Yes, you can track a truck location without GPS, but there are certain limitations, and the methods vary in cost and effectiveness. Any business owner with a fleet knows how crucial consistent visibility is. It’s a matter of security and efficiency, and any compromise poses a significant risk.
When GPS fails, what are your options? If your tracking unit has been tampered with, is there anything you can do? In this guide, we’ll take you through your tracking technology alternatives, the pros and cons of these options, and how the Cartrack Tag is the safety net you need to maintain control over your fleet’s visibility.
Key Takeaways:
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You can track trucks without GPS using alternatives like SIM triangulation, RFID, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, and ANPR, but accuracy and coverage are limited
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Non-GPS tracking methods are best used as backup solutions for situations like GPS signal loss, jamming, or device tampering
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The Cartrack Tag provides continuous visibility even when GPS fails, detecting tampering and alerting managers in real time
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Combining GPS tracking with the Cartrack Tag ensures maximum fleet security, uninterrupted monitoring, and faster recovery if a vehicle is stolen or hijacked
Is it possible to track a truck’s location without GPS?
Yes, it’s possible to track a truck’s location without GPS, but there’ll be some restrictions. When tracking using alternative means, you won’t get the accuracy and reliability of tracking with GPS. Some of these alternative methods include cellular network tracking, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth locating services.
What are some reasons you might need to track a truck without GPS?
There are numerous reasons why you might need to track a truck without GPS, and they’re almost always connected to issues of safety and risk management.
Consider these actual-world scenarios:
- Rural or underground areas with poor coverage: If the fleet vehicle enters an area with poor coverage—like underground, outlying regions, or even mine sites—this can reduce GPS connectivity.
- Backup tracking for precautionary measures: Any business with a fleet needs backup procedures to ensure complete safety and prevent blind spots.
How to protect your fleet of trucks if GPS fails
As a redundancy and precaution, consider using alternative locating technologies to protect your fleet of trucks if GPS fails.
Look at these practical protective measures:
- Monitor driver behaviour telematics: Unusual patterns, behaviours, and deviations on a driver’s trip could indicate that they might be in trouble or that the vehicle’s been taken. Driver behaviour insights like this could alert a fleet manager to potential danger.
- Use geofencing and alerts (with other locating technologies): Geofencing doesn’t necessarily require GPS to work and can be paired with alternative tracking tech, so you can be alerted to unauthorised movement.
- Integrate with a fleet management platform: If you have a centralised fleet management platform that has a clear and comprehensive overview of your insights (like FleetWeb), you’re more likely to quickly detect oddities.
The limitations of tracking without GPS
Tracking without GPS introduces limitations that include coverage difficulties and fragmented insights.
Consider these limitations:
- Location accuracy and coverage issues: Pinpointing the exact location for a vehicle can be difficult, especially because alternative tracing methods are inconsistent or ineffective in rural or network-dense areas.
- Dependence on third-party infrastructure: GPS is typically globally available. This is not the case for alternative tracking methods that usually depend on structures like cell towers, readers, or cameras.
- Lack of real-time nationwide visibility: Continuous visibility doesn’t work for all alternative tracking methods. For example, ANPR only works when the vehicle passes the correct camera.
- Risk of incomplete data: Because the visibility is fragmented, the data is as well. You may only receive some information or delayed data, leaving gaps in trip insights.
Methods of tracking a truck without GPS
There are numerous methods of tracking a truck without GPS, and these include SIM triangulation, Bluetooth-based location services, and Cartrack’s Tag. Every option works differently and has its own pros and cons. It’s important to clearly understand each of them so you can decide which works best for you as a backup strategy.
Cellular Network Tracking (SIM triangulation)
Cellular Network Tracking (SIM triangulation) helps you understand where a vehicle is by detecting the SIM card’s signal strength in relation to surrounding cellphone towers. This helps pinpoint a location where the signals intersect.
Pros:
- SIM card/device using a SIM is the only thing required
- Will continue to work in places where the GPS signal strength might be weak/unavailable
- Still able to provide live updates
Cons:
- If cellular connectivity is low, then this kind of tracking won’t work
- Location positions are only accurate to about a hundred metres
- Outlying areas with fewer cell phone towers are not as reliable
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
RFID is a wireless technology that uses electromagnetic or radio waves to track and identify tags located in the vehicle. An RFID reader is typically used to process data, and readers are often found at particular checkpoints or depots.
Pros:
- The best option for keeping track of when a vehicle is entering/leaving logistical points
- Very accurate within a short range
Cons:
- RFID readers call for installation in numerous places
- Only accurate within a short range, so not useful while on the road
- Doesn’t allow for continuous tracking
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-based location services
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-based location services estimate a truck’s location by using Wi-Fi access points and Bluetooth beacons and determining signal strength.
Pros:
- Can work well in areas that typically disturb GPS signals, like underground or in tunnels
- Can sometimes work well in areas with extensive networks
Cons:
- Coverage isn’t very successful in areas that are rural or on highways
- Network density determines coverage constraints
- Vehicles need to have scanning devices that can communicate signals
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
ANPR uses cameras and optical character recognition (OCR) to detect and read number plates on vehicles. This information tracks movements and typically processes data for traffic management and law enforcement. Alerts are immediate, and ANPR can pick up on ‘blacklisted’ plates.
Pros:
- Works very well in high-risk monitoring areas, have little coverage, have tolls, or are on specific routes
- Doesn’t require any devices or hardware to successfully detect number plates
Cons:
- Requires roads that are monitored or have the right cameras and OCR
- Location is only caught at the points of detection—nowhere else
- The camera has to be of good quality to successfully detect
Cartrack’s answer: The Cartrack Tag
The Cartrack Tag is a wireless unit that doesn’t depend on any cellular connectivity, working as an anti-jamming and tracking device. It can be discreetly fitted onto various vehicles and assets. It also uses a proprietary radio frequency (RF) network that provides better protection and improved recovery efforts.
Pros:
- Can recognise tampering or any jamming attempts.
- Gives strong, continuous visibility at all times—even when GPS is no longer working
- Fully linked to FleetWeb, which allows for all the perks (immediate alerts, geofencing, etc.)
Cons:
- You must be signed up for a Cartrack subscription/package
Comparing truck tracking options without GPS
Use this table as an easy way to understand and compare your various backup tracking options.
Take a look:
| Method |
Accuracy |
Cost |
Reliability |
Best Use Case |
| Cellular |
Medium |
Low |
Varies |
Urban coverage |
| RFID |
High (short range) |
Medium |
Limited |
Warehouses/logistics hubs |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth |
Medium |
Low |
Limited |
Short-range/local |
| ANPR |
High |
High |
Location-dependent |
Toll roads/cities |
| Cartrack Tag |
High |
Included in the subscription/package |
Strong backup |
Fleetwide visibility |
The Cartrack Tag and GPS solutions for maximum security
The Catrack Tag keeps visibility on your fleet even when there isn’t any GPS connection. We’d argue that our Tag is one of the best options for complete and maximum security, offering you additional protection and filling the tracking gaps when you need it.
A clear breakdown of the Cartrack Tag
The Cartrack Tag is triggered the moment a GPS signal is lost. Because it’s an anti-jamming device first, the Tag is usually triggered by tampering/jamming of a primary GPS tracking device. Once the primary device detects jamming and can’t communicate using the GPS signals, it’ll switch to the Cartrack Proprietary Radio Frequency (CPRF) Network, which is unaffected by jamming.
Cartrack Tags send out a ‘pulse’ to nearby primary tracking devices, which respond by effectively saying, “I’m here.” This constant exchange keeps the vehicle visible within the network. The Tag also has a large power source, giving it an estimated 5-year battery life.
What exactly does your fleet of trucks gain from the Cartrack Tag?
Your fleet of trucks gains complete visibility and protection from the Cartrack Tag, especially when you know it’s a fully supportive addition to your GPS tracking device. You won’t have to worry about fragmented solutions. Accurate GPS tracking is reinforced by our Tag’s constant protection against signal interference and tampering.
Here’s more on what you can expect:
- Uninterrupted monitoring: GPS handles daily tracking, while our Tag stands as a failsafe, keeping every vehicle visible at all times.
- Theft prevention: If thieves jam GPS signals or tamper with devices, our Tag keeps transmitting silently and triggers instant alerts.
- Operational confidence: Together, GPS tracking and the Tag remove blind spots, reduce business risks, and give you complete truck fleet protection.
Final thoughts: Is non-GPS tracking worth it?
It’s possible to track a truck without GPS by using alternative methods like cellular triangulation, RFID, or ANPR. These methods come with limitations, though, and they include lower accuracy and dependence on external infrastructure. While they can offer additional insights, they can’t replace GPS for comprehensive fleet visibility.
Your best solution is to combine GPS tracking with the Cartrack Tag. This dual-layered approach ensures complete coverage, delivering maximum security and true peace of mind.
Keep your fleet visible 24/7. Don’t let jamming, tampering, or signal loss put your trucks at risk. Contact our experts to see how Cartrack can keep your business moving.
FAQs
Q: Can I track a truck location without GPS online?
A: You can track a truck location without GPS online, but your choices are fairly limited. A few systems use structures like signal towers or checkpoints, though they won’t give you the constant feed that you’d need. In practice, if you want regular updates, the safest bet is still GPS with a backup tracking device.
Q: Is it legal to track a truck without GPS in Eswatini?
A: Yes, it’s legal to track a truck without GPS in Eswatini if you’re following the rules and staying in line with privacy protection laws. Remember: always be transparent with your drivers and ensure you have their consent. Staying compliant is easy with Cartrack, so you can focus on running your fleet without having to worry about potential legal issues.
Q: Are number plate recognition systems widely available across Eswatini?
A: Number plate recognition systems are only really available across major highways, toll gates, and some urban areas, but it’s important to note that coverage isn’t nationwide. These won’t provide continuous tracking and will likely have gaps in data feedback. This makes ANPR helpful for authorities carrying out checks, but not necessarily for you, a fleet manager needing full visibility.
Q: Can someone else track my truck if the GPS is off?
A: No, someone else wouldn’t be able to track your truck if the GPS is off because a truck with no GPS won’t be detectable. This is the case for criminals who rely on GPS tracking for nefarious activities. Ensure you have a reliable backup system in place, like the Cartrack Tag, to have eyes on your fleet at all times.
