Track drivers in real time with a simple text — no apps, no downloads.

Overview

TextLocate is a driver tracking platform that sends drivers a link via SMS. When the driver clicks, their live location is captured and shared back to your platform — no login or install required.
With FTM’s integration, you can trigger this entire flow directly from your Load record in just one click.

What This Integration Does

• Sends a text message to the driver with a tracking link
• Captures the driver’s GPS coordinates once they open the link
• Pulls location updates from TextLocate every 15 minutes
• Automatically stores locations as related records under the Load
• Optionally displays latest location on the Customer Portal

Setup Instructions

1. Get API Access

Before starting, ensure you have:

• A TextLocate Pro account (API access is only included in Pro)
• Your API credentials from the TextLocate team

You can request access or credentials directly at textlocate.com

2. Create or Update the Driver Object

FTM needs driver contact info to send the SMS:

• Make sure each driver has a record in your system with:
  • Name
  • Cell phone number
  • Linked carrier (optional)
• Update your Load layout to include a driver lookup field

3. Add the Button to Send Tracking Link

A custom button will be added to your Load page:
(This particular customer is using Twilio (there are other alternatives as well) for texting services + our FTM driver portal for capturing the location and the updates)

• On click, it sends a TextLocate tracking link to the selected driver
• No need to manually enter the number — it pulls from the driver record

4. Schedule Location Polling

To keep receiving updates after the driver clicks the link:

• FTM schedules an automated API call every 15 minutes
• All location records are saved under the Load’s Related Records → Locations

Displaying Location on Customer Portal

Optionally, you can:

• Show the most recent driver location on the Customer Portal
• Hide all past location data and only show the latest ping
• Display the location on a map view, powered by Google Maps

Google Maps API may incur additional costs if you exceed the free usage tier.

Example Flow

1. You create a Load and assign a driver
2. Click “Send Tracking Link” from the Load
3. Driver receives a text → clicks the link → location is captured
4. FTM syncs new GPS coordinates every 15 minutes
5. You can view all updates under Load > Related > Locations

Why It Works

• No driver login needed
• No app install required
• SMS-based = instant adoption
• Works with unlimited drivers

Tips & Considerations

• Drivers must allow location access when opening the link
• You can use Twilio or a Salesforce SMS app to send the text if preferred
• Updates rely on drivers clicking the link — FTM can also offer an internal driver portal alternative for real-time, app-free location capture

Need Help?

For setup, button activation, or portal map integration, reach out to your implementation specialist or email [email protected]