Frequently Asked Questions about our Fleet Tracking System

Plug N Track GPS is a sophisticated platform of systems that combine GPS satellite signals, vehicle status and events, transmitting data via wireless cellular networks to a host of powerful servers that turns the data into fleet intelligence. The Plug N Track GPS cloud based servers make all of this information available to its customers over a wide variety of online platforms. Check out our How GPS Tracking Works page.

Plug N Track GPS has a broad range of GPS tracking hardware to support most any application. Our claim to fame, however, is our easy install plug and play devices. These devices simply plug into either the OBDII port in light-duty vehicles manufactured after 1996 or into the J-Bus port of heavy-duty vehicles. These ports are easily located in the vehicle, and a simple DIY installation of the device is all that is required.

 

We also provide fleet operators with a broad range of additional GPS tracking devices. We stock and support advanced GPS tracking designed for most any application including equipment, trailers, and remote asset tracking. If it should be tracked, we track it! As you might imagine there are many available options. Our priority is to listen and learn about your needs so we can present a GPS tracking solution that best fits your fleet in the most cost-effective manner.

 

Give us a Call: 1-855-238-3830 or Send Us a Message. Our professional Fleet Specialists are committed to providing you exceptional service and support.

2G networks are currently being phased out or "sunset" by cellular carriers and in the near future will be dismantled entirely. A 2G to 3G migration is currently underway and impacts GPS tracking that utilizes cellular networks. Don't be fooled by low prices on soon to be obsolete 2G equipment. Checkout this link for a more complete explanation of the 2G to 3G Migration.

Yes. Your Plug N Track GPS modem has a backup battery that will alert you if it is unplugged making it virtually tamper proof. You simply set an "Alert" on the Plug N Track GPS mapping dashboard website to inform you by text message or email if your Plug N Track GPS modem is disconnected from the battery source. A battery disconnect event is also captured and recorded in various reports for your archive. If you'd like even more security from tampering you can purchase an optional Relocation Y-cable that allows you to install the modem further up in to the dash.

Plug N Track GPS is ideal for any size fleet. Whether you have a fleet of two or a fleet of thousands, Plug N Track GPS will get you up and tracking quickly. Contact us to discuss your needs. We've outfitted thousands of fleets large and small and we're prepared to do it again. +1-855-238-3830

Your Plug N Track GPS unit is a connected device and requires a separately billed service plan to wirelessly communicate the vehicle's GPS data over the cellular network. The Service Plan fee includes both the cellular data fee and access to the Plug N Track GPS mapping dashboard website. Please see our Service Plans menu for details.

Yes. AutoConnect GPS mobile apps function seamlessly with Plug N Track GPS devices and support all available Plug N Track GPS features. Plug N Track GPS branded mobile apps will be available soon. When the Plug N Track GPS mobile app is available, account holders will receive an email to advise of the free download of Plug N Track GPS branded mobile apps.

 

AutoConnect GPS mobile apps are available, at no charge, for Blackberry OS7, Blackberry OS10, Android, and Apple iOS operating systems. Apps are easily downloaded from their respective OS App Stores.

An Over-Speed Warning Beeper is built into many of the Plug N Track GPS devices and warns drivers that their speed has exceeded the pre-configured threshold speed (default 120.7 km/h or 75 mp/h). If the speed of the vehicle continues over the pre-configured threshold for a duration of 15 seconds an over-speed event is recorded. Two distinct in-cab audible warnings alert the driver to an impending over-speed event and a third to confirm an over-speed event. An over-speed event is reset when the speed of the vehicle falls 24 km/h (15 mp/h) below the configured threshold.

You can request that the Over-Speed threshold be adjusted in 5 mp/h (8.04 km/h) increments or disable it entirely by emailing Plug N Track GPS technical support with the Serial #/ESN of the device.

 

An aggressive acceleration / deceleration event is defined when the vehicle's speed increases / decreases by 14.5 km/h (9 mp/h) within a 1-second time frame.

You can see aggressive driving events on the Plug N Track GPS dashboard when looking at the trip history. You can also set Alerts on the dashboard to notify you by text or email whenever an aggressive driving event occurs. Aggressive Driving events are also recorded and included in a variety of reports to help you to assess the performance of your fleet.

An excessive idling event is detected and defined when the vehicle's ignition is on and travel speed is less than 8 km/h (5 mp/h) for longer than 10 minutes.

You can set an Alert on the dashboard to notify you by text or email if an excessive idling event occurs. You can also configure the Alert with a variety of variables such as inside or outside specific landmarks you have created, particular days, or times of day. This will help you control excessive idling and save you money in fuel and unnecessary wear and tear on vehicles.

Yes. If the ignition is Off and the Plug N Track GPS device detects movement at any speed greater than 32 km/h (20 mp/h) for 10 seconds or longer a potential towing event is triggered. That event is stopped when the GPS calculated speed is less than 8 km/h (5 mp/h for 2 minutes or longer.

You can set an Alert on the dashboard to notify you by text or email for any potential towing events to protect your vehicle assets.

Yes. An Excessive RPM event is captured and defined when the vehicle's engine RPM exceeds its configured threshold of 4,000 RPM. That even is reset when the RPM of the vehicle falls back down to 3,500 RPM.

The detection of a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is defined by the On Board Diagnostics (OBD) equipment of the vehicle. If the OBD detects a trouble code the Plug N Track GPS OBDII device records this event. Diagnostic Trouble Codes for the make and model of the vehicle can be translated via many online sources including a wide variety of Apps.

You can set an Alert on the dashboard to notify yourself by text or email for any DTC's detected. This ensures you stay on top of vehicle issues and keeps your drivers safe and customers happy.

No. The device will not interfere with any of the vehicle’s electronics and on-board computers. It only "listens" to the data transmitted by the vehicle.

Fleet businesses that invest in and utilize the features of Plug N Track GPS reap the benefits and realize long-term returns on their investment. Because however, there are also many short-term goal orientated scenario’s for GPS vehicle tracking, Plug N Track GPS has a "no return" policy. Examples of short-term goals might be where a business wants to know if a particular employee is misusing a company vehicle while off the clock or someone interested in using a GPS device to find out if a spouse is cheating on them. In both scenarios, the user could find what they are looking for within hours and therefore would no longer need the GPS tracking device they purchased. This has led to abuse of money back guarantees.

Clearly, we want to eliminate those abusing policy and at the same time make certain that those who make a long-term investment with Plug N Track GPS receive the best possible care. Though we have a “no return” policy on all GPS hardware, we provide the highest level of support for any device purchase. We offer a one-year manufacturer’s warranty on all hardware sold, free technical support and quick turnaround. When a fleet buys Plug N Track GPS they are guaranteed a GPS tracking system that performs to the highest level.

 

Return Policy Breakdown

 

• All sales from Plug N Track GPS are considered final.
• If for any reason Plug N Track GPS authorizes an order cancellation or product return we reserve the right to apply a 3% restocking fee.
• All products sold on Plug N Track GPS are supported with technical support and one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
• If you have questions about our policy please email: PlugNTrackGPS

 

Yes. Your Plug N Track GPS device is covered by a limited manufacturer's one (1) year non-transferable warranty. The warranty is valid as of the sale date. Checkout the full warranty description.

17.A Cellular service plan fees are billed through NorthSat Distribution Inc. to the credit card provided at the time of activation. Should you need to update your credit card please contact NorthSat Distribution by email at billing@certifiedtrackingsolutions.com or phone 1-855-238-3830 ext, 2.

 

17.B What is a security deposit? An airtime security deposit is required for each Plug n Track GPS device activated. The security deposit amount is equal to one month’s service plan fee.

No. Cellular service plan fees are billed through NorthSat Distribution Inc. to the credit card provided at the time of activation. NorthSat Distribution deals directly with the wireless providers on your behalf and you will not receive any communication directly or indirectly as a result of your account with Plug N Track GPS.

Key differences between the Basic and Advanced Fleet plan's are the more frequent real-time reporting and inclusion of heading change updates to achieve a higher GPS tracking resolution. The Advanced Fleet plans also include a more robust set of fleet reporting options and enterprise-level dashboard tools and ability to integrate into back office systems. For a more detailed explanation of all of the available features please see our Service Plans menu.

If you would like to upgrade or downgrade your Service Plan on a device simply email Billing at billing@certifiedtrackingsolutions.com with the device # (s) and new plan level request. Changes will be made to each device "Over the Air" within 48 business hours.

 

Transfer Fees

 

• Transfer to Lower Data Plan: $28.00/unit
• Transfer to Higher Data Plan: No charge

You must activate Plug N Track GPS devices before they are shipped. Serial #’s will be provided by email following the purchase of devices. Use the Serial #’s to activate and select your monthly Service Plan by clicking the "Activate" icon found on each page of www.PlugNTrackGPS.com. Check our Quick Start Guide for further instruction.

The activation fee is a one-time charge ($20) charged by the cellular network carrier to create an account and assign a unique number so that each Plug N Track GPS device can transmit across its network.

Plug N Track GPS is partnered with Rogers and Bell. Two of Canada's premiere coast to coast cellular network carriers. The Plug N Track GPS hardware shipped is specific to either Rogers or Bell and cannot be migrated over to the other cellular network after the fact. To help you make the best choice of either Bell or Rogers please check out the links to the coverage maps on the Coverage page. In the USA Plug N Track GPS devices roam on AT&T's cellular network with the addition of a cross-border plan.

Your Plug N Track GPS device contains a backup 10,000 position store and forward capacity should your vehicle ever travel into areas without sufficient cellular coverage. When back in cellular coverage the modem communicates all stored data to the Plug N Track servers so that you virtually never lose sight of your fleet.

Your Plug N Track GPS device will not connect to a cellular network outside of Canada or North America protecting you from costly roaming charges. The unit will accumulate and store up to 10,000 position and status events while travelling outside of Canada or North America and transmit this data once back within cellular range in Canada. A cross-border plan is available should your fleet vehicles routinely travel to the United States for a nominal fee of $1.50 per month.

At any time you can cancel your Plug N Track GPS service plan at no cost however if you are running a seasonal business or require tracking devices for only portions of the year it may be best to put the device in "Off-Season Mode" when not in use. Off-Season mode suspends the tracking device, allowing it to be reactivated at a later date. While in Off-Season mode you can access your account and all of the history. Written confirmation via an email to Billing at billing@certifiedtrackingsolutions.com for any unit that needs to be transferred into or out of "Off-Season Mode".

 

i. Off-Season Length

• Minimum: 2 Months
• Maximum: 6 Months

 

ii. Off-Season Charges

• Transfer to Off-Season Fee: $25/Unit
• $5 per month
• Reactivation Fee: $0/Unit

 

Should you no longer need your Plug N Track GPS account we require 30 days notice to cancel the monthly Service Plan on any device. This notice must be in writing sent via email to Billing at billing@certifiedtrackingsolutions.com.

Please note that when your Plug N Track account is deactivated all previous tracking data is deleted from the system! You are able to reactivate your Plug N Track device if requested within 6-months. The reactivation fee is $20/unit.

No. The device receives updates to software, firmware, and configuration settings "Over-The-Air" which means you never have to bring your device in.

No. The device is powered by the vehicle through the OBDII port and never needs to be charged.

You can simply move the Plug N Track GPS hardware to a new vehicle or from vehicle to vehicle within your fleet. Not a problem.

No. For reliability and security Plug N Track GPS uses a custom APN (site to site VPN tunnel) with static IP for each modem (a separate pipeline if you will from the standard voice/data network). Cellular data costs are actually a small portion of the monthly service plan fee with ongoing Web Hosting making up the bulk of offset costs. Replacing the SIM in the Plug N Track GPS Modem will void the warranty on the device.

Your data will be available online for a minimum of 6 months. You should extract any data and run any reports within 6 months from the date of the activity for any archival needs.

If you have a question that isn't answered here please email us. We'll answer your question and perhaps even add it to this list.