Telematics
Systems that capture and transmit vehicle data — location, engine diagnostics, driver behavior — typically via GPS and onboard hardware.
How it works — and why it matters
A typical telematics unit pairs a GPS receiver with a connection to the vehicle's engine bus, transmitting position, speed, fuel consumption, fault codes, and harsh-braking events over cellular networks — often every few seconds. ELDs are a regulated subset of telematics focused specifically on recording hours of service.
In logistics, telematics data is the raw material for real-time visibility, predictive ETAs, fuel and maintenance programs, and safety scoring. The practical challenge is fragmentation: every provider has its own API and data model, so fleets and their partners typically need an integration layer to normalize feeds across vendors.
Related terms
See it in practice: Tranztec telematics & ELD integrations →