedules.
• ELD LogBook: The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) LogBook helps drivers of very large vehicles with electronic logging and hours-of-service regulations.
• Navigation: Navigation is an industry-standard route-planning app with global and North American editions.
• Networkfleet Manager: Networkfleet Manager allows managers to see all vehicle locations and assets on one screen and set up delivery schedules for their team.
• Networkfleet Driver: Networkfleet Driver also encompasses navigation but adds information on the vehicle and maintenance, plus bad driving behavior updates.
• Coach: Coach is a gamified training platform to help drivers become more aware of safety issues.
• Spotlight: Spotlight lets managers see vehicle locations on a live map and analyze individual vehicle activity.

Verizon Connect’s mobile apps work on iOS and Android devices. Source: Verizon Connect

Roadside assistance

The Verizon Connect team will deliver three gallons of gas or diesel to vehicles that have run out of fuel (fuel costs aren’t included) and tow broken-down vehicles up to 25 miles. Roadside assistance can also help if drivers have a dead battery, need a tire change, lock themselves out of the vehicle, or are stuck in snow, mud or ice. Winching is only available for light vehicles on paved public roads, and you’re limited to four calls a year. While there’s an additional charge for roadside assistance, it’s extremely valuable.

Fleet management efficiency with AEMP 2.0

Although almost all fleet management solutions will likely adopt AEMP 2.0 telematics standards over time, we love how well and quickly Verizon Connect has integrated it onto its platform. AEMP 2.0 integration brings the following benefits:

• Easy data sharing: AEMP 2.0 builds on the original 1.0 tracking standards to make it much easier for companies’ vehicles and assets to share data. You’ll get much more detailed insights into operating efficiency, fuel usage and machine health on each vehicle and asset monitored, easing the complexities of fleet performance and optimization.
• Comprehensive maintenance records: AEMP 2.0 integration means managers can keep even more comprehensive maintenance records for everything they track. Getting to each vehicle or asset from the dashboard is straightforward. The Verizon Connect platform also makes it easy to schedule preventive maintenance servicing. 
• Vehicle performance and health insights: Managers get detailed insights into vehicle performance and health with precise analyses of key metrics like location tracking, fuel usage and idle time. These insights help fleets reduce idle time and fuel costs, boost efficiency and keep more vehicles on the road. For an additional fee, you can receive notifications when a vehicle reports a diagnostic trouble code, providing an early warning when it needs attention.
• Improved regulatory compliance: The system keeps drivers on legal routes, tracks service hours and follows electronic logging device regulations. This helps you comply with service hour tracking regulations and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. This functionality is especially helpful for growing fleets, which are trickier to manage without the right tools. 

Verizon Connect has also upgraded its platform to support more vehicle types, specifically battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). New metrics available for these vehicles include charge state, battery levels and specific EV alerts.

Driver safety

We love Verizon Connect’s driver safety focus, including the following functionality:  

• Safety Scorecard: Verizon Connect’s Safety Scorecard constantly updates driver scores based on factors like whether they brake or corner abruptly, speed, or drive aggressively. Driver scores make it easier to reward excellent drivers and identify those who need additional training. 
• Fuel efficiency reports: Driver fuel-efficiency reports reveal who’s wasting gas through actions like regular idling. You can also compare driver performance against company benchmarks for average speed, CANbus idle, distance traveled and more. 
• SpeedGauge: Verizon Connect’s SpeedGauge partnership provides even more detailed driver behavior data. After downloading SpeedGauge from the marketplace, you can learn more about individual drivers and driving patterns to identify good drivers and isolate the areas preventing other drivers from achieving a satisfactory rating. The system will also give your fleet an overall safety score and let you know how well you perform compared to other fleets.

Verizon Connect Pricing

• Reveal Starter: This basic fleet tracking service costs 66 cents per day per vehicle (roughly $20 per vehicle, per month). Businesses get GPS hardware, a live map with route replay, speed and location data, geofencing and access to Verizon Connect’s mobile manager app.
• Reveal: Verizon doesn’t publicly share prices for its more advanced Reveal package. You must contact the company for a quote. Features include everything in the Starter plan, plus advanced reports and alerts, the Reveal Driver mobile app, maintenance scheduling and dashboard metrics.

Roadside assistance, electronic logging, field service and scheduling, fuel card integrations and other features are add-ons. You’ll pay extra for these services, raising your costs. We like that Verizon Connect offers a free demo and a risk-free 30-day trial that begins five days after your hardware has shipped, so you can try the service before committing.

Implementation and Onboarding

The following information is pertinent to Verizon Connect’s implementation and onboarding processes: 

• Installation assistance: The Verizon Connect team would prefer to install the tracking equipment in your vehicles, especially on larger rigs where fitting may be more complicated. The company seems much more hands-on during the onboarding phase than other providers we investigated, but this onboarding assistance comes at a cost.
• Bundled equipment and installation option: While you can negotiate a 12-month contract, the vendor prefers you to sign for 36 months. However, this lengthy contract means the company will bundle equipment and installation costs into your subscription fees. So, in many cases, that setup and onboarding can be less expensive than with other providers. (You don’t have to purchase tracking equipment from Verizon Connect. If you want to use your own equipment, check with the company for compatibility.)
• Hardware: We like that Verizon Connect offers both plug-and-play and hard-wired equipment. With the plug-and-play technology, you connect your device to the OBD-II port in your vehicle with an extension cable and Y-cable. The vendor estimates that installing each device could take up to 60 minutes. Once installed, you add the vehicle’s details to Verizon’s desktop interface or the corresponding app. You can then track the vehicle immediately. If you don’t have an OBD-II port, an installation engineer from Verizon Connect will almost certainly need to fit the units for you with a hard-wired connection.
• Apps and software: There’s no software to download for use on a PC or Mac, as the desktop control dashboard is browser-based. Verizon Connect’s apps are available on iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded from the respective app stores for quick implementation.

Customer Support

Verizon Connect’s customer service team supplies 24/7 support by phone, email and online ticketing. You get a designated point of contact for questions and issues when you sign up, which is a nice plus. Getting such personal assistance, regardless of the plan you subscribe to, is unusual and beneficial.

The company’s online help center includes on-demand tutorials, live webinars and monthly blog posts that detail new features and industry news. Other resources include e-books, case studies, a glossary of relevant fleet management terms and reports on the latest trends in fleet technology.

Most online reviews we found concur with our positive experience with the platform’s reporting functions, client tracking and safe driving focus. We were impressed that users reported a 15 percent uptick in productivity, a 40 percent reduction in insurance costs and nearly a 90 percent drop in accidents. However, some reviewers did express concerns about customer service responsiveness and equipment reliability. 

Verizon Connect’s help center is accessible on a tablet. Source: Verizon Connect

Limitations

Two notable concerns we have about Verizon Connect are its contract terms and customer service quality.

• Contract terms: In online reviews, users rightly praise the depth of functionality Verizon Connect offers, but three years is a long time to commit. If you don’t want to tie yourself into a long contract, check out our review of ClearPathGPS and our GPS Trackit review for short-term alternatives.
• Service quality: While it’s great that Verizon’s customer support is always available, as we mentioned above, not everyone is happy with it. Online reviews of the company’s customer service are very negative, which is something to consider when shortlisting potential GPS fleet tracking vendors for your business.

Methodology

Choosing a GPS fleet management service can be tough, so we did some of the heavy lifting for you. We spent hours researching and analyzing the best GPS fleet tracking systems to identify the top solutions on the market. We looked at hardware, features, pricing and contracts, usability, refresh times and customer support and got hands-on experience with demos and product videos when possible. When searching for the best GPS fleet tracking system for midsize fleets in particular, we focused on features like scalability, customization, comprehensiveness, optimization and reporting. 

Bottom Line

We recommend Verizon Connect for …

• Companies with a midsize vehicle fleet that may grow in the future.
• Businesses that want to integrate telematics and driver and vehicle management with other apps.
• Organizations that prefer to use the same platform to track assets, plants and equipment in addition to vehicles.

We don’t recommend Verizon Connect for …

• Companies with a tight budget.
• Businesses hesitant to commit to a 36-month contract.