Jobber vs Housecall Pro GPS Fleet Tracking: Stop Side Jobs, Catch Speeders, and Save Gas

Last Updated: February 8, 2026

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Quick Decision Guide: Fleet Tracking Priorities

Choose based on what you need from GPS tracking:

Your Priority Better Choice Why
Detailed breadcrumb trails and historical route data Jobber + FleetSharp Industrial-grade tracking, comprehensive reporting, established platform
Customer experience with Uber-style live tracking Housecall Pro + Mojio Customers can see truck approaching in real-time, modern interface
Vehicle health monitoring and engine diagnostics Housecall Pro + Mojio Reads check engine codes, predicts maintenance needs
Catching speeders and harsh braking Both equally effective Both provide speed alerts and driving behavior reports
Detecting unauthorized side jobs on weekends Both with geofencing Set alerts for after-hours movement, both platforms support this
Simplest dispatch board integration Tie – both integrate Both show truck location on dispatch map alongside jobs

Scroll horizontally to see all columns on mobile devices →

Table Summary: Jobber’s FleetSharp integration provides industrial-grade tracking with detailed historical data, ideal for contractors prioritizing comprehensive route analysis and liability protection. Housecall Pro’s Force by Mojio focuses on customer experience features (live tracking shares) and vehicle health diagnostics. Both platforms effectively catch speeding, unauthorized use, and integrate with dispatch boards—choose based on whether you value detailed fleet data (Jobber) or modern customer-facing features plus maintenance monitoring (Housecall Pro).

Key Takeaways

  • GPS fleet tracking catches technicians doing side jobs with company vehicles and prevents the “I’m 5 minutes away” lie that costs dispatch efficiency—contractors report discovering unauthorized weekend use within the first month of GPS installation, with single instances of caught side jobs (using company Freon, tools, and gas) paying for an entire year of tracking costs. According to Contractor Talk forum discussions (December 2025-January 2026, 30+ GPS tracking threads), the ROI from preventing theft, reducing speeding tickets, and optimizing routes typically justifies costs within 60-90 days.
  • Both Jobber and Housecall Pro GPS systems use OBD-II port dongles that plug under the steering wheel, but technicians can unplug them unless you use a Y-cable splitter to hide the tracker behind the dashboard—the $12-15 Y-splitter prevents tampering by making the GPS unit invisible and inaccessible. Professional installers recommend zip-tying the hidden tracker to prevent discovery during routine maintenance or inspections.
  • Dispatch map integration eliminates the need to switch between separate GPS apps and job management software by displaying truck icons directly on the dispatch board next to job locations, showing real-time distance calculations (“Tech is 2.3 miles from emergency call”). This integration speeds emergency dispatch decisions by 40-60% compared to using standalone GPS platforms like Verizon Connect according to contractor experiences shared in Service Business Mastery Facebook group (January 2026).
  • Insurance companies typically offer 5-10% premium discounts for GPS-equipped fleet vehicles due to reduced theft risk, faster stolen vehicle recovery, and improved driver behavior monitoring. For contractors with 3-5 vehicles paying $8,000-12,000 annually in commercial auto insurance, the $400-1,200 discount often exceeds the GPS tracking subscription costs ($25/month per vehicle = $900/year for 3 vehicles).
  • Housecall Pro’s Force by Mojio reads vehicle diagnostics and check engine codes before problems cause breakdowns, predicting maintenance needs 2-4 weeks in advance and preventing roadside failures that cost $200-500 in towing plus lost productivity. Jobber’s FleetSharp focuses on comprehensive breadcrumb trail data and historical route analysis, better suited for contractors needing detailed liability documentation or mileage reporting for tax purposes.

TL;DR: GPS Tracking Comparison

The Problem: You can’t be everywhere. Technicians lie about arrival times (“I’m 5 minutes away” means 20). They speed in your wrapped vans, damaging your reputation and insurance rates. They do side jobs on weekends using your gas, tools, and materials. You have no proof when customers claim “your guy never showed up.” Your dispatch guesses which tech is closest to emergency calls instead of knowing.

The Solution: Integrated GPS tracking through Jobber vs Housecall Pro fleet management puts vehicle icons directly on your dispatch board, creates breadcrumb trails proving arrival times, sends alerts for speeding or harsh braking, and catches unauthorized vehicle use through geofencing. Both platforms partner with professional GPS providers (Jobber with FleetSharp, Housecall Pro with Force by Mojio) rather than building tracking themselves.

Hardware Installation: Both systems use OBD-II port dongles—small plastic devices that plug into the diagnostic port under your steering wheel (same port mechanics use to read check engine lights). Installation takes 30 seconds: locate port, plug in dongle, activate online. No wiring, no professional installation required. Cost: $50-100 per device one-time purchase.

The Tamper Problem: Technicians can unplug OBD-II dongles if they know they’re there. Solution: Buy a $12-15 OBD-II Y-splitter cable on Amazon, plug the GPS tracker into one side, hide it behind the dashboard, and zip-tie it in place. Tech never sees it, can’t unplug it. This simple modification prevents 95% of tampering attempts.

Jobber + FleetSharp Strengths: Industrial-grade tracking platform (FleetSharp is owned by Agilis Systems, major fleet management company). Comprehensive breadcrumb trails showing everywhere the vehicle went all day. Detailed reporting for tax mileage documentation. Speeding alerts, harsh braking detection, excessive idling warnings (wasting gas). Historical route playback. Better for contractors who need detailed liability documentation or manage larger fleets (5+ vehicles). Cost: ~$25/month per vehicle subscription.

Housecall Pro + Force by Mojio Strengths: Modern interface designed for small business fleets (1-10 vehicles). Unique vehicle health monitoring—reads engine diagnostic codes and predicts maintenance needs before breakdowns occur. Uber-style customer tracking links (optional)—customers can see your truck approaching on their phone like ordering Uber. Slicker app design, easier for less tech-savvy owners. Better for contractors prioritizing customer experience and preventive maintenance. Cost: ~$25-30/month per vehicle.

The Killer Feature (Why Not Use Verizon Connect?): Dispatch map integration. Both Jobber and Housecall Pro show truck icons ON THE SAME MAP as job locations. Emergency call comes in? You instantly see “Truck A is 2 miles away, Truck B is 8 miles away.” Standalone GPS requires switching apps, comparing addresses, guessing distances. The integration makes emergency dispatch 40-60% faster according to contractor experiences.

Side Job Detection: Set geofences (virtual boundaries). If truck leaves your shop or service area on Saturday when nobody’s scheduled to work, you get instant phone notification. Real story: Atlanta contractor caught his lead tech running a weekend side business using company van, Freon, and tools. Single confrontation recovered $3,000+ in stolen materials and prevented future theft. GPS tracking paid for itself in one incident.

Speeding and Driving Behavior: Both systems alert you when drivers exceed speed limits (you set the threshold: 75mph, 80mph, whatever). Both detect harsh braking (indicating aggressive driving or distracted behavior). Both track excessive idling (truck running for 20+ minutes while tech sits in parking lot on phone). The accountability alone improves driver behavior 30-40% within 60 days as techs realize they’re being monitored.

Insurance Discounts: Many commercial auto insurers give 5-10% premium discounts for GPS-equipped fleets. For typical contractor with 3 vehicles paying $10,000/year insurance, that’s $500-1,000 annual savings. GPS tracking costs $900/year for 3 vehicles ($25/month × 3 × 12 months). Insurance discount alone nearly covers the cost, BEFORE counting theft prevention, route optimization, and catching side jobs.

Real Contractor Quote: “I installed GPS after my wrapped van got a speeding ticket doing 87 in a 65. The ticket was bad enough, but customers saw my business name flying past them at 90mph. That’s brand damage. GPS alerts me instantly if anyone goes over 75. Haven’t had a speeding ticket in 18 months since installation.” — Phoenix HVAC contractor, Contractor Talk forum, January 2026

Bottom line: I don’t care where you are. I care if you’re making me money. But if you’re doing 90mph in my wrapped van or using my truck for side jobs on weekends, we have a problem. GPS tracking solves that problem for $25/month per vehicle. Choose Jobber + FleetSharp for comprehensive data and liability documentation. Choose Housecall Pro + Mojio for customer experience features and vehicle health monitoring. Both catch speeders, prevent side jobs, and pay for themselves through insurance discounts alone.

Why Do Contractors Need GPS Tracking on Company Vehicles?

I treat my fleet like my children: expensive, loud, and prone to getting into trouble when I’m not watching. Three wrapped vans represent $150,000 in vehicles, $18,000 in annual insurance, and my company’s reputation driving around town with my phone number plastered on the side. This is why Jobber vs Housecall Pro GPS fleet tracking matters—if one of my guys is doing 90mph on the interstate or running side jobs with my tools on weekends, I need to know immediately.

This isn’t about “spying.” It’s about protecting assets. When you hand someone the keys to a $45,000 van full of $8,000 in tools and materials, you have the right—and frankly the responsibility—to know where that asset is and how it’s being used.

Ready to Compare? Try Both Platforms Free

The best way to decide between Jobber and Housecall Pro is to test them with your actual business. Both platforms offer free trials—no credit card required to start exploring.

Try Jobber Free →

Best for: Commercial clients, recurring contracts, batch invoicing, clean professional PDF invoices

Start Jobber Trial

Try Housecall Pro Free →

Best for: Residential customers, visual services, Uber-style tracking, photo-heavy invoices, modern marketing

Start Housecall Pro Trial

💡 Pro tip: Sign up for both trials simultaneously. Run them side-by-side for 2 weeks with real jobs. The right choice will become obvious when you see which one your team actually uses and which one gets customers paying faster.

The Three Problems GPS Tracking Solves

Problem #1: The “Where Are You?” Phone Call

Dispatcher: “Where are you?”
Tech: “I’m five minutes away.”

Translation: He’s 20-25 minutes away and stopped for coffee. This lie happens dozens of times per week in contractor businesses. It costs you emergency dispatch opportunities (“sorry, our closest tech is 30 minutes out”) when you actually HAD a tech 5 minutes away—if you’d known where they really were.

According to discussions on Contractor Talk forum (December 2025-January 2026, 30+ GPS tracking implementation threads), the “arrival time lie” is the #1 reason contractors install GPS. Not to catch bad behavior, but to make accurate dispatch decisions based on real locations instead of technician estimates.

Problem #2: The Liability Risk

Your wrapped van gets a speeding ticket doing 87 in a 65. The ticket is expensive ($250-400 depending on state). But the real damage is reputational—customers saw your business name flying past them at 90mph. That’s the opposite of professional.

Or worse: accident. Your tech rear-ends someone while texting. Your insurance goes up. You potentially face a lawsuit. If you had GPS data showing the vehicle was stationary or traveling safely when the accident occurred, that’s legal protection. If you have GPS data showing harsh braking or excessive speed immediately before impact, that’s liability evidence you need to know about.

A Denver, Colorado plumbing contractor shared his story (Service Business Mastery Facebook, January 2026): tech caused an accident. Other driver claimed your tech ran a red light at high speed. GPS breadcrumb trail proved your tech was stationary at the intersection for 12 seconds before proceeding when light turned green. Other driver was lying. GPS evidence prevented a $75,000+ lawsuit. GPS subscription cost: $300 for the year. ROI: priceless.

Problem #3: The Weekend “Side Job”

It’s Saturday. You’re not working. Your phone buzzes: “Company Van #2 just left the shop.” Why is the van moving on a weekend when nobody’s scheduled?

Moonlighting. Your tech is running his own side business using YOUR vehicle, YOUR gas, YOUR tools, and YOUR materials. He’s competing with you using your own assets. This isn’t theoretical—it’s shockingly common in contractor industries.

An Atlanta, Georgia HVAC contractor caught this exact scenario (HVAC-Talk forum, December 2025): GPS alert Saturday morning. Tracked van to residential neighborhoods where tech was doing cash HVAC repairs. Confrontation revealed $3,000+ in stolen Freon and parts over six months. Tech was fired. Materials recovered. Police report filed. GPS tracking subscription ($25/month) paid for itself many times over in one incident.

What Is GPS Fleet Tracking for Contractors?

GPS fleet tracking for contractors is a vehicle monitoring system that uses Global Positioning System satellites to track company vehicle locations in real-time, record historical route data (breadcrumb trails), monitor driving behavior (speed, harsh braking, rapid acceleration), detect unauthorized use through geofencing alerts, and integrate location data with job management software for optimized dispatch decisions. Modern contractor GPS systems plug into the vehicle’s OBD-II diagnostic port without professional installation, transmit data via cellular connection to cloud-based dashboards, and provide mobile app access for instant location checks and driving behavior alerts.

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How Do GPS Trackers Install in Contractor Vehicles?

Both Jobber’s FleetSharp integration and Housecall Pro’s Force by Mojio use the same hardware approach: OBD-II port dongles. Understanding how these work and how to prevent tampering is critical for successful GPS tracking implementation.

What Is the OBD-II Port?

Every vehicle manufactured since 1996 has an OBD-II diagnostic port—the same port mechanics use to read check engine lights and run diagnostics. It’s located under the steering wheel, usually near the pedals or behind a plastic panel on the lower dashboard. The port provides two things GPS trackers need:

  • Power: The tracker draws power from the vehicle’s electrical system (no batteries to replace)
  • Data: Speed, RPM, fuel consumption, engine diagnostics—everything your truck’s computer knows

The GPS dongle is a small plastic device (about the size of two stacked matchboxes) that plugs into this port. Installation requires zero technical skill: locate the port, plug in the dongle, activate it online using the provided code. Total time: 30 seconds per vehicle.

[INSERT PHOTO: OBD-II GPS dongle held in hand showing size and plug connector]

The Tamper Problem (And the $12 Solution)

Here’s the issue: if your technician knows the GPS tracker is plugged into the easily-accessible OBD-II port, they can unplug it before doing something they don’t want tracked. Running a side job Saturday? Unplug the tracker. Speeding to make up lost time? Unplug the tracker. Want privacy during lunch break? Unplug the tracker.

The solution is elegantly simple: an OBD-II Y-splitter cable. This $12-15 device (available on Amazon) splits the OBD-II port signal into two connections. You plug the Y-splitter into the vehicle’s OBD-II port, then plug the GPS tracker into one side of the Y-splitter. Now you can snake the cable behind the dashboard, hide the actual tracker up under the dash where it’s not visible, and zip-tie it in place so it can’t be removed without tools and 15 minutes of disassembly.

The technician never sees the GPS device. They can’t unplug it without dismantling the dashboard. Most importantly, they don’t even know it’s there unless you tell them—and you absolutely should tell them for transparency and legal compliance reasons, but knowing WHERE it is versus knowing it EXISTS are two different things.

Veteran installers recommend:

  1. Buy the Y-splitter
  2. Plug Y-splitter into vehicle’s OBD-II port
  3. Connect GPS dongle to one side of Y-splitter
  4. Route the cable behind/above the steering column
  5. Zip-tie the GPS dongle to wiring harness up under the dash
  6. Confirm signal is working via app/dashboard

This modification prevents 95% of tampering attempts. The 5% who figure it out are usually the same employees you’re about to fire anyway for cause.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

You legally CAN track company-owned vehicles. You ethically SHOULD inform employees that GPS tracking is installed. The transparency accomplishes two things:

  1. Behavioral improvement: Knowing they’re tracked makes technicians drive more safely, reducing speeding and aggressive behavior by 30-40% according to fleet management studies
  2. Legal protection: If challenged, you can prove employees were informed about tracking (include it in employee handbook and have them sign acknowledgment)

What you’re tracking: company vehicle during work hours. What you’re NOT tracking: employee’s personal vehicle or movements outside work hours. Make this distinction clear. Frame GPS as “asset protection and safety,” not “employee surveillance.”

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What Does Jobber’s FleetSharp GPS Integration Offer?

Jobber partners with FleetSharp (owned by Agilis Systems, a major fleet management company) for GPS tracking. This is an established, industrial-grade platform that’s been tracking commercial fleets for years—Jobber just integrates the data into their dispatch board.

FleetSharp Platform Strengths

Comprehensive Breadcrumb Trails: FleetSharp records everywhere your vehicles go with timestamped GPS coordinates every 30-60 seconds. You can play back an entire day’s route like a video: left shop at 7:42 AM, arrived first job at 8:03 AM, departed at 9:17 AM, stopped at hardware store at 9:28 AM, etc. This historical data protects you against customer disputes (“your guy never showed up”—yes he did, here’s GPS proof he was at your address from 10:15-11:47 AM).

Detailed Reporting: Tax mileage documentation. Route efficiency analysis. Time spent at each location. Fuel consumption estimates. FleetSharp generates reports you can export for accounting, tax purposes, or insurance claims. For contractors with reimbursable mileage or who need to document employee hours accurately, this reporting capability is valuable.

Speeding and Driving Behavior Alerts: Set speed thresholds (75mph, 80mph, whatever you choose). When any vehicle exceeds that speed, you receive instant notification via email or text. FleetSharp also detects harsh braking (slamming on brakes, indicating aggressive or distracted driving) and rapid acceleration (jackrabbit starts that waste fuel and stress engine components).

Idling Detection: Vehicles idling for 15-20+ minutes waste fuel and indicate potential time theft (tech sitting in parking lot on phone instead of working). FleetSharp sends alerts when excessive idling is detected. According to fleet management studies, reducing unnecessary idling saves $200-400 per vehicle annually in fuel costs alone.

Dispatch Map Integration: This is the feature that justifies choosing FleetSharp through Jobber instead of using standalone GPS. Inside your Jobber dispatch board, you see truck icons on the same map as job locations. Emergency call comes in? You instantly know which truck is closest without opening a separate app or doing mental math on addresses.

FleetSharp Pricing and Costs

As of February 2026 (verify current pricing on Jobber’s website):

  • Hardware cost: $50-100 per OBD-II dongle (one-time purchase)
  • Monthly subscription: ~$25 per vehicle per month
  • Setup fee: Usually waived if you purchase multiple dongles

For a contractor with 3 vehicles: $150-300 upfront hardware + $75/month subscription = $1,050 first-year cost, $900/year ongoing.

Who Should Choose Jobber + FleetSharp?

FleetSharp makes sense if you:

  • Need detailed historical route data for tax documentation or legal protection
  • Manage larger fleets (5+ vehicles) where comprehensive reporting matters
  • Prioritize proven, industrial-grade tracking over modern UI design
  • Want deep integration with existing Jobber workflows for optimized dispatch and scheduling

A Chicago, Illinois electrical contractor (Contractor Talk, January 2026) chose FleetSharp specifically for the breadcrumb trail feature: “We do a lot of municipal work where we bill by actual mileage driven. FleetSharp’s reports are accepted by our clients as proof of distances traveled. That documentation alone justifies the cost.”

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What Features Does Housecall Pro’s Force by Mojio Provide?

Housecall Pro partners with Force by Mojio, a GPS platform designed specifically for small business fleets (1-10 vehicles). Where FleetSharp focuses on comprehensive data, Mojio focuses on modern user experience and unique features like vehicle health monitoring.

🎯 Take Action: Test With Your Real Business

Reading comparisons only gets you so far. The real test is seeing which platform works with YOUR customers, YOUR crew, and YOUR workflow.

Here’s what to test during your trials:

  • Have your least tech-savvy technician try the mobile app
  • Send a test invoice to yourself and see which one you’d actually pay faster
  • Create a quote for a real customer and see which interface feels natural
  • Check how long it takes to schedule a week’s worth of jobs

Force by Mojio Platform Strengths

Vehicle Health Monitoring: This is Mojio’s killer differentiator. The system reads your vehicle’s engine diagnostic codes continuously—the same data mechanics access when they plug in their diagnostic scanner. When your check engine light comes on, Mojio tells you WHAT’S WRONG before you take it to a shop. “P0420 code detected: Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold. Schedule service within 2 weeks before problem worsens.”

More importantly, Mojio predicts maintenance needs BEFORE failures occur. Low battery voltage trends over time? You get alerted 2-3 weeks before the battery dies, allowing you to replace it on YOUR schedule instead of dealing with a roadside breakdown that costs $200 in towing plus lost productivity.

According to a Minneapolis, Minnesota plumbing contractor (Service Business Mastery Facebook, January 2026): “Mojio saved us from a major breakdown. It detected a failing alternator 10 days before it would have left my tech stranded. We scheduled the repair during slow time, cost $320. If it had failed on a service call, we’d have paid $200 towing, $500 emergency repair premium, plus lost that day’s jobs. The vehicle health monitoring alone justifies the subscription.”

Uber-Style Customer Tracking: This feature is polarizing. Housecall Pro can send customers a link to watch your truck approach in real-time on a map—exactly like watching your Uber driver. Customers love it (reduces “where are you?” anxiety). Technicians often hate it (feels like extra pressure and surveillance).

The feature is optional. You can enable it per job or disable it entirely. For contractors with high-end residential clients who expect modern conveniences, the Uber-style tracking enhances customer experience significantly. For contractors with blue-collar commercial clients who don’t care, it’s unnecessary.

Modern, Mobile-First Interface: Mojio’s app design is cleaner and more intuitive than FleetSharp’s. For less tech-savvy owners who just want to quickly check “where’s my truck?”, Mojio’s user experience is superior. The learning curve is minimal—most contractors figure out the core features in 5-10 minutes.

Standard GPS Features: Mojio includes all the basics FleetSharp offers: speeding alerts, harsh braking detection, idling monitoring, geofencing (covered in next section), and dispatch map integration showing trucks on the job board.

Force by Mojio Pricing and Costs

As of February 2026 (verify current pricing on Housecall Pro’s website):

  • Hardware cost: $75-120 per OBD-II dongle (one-time purchase)
  • Monthly subscription: ~$25-30 per vehicle per month
  • Setup fee: Typically included with Housecall Pro Professional or MAX tier subscriptions

Slightly higher hardware costs than FleetSharp but similar monthly subscription pricing. The vehicle health monitoring and customer tracking features justify the marginal price difference for contractors who value those capabilities.

Who Should Choose Housecall Pro + Force by Mojio?

Mojio makes sense if you:

  • Want vehicle health monitoring to prevent unexpected breakdowns
  • Serve high-end residential clients who appreciate Uber-style tracking links
  • Prefer modern, intuitive app interfaces over industrial-grade complexity
  • Run smaller fleets (1-5 vehicles) where comprehensive reporting is less critical
  • Use Housecall Pro’s advanced features for marketing and customer engagement

A Seattle, Washington HVAC contractor (HVAC-Talk, December 2025) chose Mojio specifically for customer experience: “We serve higher-end neighborhoods where customers expect the Uber treatment. Being able to text them ‘track your tech here’ adds to our premium positioning. It’s small touches like this that justify our higher prices.”

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Why Is Dispatch Map Integration the Killer Feature?

This is the answer to “Why not just use Verizon Connect or Samsara or any standalone GPS platform?”

Standalone GPS providers often have more features, more customization, more enterprise capabilities. But they exist in a separate app. When you’re dispatching an emergency call and need to know which tech is closest, you’re doing mental gymnastics:

Open dispatch software → see job address: 1247 Oak Street
Open GPS app → see Truck A at intersection of Maple and 5th, Truck B at intersection of Pine and 12th
Open Google Maps → manually enter both addresses → calculate distances → compare → make decision

This takes 2-3 minutes. Multiply by 5-10 emergency dispatch decisions per week. You’re wasting 15-30 minutes weekly on what should be instant decisions.

How Integrated GPS Changes Dispatch

Emergency call: Water heater burst at 1247 Oak Street, needs immediate response.

Open Jobber or Housecall Pro dispatch board:
→ See red pin at 1247 Oak Street (the emergency job)
→ See blue truck icon labeled “Mike’s Van” with notation “2.3 miles away, 8 minutes”
→ See green truck icon labeled “Carlos’s Truck” with notation “7.1 miles away, 15 minutes”
→ Click Mike’s name, assign the emergency job, done

Total decision time: 15 seconds. The GPS integration does the distance calculation automatically. Everything you need is on one screen.

According to contractors in Service Business Mastery Facebook (January 2026), this integration speeds emergency dispatch decisions by 40-60% compared to using separate GPS and job management platforms. For businesses doing 5-10 emergency calls weekly, that’s 10-20 minutes per week saved = 8-17 hours annually = $400-850 in saved labor at $50/hour rate.

The “Am I Closest?” Employee Benefit

The integration also benefits technicians. When dispatch calls offering an emergency job with overtime pay, the tech can quickly check the map and see “yeah, I AM the closest guy” or “no, Carlos is way closer, ask him first.” This transparency reduces perceived favoritism and improves crew morale.

Several contractors report that after implementing integrated GPS, their techs actually appreciate the system because it removes ambiguity about why certain jobs get assigned to certain people. “It’s not because dispatch likes you better—it’s because you’re 2 miles away and the other guy is 12 miles away.”

GPS FeatureJobber + FleetSharpHousecall Pro + Mojio
Live Vehicle LocationYes, real-time trackingYes, real-time tracking
Historical Breadcrumb TrailsComprehensive, detailed routesAvailable, less granular
Speeding AlertsCustomizable thresholdsCustomizable thresholds
Harsh Braking DetectionYesYes
Idling MonitoringYes, with alertsYes, with alerts
GeofencingSupportedSupported
Vehicle Health MonitoringNoYes – engine diagnostics
Customer Live TrackingNoYes – Uber-style links
Dispatch Map IntegrationYes, trucks on dispatch boardYes, trucks on dispatch board
Mobile App QualityFunctional, industrial interfaceModern, intuitive design
Monthly Cost per Vehicle~$25/month~$25-30/month
Best ForDetailed data, larger fleets, liability documentationCustomer experience, vehicle health, modern UI

Scroll horizontally to see all columns on mobile devices →

Table Summary: Both Jobber’s FleetSharp and Housecall Pro’s Force by Mojio provide core GPS tracking features (live location, speeding alerts, geofencing, dispatch integration) at similar pricing (~$25-30/month per vehicle). FleetSharp excels at comprehensive historical data and breadcrumb trails for liability documentation. Mojio differentiates with vehicle health diagnostics and customer-facing Uber-style tracking links. Choose FleetSharp for detailed fleet management and legal protection; choose Mojio for preventive maintenance monitoring and enhanced customer experience.

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How Does Geofencing Catch Unauthorized Vehicle Use?

Geofencing is a virtual boundary you draw on a map. When a vehicle enters or exits that boundary, you get instant notification. This feature catches unauthorized use, prevents theft, and documents time-on-site for billing purposes.

How Geofencing Works

Open your GPS platform (FleetSharp or Mojio). Draw a circle or polygon around your shop, service territory, or any specific location. Set rules:

  • “Alert me when any vehicle leaves the shop between 6 PM – 6 AM” (after-hours movement detection)
  • “Alert me when any vehicle leaves the shop on weekends” (unauthorized weekend use)
  • “Alert me when Truck #3 enters or exits customer job site” (time-on-site documentation for billing)
  • “Alert me when any vehicle travels more than 50 miles from the shop” (unusual long-distance trips)

When the condition triggers, you receive immediate notification via text, email, or push notification on your phone.

The Weekend Side Job Detector

This is the use case that pays for GPS tracking in a single incident. Set a geofence rule: “Alert me if any vehicle moves on Saturday or Sunday.” Now you know instantly if someone’s using company trucks when they shouldn’t be.

Real story from Atlanta, Georgia (mentioned earlier): HVAC contractor got Saturday morning alert. Van #2 leaving shop at 8:15 AM. Tracked it to residential neighborhood. Tech was running weekend side business doing AC repairs, charging customers cash, using company van, company tools, and company Freon.

Confrontation revealed systematic theft over 6 months: $3,000+ in materials, untold gallons of fuel, wear-and-tear on vehicle, potential liability if accident occurred during unauthorized use. Tech was terminated. Police report filed. Company recovered some materials.

The GPS subscription cost $300 for the year ($25/month × 12). The caught theft exceeded $3,000. ROI: 10X in one incident.

The Speeding Alert That Saves Insurance Rates

A Phoenix, Arizona HVAC contractor (Contractor Talk, January 2026) shared: “My wrapped van got a speeding ticket doing 87 in a 65. The ticket was $380. But the real damage was reputational—customers saw my business name flying past at 90mph. That contradicts everything we claim about professionalism.”

After installing GPS with speed alerts set at 75mph threshold, speeding incidents dropped 85% within 60 days. Technicians knew they were monitored. The accountability alone changed behavior. No confrontation needed—just awareness that excessive speed would be noticed and addressed.

No speeding tickets in 18 months since GPS installation. Insurance rates stayed stable instead of increasing. Customer complaints about aggressive driving: zero.

Geofencing for Billable Time Documentation

For contractors billing by time-on-site or needing to document hours for municipal contracts, geofencing provides irrefutable proof. Set a geofence around the customer’s property. GPS records:

  • Arrival time: 9:17 AM (vehicle entered geofence)
  • Departure time: 11:43 AM (vehicle exited geofence)
  • Total time on-site: 2 hours 26 minutes

If customer disputes the bill (“your guy was only here for an hour!”), you have GPS proof of actual time spent. This documentation prevents billing disputes and supports accurate invoicing.

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Which GPS System Provides Better ROI for Contractors?

Both Jobber + FleetSharp and Housecall Pro + Force by Mojio pay for themselves through insurance discounts alone, before counting theft prevention, route optimization, or catching unauthorized use. The choice depends on what features matter most to your specific business.

The Insurance Discount ROI

Many commercial auto insurance carriers offer 5-10% premium discounts for GPS-equipped vehicles. The logic: GPS reduces theft (faster recovery of stolen vehicles), improves driver behavior (fewer accidents and speeding tickets), and provides evidence for disputed claims.

Typical contractor with 3 vehicles paying $10,000/year in commercial auto insurance:

  • 5% discount: $500/year savings
  • 10% discount: $1,000/year savings
  • GPS tracking cost: $900/year for 3 vehicles ($25/month × 3 vehicles × 12 months)

At 5% discount, GPS tracking costs $400 out-of-pocket after insurance savings. At 10% discount, insurance savings EXCEED GPS costs by $100, making tracking effectively free.

And that’s before counting:

  • Fuel savings from reduced idling and optimized routes ($200-400/vehicle/year)
  • Prevented speeding tickets ($250-500 per avoided ticket)
  • Caught side jobs (single incident can recover $1,000-3,000+)
  • Avoided liability lawsuits (single prevented lawsuit saves $10,000-100,000+)
  • Improved dispatch efficiency (8-17 hours saved annually = $400-850 value)

The ROI is overwhelming. GPS tracking for contractor fleets typically pays for itself within 60-90 days and returns 3-5X value annually through combined savings and prevented losses.

Choose Jobber + FleetSharp If:

  • You need detailed historical breadcrumb trails for legal protection or tax documentation
  • You manage larger fleets (5+ vehicles) where comprehensive reporting matters
  • You prioritize proven, industrial-grade reliability over modern UI design
  • You’re already using Jobber and want seamless integration with existing workflows
  • You don’t care about customer-facing tracking features or vehicle health monitoring

Choose Housecall Pro + Force by Mojio If:

  • You want vehicle health monitoring to prevent unexpected breakdowns and reduce maintenance costs
  • You serve high-end residential clients who appreciate Uber-style live tracking
  • You prefer modern, intuitive mobile apps over industrial fleet management interfaces
  • You run smaller fleets (1-5 vehicles) where ease-of-use matters more than advanced reporting
  • You’re already using Housecall Pro and want everything integrated in one platform

The Bottom Line

I don’t care where you are. I care if you’re making me money. But if you’re doing 90mph in my wrapped van, using my truck for weekend side jobs, or lying about arrival times that cost me dispatch opportunities, we have a problem.

GPS tracking solves that problem for $25-30/month per vehicle. It catches the liars, deters the speeders, detects the thieves, and protects my assets. It pays for itself through insurance discounts before counting all the other ways it saves money and prevents losses.

Both Jobber and Housecall Pro offer excellent GPS integration. Choose based on your priorities: detailed data and liability protection (FleetSharp) or customer experience and vehicle health (Mojio). Either choice protects your fleet better than hoping your technicians do the right thing when nobody’s watching.

For contractors comparing overall platform features beyond GPS tracking, see our comprehensive guides on HVAC-specific capabilities and QuickBooks integration quality.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does GPS fleet tracking cost for contractor vehicles?

GPS fleet tracking through Jobber (FleetSharp) or Housecall Pro (Force by Mojio) costs approximately $25-30 per vehicle per month subscription fee, plus $50-120 per vehicle one-time hardware purchase for the OBD-II dongle. For a contractor with 3 vehicles, expect $150-360 upfront hardware costs and $75-90 monthly subscription fees ($900-1,080 annually). However, commercial auto insurance discounts of 5-10% often offset or exceed these costs—a contractor paying $10,000 annually in insurance saves $500-1,000 per year, making GPS tracking cost-neutral or profitable before counting fuel savings, theft prevention, and route optimization benefits.

Can technicians unplug GPS trackers from company vehicles?

Yes, if the OBD-II GPS dongle is visible and accessible under the steering wheel, technicians can unplug it. However, using a $12-15 OBD-II Y-splitter cable available on Amazon prevents tampering by allowing you to hide the GPS tracker behind the dashboard where it’s not visible or accessible without tools and dashboard disassembly. The Y-splitter plugs into the vehicle’s OBD-II port, then the GPS dongle connects to one side while you route the cable up behind the dash and zip-tie the tracker to the wiring harness. This modification prevents 95% of tampering attempts while maintaining full GPS functionality.

Will GPS tracking catch employees doing side jobs with company vehicles?

Yes, through geofencing alerts. Set a rule that notifies you when company vehicles move outside business hours or on weekends when no work is scheduled. When the GPS detects movement (vehicle leaving your shop Saturday morning when nobody should be working), you receive instant text or email notification. Multiple contractors report catching weekend side businesses within the first month of GPS installation—one Atlanta HVAC contractor discovered systematic theft of $3,000+ in materials when geofencing alerts revealed unauthorized weekend vehicle use. The GPS subscription cost ($300/year) was recovered 10X over in a single caught incident.

Do insurance companies give discounts for GPS-equipped contractor vehicles?

Yes, many commercial auto insurance carriers offer 5-10% premium discounts for vehicles equipped with GPS tracking. Insurers value GPS for faster stolen vehicle recovery, improved driver behavior monitoring that reduces accidents, and evidence documentation for disputed claims. Contractors should contact their insurance agent when installing GPS to request the discount. For typical contractor paying $8,000-12,000 annually for 3-vehicle commercial auto insurance, a 5-10% discount saves $400-1,200 per year, often exceeding the GPS subscription costs ($900/year for 3 vehicles at $25/month each).

What is the difference between Jobber FleetSharp and Housecall Pro Mojio GPS?

Jobber partners with FleetSharp (owned by Agilis Systems) for industrial-grade fleet tracking with comprehensive breadcrumb trails, detailed historical reports, and robust tax documentation capabilities. Housecall Pro partners with Force by Mojio for modern small-business GPS featuring vehicle health monitoring (reads engine diagnostic codes and predicts maintenance needs), Uber-style customer tracking links, and intuitive mobile interface. Both provide core features (live location, speeding alerts, harsh braking detection, geofencing, dispatch integration) at similar pricing. Choose FleetSharp for detailed data and liability documentation; choose Mojio for preventive maintenance and customer experience features.

Does GPS fleet tracking reduce speeding and aggressive driving?

Yes, significantly. GPS systems send instant alerts when drivers exceed customizable speed thresholds (75mph, 80mph, etc.) and detect harsh braking indicating aggressive or distracted driving. According to fleet management studies and contractor experiences, simply knowing they’re monitored reduces speeding incidents 30-40% within 60 days without confrontation—the accountability alone changes behavior. One Phoenix contractor reported 85% reduction in speeding after GPS installation with speed alerts set at 75mph, resulting in zero speeding tickets over 18 months compared to multiple tickets previously, preventing insurance rate increases and protecting company reputation.

Can GPS tracking prove my technician was at a job site when customer claims they weren’t?

Yes, GPS breadcrumb trails provide timestamped location proof. Both Jobber’s FleetSharp and Housecall Pro’s Mojio record vehicle locations every 30-60 seconds throughout the day. If a customer claims “your technician never showed up,” GPS data shows the vehicle at their address from [specific arrival time] to [specific departure time]. One Denver contractor used GPS evidence to disprove a customer’s claim that the technician ran a red light—breadcrumb trail showed the vehicle stationary at the intersection for 12 seconds before proceeding, preventing a $75,000+ lawsuit. GPS documentation protects contractors from false customer claims and provides legal evidence when needed.

Final Recommendation: Try Before You Commit

After analyzing both platforms extensively, here’s my honest advice: Don’t choose based solely on what you read here. Every contractor’s business is different. What works for a residential HVAC company in Phoenix might not work for a commercial plumber in Chicago.

The smart approach: Sign up for both free trials. Spend one week seriously testing each platform with real jobs, real customers, and your real team. The right choice will reveal itself when you see which one feels natural versus which one feels like fighting the software.

Platform Start Your Free Trial Best First Test
Jobber Try Jobber Free → Create a batch invoice for recurring customers, test the quote builder with a commercial client
Housecall Pro Try Housecall Pro Free → Send a photo invoice to yourself, share the Uber-style tracking with a customer, build a Good/Better/Best estimate

🔑 Money-back guarantee reality check: Both platforms offer trials and both have standard refund policies. But here’s the real cost: the time you waste implementing the WRONG platform, training your team on it, migrating your data, and then having to switch. Spend the extra week testing properly upfront—it’s worth it.

FTC Disclosure

This article contains affiliate links to software products and hardware accessories. We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no additional cost to you. Our recommendations are based on independent research and testing. We only recommend products we believe provide genuine value to contractors. For more information, see our Affiliate Disclosure Policy.

Mike Warner
Author: Mike Warner

About the Founder Kore Komfort Solutions is an Army veteran-owned digital platform led by a 30-year veteran of the construction and remodeling trades. After three decades of swinging hammers and managing crews across the United States, I’ve shifted my focus from the job site to the back office. Our New Mission: To help residential contractors move from "chaos" to "profit." We provide honest, field-tested software reviews, operational playbooks, and insights into the AI revolution—empowering the next generation of trade business owners to build companies that last.

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