For UK tradespeople, whether you’re managing a team of electricians, plumbers, or general contractors, fleet tracking has become essential. It’s not just about knowing where your vans are – it’s about proving job times, improving team efficiency, and protecting expensive tools from theft.
In our guide, we explore the best GPS tracking systems for UK trades, specifically tailored to the needs of mobile contractors and field service businesses.
🛠️ Why Trades Businesses Need Vehicle Tracking
For time-sensitive, tool-heavy industries like electrical, plumbing and construction, real-time GPS tracking provides both operational control and peace of mind.
benefits of vehicle tracking for trades:
🧱 Time really is money – and GPS tracking helps protect both.
🎯 Trade-Specific Features to Look For
Not every fleet tracking system suits trades. Look for these must-have features if you’re in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, or general contracting.
✅ Live GPS location
Track every van in real time to confirm location, arrival, and route progress.
✅ Geofencing and alerts
Get notified if vehicles leave job sites early, enter restricted zones, or move out of hours (ideal for theft prevention).
✅ Time-on-site and mileage logs
Helps calculate time spent per job and support HMRC mileage claims.
✅ Driver behaviour tracking
Identify unsafe or fuel-wasting habits such as speeding or harsh braking.
✅ Mobile-friendly dashboard
Perfect for business owners who spend more time on-site than behind a desk.
🏆 Best Vehicle Tracking Systems for Trades in the UK (2025)
|
Provider |
Top Driver Features |
Best For |
Starting Price (from) |
|
|
Speeding, braking, harsh cornering, idling, safety scoring |
Large enterprise fleets |
£20/month |
|
|
Driver league tables, route replay, speeding |
SMEs and growing fleets |
£11.90/month |
|
|
Driver scorecards, idling reports, driving alerts |
Mid-size and logistics fleets |
£14/month |
|
|
Real-time alerts, dashcam integration, AI insights |
Safety-led enterprise businesses |
Custom quote |
|
|
Behaviour scoring, compliance, fuel analysis |
Construction & regulatory industries |
From £15/month |
|
|
Simple UI, speeding alerts, idling logs |
Trades & delivery businesses |
£10/month |
👷♂️ Tip: If your vans carry expensive tools, prioritise systems with geofencing and movement alerts.
📋 Use Case: How Tracking Helps an Electrical Firm
“Before GPS, we were relying on WhatsApp and guesswork,” says Jack, owner of a 6-van electrical contracting firm in Manchester.
“Now we can:
- See when a team arrives on-site
- Track time spent per job for quoting
- Confirm if they went to the supplier mid-job
- Use the reports for billing disputes”
“It’s saved us time and money — and we recovered a stolen van in 45 minutes.”
🔐 Security & Theft Prevention: A Must for Trades
Tool theft from vans is a major problem in the UK, with £100M+ worth of tools stolen each year and vehicle tracking can be a strong deterrent and also aid recovery.
Look for:
- Out-of-hours movement alerts
- Tamper-proof trackers
- Geofencing around your depot or client sites
- Integration with immobilisers or dashcams
Some systems even let you receive alerts on your phone the second a van is moved unexpectedly.
🛑 Insurance providers may offer discounts for tracked vans with approved systems (e.g., Thatcham S5 or S7).
📱 Mobile Access for On-the-Go Contractors
Many tradespeople are constantly on the move so you should choose a GPS tracking system with a responsive mobile app that lets you:
- Check van location
- View job progress
- Send route updates to clients
- Approve timesheets remotely
✅ How to Choose the Right System
Before you commit to a provider, ask yourself:
🔹 How many vehicles do I need to track?
🔹 Do I want mobile-only or hardware tracking?
🔹 Is tool theft or job timing my main concern?
🔹 Do I want to integrate with invoicing or job dispatch software?
🔹 Will I need help with installation or setup?
🧮 ROI: Does Fleet Tracking Pay Off?
Yes. Many trades businesses see ROI within 3–6 months, thanks to:
- Fewer no-shows or unbilled hours
- Quicker resolution of customer disputes
- Reduced theft incidents
- Lower fuel and admin costs
Even a 2 van business can save hundreds per month in missed time and inefficiencies.
🧰Our Final Thoughts: Tracking Built for Trades
If you’re a UK-based plumber, electrician, builder, roofer or HVAC contractor, fleet tracking can give you a serious edge in 2025. With time-on-site reports, anti-theft alerts, and proof-of-service logs, it’s more than just knowing where your vans are — it’s about staying in control and delivering better service.