Fleetmatics Reveal Review

Fleetmatics Reveal Review

What Is Fleetmatics Reveal ELD Device?

Fleetmatics has been around for many years as a brand, having developed a reputation as one of the industry leaders when it comes to telematics and vehicle tracking. Trusted by over 1.8 million vehicles across the globe, their primary target is fleet-based businesses, including those such as local delivery couriers, or those in the services industry such as plumbing and maintenance.

It was acquired by Verizon in 2018 and has since undergone rebranding as Verizon connect. The Fleetmatics Reveal tracking device has many useful features that make it quite a comprehensive option when it comes to fleet management software.

Benefits

  • Increase profitability by optimizing fuel efficiency, geo-fencing and work order management
  • Reduces utilization of certain routes and unsanctioned trips
  • Improves the safety and security of drivers and vehicles
  • Better customer service by knowing exactly where a vehicle is at any time

Features

Fleetmatics Reveal has an entire slew of features, many of which exceed the needs of current fleet managers and drivers alike. Its list of features include:

  • Live mapping – this feature lets the fleet manager know where drivers are at any moment in time.
  • Geo-fencing function – geo-fencing, as the name might indicate, allows the fleet managers to set boundaries in order to optimize the fleet. This might be particularly useful in services such as taxis where drivers may be tempted to drive all the way across town for a very short drop. By geo-fencing, it would enable another driver that is closer by to make the pickup instead
  • Mileage tracking – allows managers to see how many miles per gallon of gas each driver utilizes
  • Fuel management – hand in hand with mileage tracking, it allows the fleet manager to pinpoint which vehicles/drivers may be costing the company too much money
  • Maintenance scheduling – generate reports to indicate when it is time for certain vehicle servicing requirements to be undertaken
  • Real-time reports – indicates drivers current status, HOS, level of fuel and overall driving behavior
  • Two-way messaging – helps to connect dispatchers/fleet managers with drivers to broadcast messages or for one-on-one communication. The messaging feature is only available on the reveal+ plan

Pros

  • Stable and high-quality 4G connection thanks to Verizon
  • Wide range of functions
  • Advanced mapping and GPS tracking
  • Helps optimize fuel efficiency and profitability thanks to geo-fencing

Cons

  • Customer service lacks after the initial consultation
  • Not very well suited for commercial truck drivers
  • Very slow in rolling out critical updates to ensure ELD compliance
  • The learning curve may be steep owing to the large number of controls and options to choose from

How To Install Fleetmatics Reveal

Even though installation is not very difficult, there has been anecdotal reports from users that it can be extremely frustrating, especially since there is virtually no aftercare service. However, like most other ELD devices, some basic steps are involved:

Install the hardware – this is different from other devices which are basically plug-and-play, as it requires connection to power, ignition, and ground, rather than directly into your diagnostic port, and subsequently connected to your smartphone

Download the companion app – the app is the driver’s display for seeing how things are moving along with route directions and more.

Fleetmatics Reveal Pricing

The basic monthly cost is $35, being considered a mid-range priced product. You do not pay anything upfront, but keep in mind that you are likely to require more than the basic plan.

For instance, if you want to add electronic logs to the ELD, that requires another $10 a month. Add to that that cellular service from Verizon and you go up another $15.

Thus, to experience the full works of Fleetmatics Reveal, expect to pay about $60 per month per vehicle.

My Recommendation

While the list of functions of Fleetmatics Reveal is both extensive and exhaustive, they are some significant deficiencies as an ELD device. For instance, many of the ELD mandated requirements are not yet enacted but rather under construction, putting drivers at risk of exceeding HOS.

This deficiency clearly shows that they are not particularly suited to over the road vehicles, but rather local services. It is extremely useful for fleet managers since the detail offered by their maps is second to none, helping you stay in the loop at all times.

As a driver, the ELD can be frustrating since it lacks critical support data that many other ELD’s offer. For this reason, it is not the best choice for large truck fleets. Being a subsidiary of Verizon, we know that they have the means to roll out updates rapidly, and are optimistic that they do so with urgency.