ClearPathGPS Review

Why ClearPathGPS Is Best for Customization

ClearPathGPS is a comprehensive GPS fleet tracking solution with all the essential telematics features that businesses need to manage their fleets. We found its pricing model ideal for businesses needing specific features and functionality. Instead of charging extra for add-on components, ClearPathGPS offers two plans with tiered features; this allows businesses to choose the best service option for their needs and budget. We like that the company provides an extensive array of hardware and accessories, many with niche appeal; this allows companies to cherry-pick (and pay for) only what’s required.

We also appreciate that ClearPathGPS is easy to install and set up; drivers and admins should find navigating the mobile-friendly dashboard straightforward. We were impressed that the company includes ongoing training for its customers – something we didn’t see in many competitors. For these reasons and more, ClearPathGPS is our choice for the best solution for customized, personalized fleet tracking.

ClearPathGPS is a cloud-based platform that fleet managers can access from various devices. Source: ClearPathGPS

Usability

We were impressed by ClearPathGPS’s ease of use. Hardware installation is straightforward; in many cases, using plug-and-play devices, employees can install the hardware themselves. We like that ClearPathGPS can help get your drivers on the road and use the system in no time.

The system’s dashboard is equally intuitive, without the learning curve we observed with many competitors. While its gray-on-gray interface is initially underwhelming, we appreciate that everything is presented clearly. We particularly like that the various reporting options have one-line descriptions to clarify their purpose. Additionally, because the platform is cloud-based, the dashboard is accessible via computer or the well-designed iOS and Android mobile apps. We also liked that the dashboard is highly navigable – with just two clicks, you can move from reports to geofence editing or vehicle lists to live mapping.

ClearPathGPS offers vehicle location updates every 30 seconds. This is nowhere near rival Samsara’s impressive second-by-second refresh rate, which we detail in our Samsara review. Still, this refresh time is fairly standard and similar to top-notch competitors like Verizon Connect.

The ClearPathGPS dashboard is straightforward and highly navigable. Source: ClearPathGPS

ClearPathGPS Features

ClearPathGPS offers two plans with tiered features. Some of the following features are available exclusively through the Pro plan:

Tracking Hardware

ClearPathGPS offers an impressive variety of tracking hardware and accessories that can help you prevent and track fleet equipment theft, including:

• Plug-and-play trackers
• Covert hardwired trackers (using a three-wire install to the ignition, power and ground)
• HD road- and driver-facing dashcams with audio and microphone
• Dual-powered or solar-powered asset trackers
• Industrial-grade, satellite-powered trackers ideal for remote areas with low signal coverage
• ELD all-in-one trackers
• Industrial compact asset trackers

We like that the dashcams have been upgraded with AI capabilities, including an advanced driver alert system and in-cab driver coaching. The dashcams can detect lane departures and issue real-time warnings to drivers. We also like that you can add a driver-facing dashcam as an accessory within the road-facing camera housing – another example of ClearPath’s modular approach that charges customers only for the services they need. The company has even produced an e-guide that explains how to persuade drivers to accept dashcams as vital tools.

ClearPathGPS lets you add a driver-facing function to your dashcam anytime. Source: ClearPathGPS

Driver Safety and Performance

We found ClearPathGPS’s driver safety and performance features to be on par with its industry peers. Fleet managers can monitor hard braking and acceleration, track speeding and cornering, oversee geofencing parameters, and reduce their fleet’s idle time by tracking engine idling.

The platform can help you comply with the Department of Transportation’s hours of service regulations by tracking driver hours and creating virtual timecards. We like that radio buttons help you track points where a vehicle was stopped, idling, etc.

We were disappointed that only Pro customers can access driver scorecards. Many competitors offer this as a standard feature. Scorecards are ideal for tracking, rewarding and correcting driver performance.

Pro plan customers can also access helpful features like driver IDs. Driver IDs are ideal for companies that allow more than one driver to operate a vehicle per day or shift. Each driver has an individual key fob with an audio alarm that sounds until they “check into” a vehicle by touching the vehicle fob reader. A flashing light confirms the driver has successfully checked in.

ClearPathGPS’s driver IDs help you track a driver’s behavior across multiple vehicles. Source: ClearPathGPS

Fleet Maintenance and Optimization

Reducing fleet maintenance costs is crucial for small and midsize businesses. We appreciate that ClearPathGPS supports fleet health and safety and helps reduce fleet fuel costs with preventive maintenance functions, equipment monitoring tools, and odometer reporting. The Pro plan also gives you access to temperature monitoring, maintenance alerts, diagnostic trouble codes and International Fuel Tax Agreement reporting.

Pro plan customers can access diagnostic trouble codes to help diagnose and resolve vehicle issues. Source: ClearPathGPS

Geofencing and Mapping

We like that every business that uses ClearPathGPS can access live maps and traffic overlays – essential fleet tracking tools. ClearPathGPS also supports geofences in circles, rectangles and other polygons, ensuring vehicles remain within assigned locations. Google Maps underpins the software with its reassuringly familiar aesthetic.

ClearPathGPS also offers a Route4Me portal for route adjustment and schedule management. Vehicles are imported and synchronized on maps containing billions of preloaded traffic patterns to identify alternate routes and help avoid areas of heavy congestion.

ClearPathGPS’s Route4Me function helps fleet managers and drivers select optimal routes. Source: ClearPathGPS

Alerts and Reporting

We were particularly impressed with ClearPathGPS’s reporting and alert functions. Every plan comes with access to unlimited automated reports that provide insights to better inform fleet decisions. The Pro plan also provides access to advanced alerts to help fleet managers maintain legal compliance on after-hours and unauthorized usage; it also helps them generate compliant eLogs for HOS and ELD in the U.S. and Canada. The software can also create additional safety-based alerts and geofence arrival and departure alerts.

We like that fleet managers can compile custom reports from a massive array of raw data, including virtual timecards, geolocation zone departures or arrivals, maintenance records, stop records, and driver behavior.

Create custom alerts for driver behavior, geofences, maintenance issues and more. Source: ClearPathGPS

ClearPathGPS Cost

We like how affordable ClearPathGPS makes fleet tracking. While we were disappointed that the company no longer lists pricing on its website, a representative confirmed the following prices for vehicle fleet tracking. (However, these prices may be subject to change at any time.)

• Standard: $20 per vehicle per month. This plan includes geofences, basic reporting, ELD support and more.
• Pro: $25 per vehicle per month. This plan adds advanced reporting, custom alerts, partner integrations, ongoing guidance, open API access and more.

You can add a vehicle dashcam for an additional $30 per month on both plans. Dashcams have a 120-degree wide-angle lens, recording the road in 1080p and the driver in 720p resolution. While dashcams can store up to 60 hours of drive-time footage, data is only stored in the cloud for 30 days. Other hardware devices and accessories will incur additional costs. Contact the company to discuss your needs and options and get a personalized quote.

We really like that ClearPathGPS doesn’t require businesses to sign long-term contracts and has no minimum fleet-size requirements. Additionally, the company’s 30-day, money-back guarantee gives businesses a chance to decide if it’s the right solution for their needs.

ClearPathGPS Setup

We found ClearPathGPS’s setup process to be on par with its competitors. It offers both plug-and-play and hardwired trackers, so your hardware choices will affect system setup time. For example, plug-and-play devices can be installed into a vehicle’s onboard diagnostic port in minutes. Wired trackers can take slightly longer to install; they must be connected to the ignition, power and ground behind your vehicle’s dashboard.

Once you connect your trackers and create your software account, you can quickly start tracking fleet information.

ClearPathGPS Customer Service

Customers can reach ClearPathGPS support by phone, email, web chat or ticketing from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. PST. While this availability is limited compared to some competitors, we found ClearPathGPS’s support reps incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, adding to the product’s overall value.

Online help resources include blogs, webinars, guides, FAQs and case studies. Additionally, we were impressed that customers on the Pro plan receive onboarding, ongoing training and guidance – a rarity in the industry.

We were also impressed that ClearPathGPS holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau – many of its competitors aren’t BBB accredited, rated or even listed. Additionally, we were pleased to see that the company holds a five-star Excellent review on Trustpilot and a 4.9 score on Capterra.

ClearPathGPS Drawbacks

ClearPathGPS has numerous upsides, but we identified the following drawbacks:

• Data availability: While ClearPathGPS offers plenty of feedback and functionality, it falls short compared to some competitors in terms of granular data recording. For example, Force Fleet Tracking offers everything from vehicle VIN recordings and odometer readings to a tire check analyzer with discounts on replacement rubber. Read our Force Fleet Tracking review if this level of oversight is more to your liking.
• Limited lower-tier plan: ClearPathGPS’s Standard plan is frustratingly limited compared to its Pro sibling. It doesn’t include advanced reports, real-time alerts, partner integrations or access to an open API. If you prefer a fleet management service with a full-featured entry-level plan, read our review of GPS Trackit. This vendor has a robust introductory tier.

Methodology

Choosing a GPS fleet tracking system can be challenging, 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, ease of use, refresh times, and customer support. We accessed hands-on experience with demos and product videos when possible. When searching for the best GPS fleet tracking system for customization specifically, we looked at feature availability, modular options and flexible service terms.

Overall Value

We recommend ClearPathGPS for …

• Field service businesses.
• Budget-conscious fleet owners who want a comprehensive yet affordable solution.
• Businesses that want a powerful mobile app alongside the usual desktop functionality.
• Firms requiring various hardware types, from hardwired trackers to dashcams and accessories.

We don’t recommend ClearPathGPS for …

• Businesses that want an off-the-shelf solution.
• Large enterprises with complex fleet-tracking needs.
• Businesses outside of field services industries with specific needs.