Fleet Tracking
Additional Add-on Services
Jan 18, 2025
Let’s be honest — losing a vehicle is a nightmare. Whether it’s a tradesman’s van filled with tools, a rental vehicle returned late by a customer, or your personal car misplaced in a busy car park, the stress kicks in fast. And if it’s theft? That feeling of helplessness comes in hard.
But the truth is, you’ve got more options than you think. In this post, we’re breaking down real-world ways to track down a lost or stolen vehicle — with or without a GPS tracker. You’ll learn what actually works, what to avoid, and why investing in proper tracking tech now can save you a serious headache later.
Let’s get into it.
⭐ Without a tracker? You’ll be relying on location apps, CCTV, and luck.
⭐ With Fleetsmart, you get real-time GPS, tamper alerts, and full journey logs.
⭐ Van thefts are common. Especially if thieves know there are tools inside.
⭐ GPS tracking doesn’t just stop theft - it cuts costs and streamlines operations.
⭐ The best time to install a tracker is before something goes wrong.
Whether or not your vehicle has a GPS tracker installed, acting quickly is key. Here's what to do based on your setup:
If your vehicle’s already fitted with a GPS tracker — great. You’re way ahead of the game.
Log into your tracking platform (like Fleetsmart) and you’ll instantly see:
• Where the vehicle is right now
• Where it’s been today (or this week)
• If it’s moved unexpectedly
• If anyone has tampered with the device
Need help? Your tracker provider should offer UK-based support — or, in Fleetsmart’s case, a live dashboard and easy-access reports to pass straight to the police.
📌Real win: A Newcastle delivery driver had their van stolen mid-route. Fleetsmart showed exactly where it was parked, and police recovered it in under 30 minutes. All parcels intact.
Alright — no tracker? You’re not totally out of options. Here’s what you can do.
This one’s simple. If a phone was left behind:
• Apple: Use Find My iPhone via iCloud
• Android: Use Find My Device via Google
Battery life, signal, and enabled location tracking all matter here. But if it works, it can be a quick win.
If location tracking was turned on, both Google Maps and Apple Maps keep a history of where you’ve been.
• Google Timeline: Great for route-by-route history
• Apple Maps: Check ‘Recents’ for clues
Start calling nearby businesses — petrol stations, retail parks, cafés — especially if your van was parked near a job site. Some may have usable CCTV. You can also try your local council or ANPR systems if police are involved.
Call 101 (or 999 if you’re mid-theft) and provide as many details as possible:
• Reg plate
• Make, model, colour
• Any visible branding or dents
Once you’ve got your crime reference number, pass it to your insurer.
🚨Heads up: Without GPS tracking, you're reacting — not tracking. Every minute counts, and delays can mean the difference between recovery and a total loss.
There’s no shortage of tracking tools and apps — but Fleetsmart was built specifically for vehicles, fleets, and real-world business users.
• Live GPS with second-by-second updates
• Smart alerts: movement, tampering, out-of-hours use
• Built-in backup battery (so unplugging isn’t the end)
• Easy-to-read dashboards for teams and solo drivers
• UK-based support when things go wrong
You won’t need to rely on someone’s phone being in the vehicle. Fleetsmart hardware stays active 24/7.
Vehicle tracking isn’t just about theft prevention. Behind the scenes, it’s saving businesses time, money, and hassle — every single day. And the benefits cut across industries.
• Fuel savings: Delivery firms can monitor and minimise idling during multi-stop routes. Construction teams can reduce fuel waste on machinery left running between tasks. Tradespeople can stop unnecessary detours between jobs.
• Driver accountability: Courier companies use driver data to discourage harsh braking, aggressive acceleration, or extended breaks. Builders and contractors can spot patterns like early knockoffs or overtime padding. Service companies can detect when a company van is being used for personal errands.
• Job tracking: Window fitters, electricians, and HVAC engineers use location logs to prove time spent at each customer site - helpful for disputes or payroll accuracy. Property maintenance firms verify contractor movements without constant check-ins.
• Fleet optimisation: Logistics operators compare usage across vehicles to identify underutilised vans or those due for maintenance. Landscaping businesses route teams more efficiently to save fuel and meet more clients daily.
🗣️ True story: A Birmingham electrician cut his fleet costs by £600/month after Fleetsmart revealed one driver was doing weekend work off the books.
Whether it’s a one-van outfit or a business with 30 vehicles on the road, the operational insight provided by tracking data can lead to more profitable decisions — without the need for micromanagement.
Vehicle tracking isn’t just about theft. When it’s working in the background, it saves you money — every day.
• Fuel savings: Spot idling, shorten routes, cut out the guesswork
• Driver accountability: Monitor harsh braking, overtime claims, and unauthorised stops
• Job tracking: Know how long drivers spent on site and where they actually went
1. Open your GPS app - or check Google Timeline
2. Report to the police and get a reference number
3. Contact your insurer
4. Ask nearby shops or homes with cameras
5. Post in local social groups or forums
6. Call your tracking provider for support
Time is everything — especially without live data.
Proactive steps can stop theft before it happens. Here’s how to protect your vehicles and equipment:
🔒 Don’t skip these core prevention tips:
• Install a GPS tracker - even a basic one
• Use a steering wheel lock or clutch lock
• Park with the rear facing a wall or obstacle
• Keep keys in RFID pouches at home
• Lock tools in a second container inside the van
• Branded alarm or tracker stickers deter opportunists.
Whether you’re a solo tradesman or running a fleet of 50, Fleetsmart gives you the tools to manage and protect every asset.
• Van Tracking: Know where it is. Know how it’s driven. Sleep better at night.
• Fleet Tracking: Real-time views of every vehicle. Perfect for dispatch and field teams.
• Machinery & Plant Tracking: Track diggers, generators and trailers across sites.
A facilities management company in Manchester noticed one of its vans hadn’t returned to base. Using Fleetsmart, they located it outside a residential block, engine still warm. The driver had fallen ill mid-route, and the alert helped the company send help immediately.
A farming co-op in Cumbria used Fleetsmart to track down a fuel bowser trailer that had gone missing overnight. It had been detached and towed into a wooded area a few miles from the site. Thanks to GPS tracking, they recovered it without damage the next morning.
An electrician in Brighton was sure he’d parked on the high street — but the van was nowhere to be seen. After reporting it stolen, Fleetsmart showed it had been towed by the council to a side street due to overnight parking rules. He was able to recover it before missing his morning job.
A decorator in Sheffield lost his van to a 3 am break-in. Fleetsmart sent a tamper alert, and he watched it move in real time. Police had it back before morning — with tools still inside.
A courier firm in the Midlands had monthly fuel discrepancies. Fleetsmart logs showed one driver’s mileage didn’t add up. He’d been fuelling his own personal vehicles. Caught. Suspended. Money saved.
A festival-goer forgot where he left his rental van in London and flew home. The rental team used Fleetsmart to find it in a car park near the venue. Picked up same day. No dramas.
No tracker — can I still find my vehicle?
Maybe. Try phone tracking, map history, and police. But it’s all reactive.
Will it work in the countryside?
Yes. Fleetsmart uses multi-network SIMs to stay online almost anywhere.
What if someone unplugs it?
You’ll get a tamper alert. Many models keep reporting with backup battery.
Can I manage a full fleet?
Of course. Our dashboard handles anything from one vehicle to over 1000.
Is tracking useful for insurance?
Absolutely. It helps with claims and can lower your premium.
Do I need someone to install it?
Not always. Our Plug-and-play / self fit devices are easy. We also offer professional installs.
Tracking isn’t just about recovering a vehicle — it’s about preventing stress, saving money, and keeping your business running smoothly. Whether you're a solo tradesperson with one van, a growing business with five vehicles, or a rental company managing a rotating fleet, the right GPS solution changes everything.
With Fleetsmart, you’re not just watching dots on a map. You’re seeing real-time movement, getting early alerts about suspicious activity, and gaining insights into how your assets are used day in and day out. That means faster recovery, safer drivers, tighter operations — and peace of mind.
For tradespeople, it’s the security of knowing your tools and van are protected. For fleet managers, it’s the ability to optimise dispatch, cut costs, and respond instantly. For hire companies, it’s about accountability, turnaround, and visibility across every vehicle.
🚌 Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Get in touch with Fleetsmart today and take the guesswork out of vehicle tracking.