Work out the cost of GPS asset tracking across trailers, equipment and containers, per asset and in total.
Asset tracking versus vehicle tracking
Asset trackers are built for things without a steady power supply: trailers, containers, generators, skid steers and other equipment. They are cheaper than vehicle telematics on both hardware (battery or solar units commonly $50 to $150) and subscriptions ($5 to $20 per asset monthly), because they report position on a schedule rather than streaming live data. This calculator prices the pool of assets upfront, monthly and over the contract, including a small annual allowance for batteries and upkeep, and gives you an all-in per-asset monthly figure for vendor comparison.
Where the value comes from
Three returns dominate. Theft recovery: unpowered assets are the easiest things to steal from a yard, and location history plus geofence alerts turn most thefts into recoveries. Utilization: knowing where every trailer is ends the hunting, reduces detention disputes and often reveals that a fleet owns more trailers than it needs. Billing accuracy: time-on-site data supports charging customers correctly for equipment left at their locations.
Choosing hardware
Match the reporting rate to the asset: a few pings per day suits dormant equipment and maximizes battery life (often 3 to 5 years), while trailers in active use justify more frequent updates or solar units. Our asset tracking guide compares over 35 providers and tracker types so you can shortlist before pricing quotes through this calculator.
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