Commercial vehicles must use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track a driver’s hours of service to comply with U.S. Department of Transportation mandates. When shopping for the best ELD devices, you’ll find they can do much more than just comply with federal law. Here’s a roundup of the leading options, what they’re best for and who can benefit from them.
Quicklook: Best ELD device options
- Best for fleet management: Samsara ELD
- Best for user-friendly setup and use: Motive ELD
- Best for real-time data analysis: Konexial ELD
- Best for complete fleet management system: Trimble ELD
- Best for large fleets: Verizon Connect ELD
- Best for owner-operators: EROAD ELD
6 best ELD device options
As you start shopping for an ELD, you’ll find many providers, each designed for a niche within the commercial transportation industry. Review the features, benefits and disadvantages of the leading options to find the device that’s best for you.
Samsara ELD
Samsara’s ELD offers many features that fleet managers appreciate. It’s one of the most reliable devices on the market, even in areas with limited connectivity. Drivers can use the device as a hotspot for Wi-Fi. With easy installation, getting started with Samsara is also simple for fleet managers and owner-operators of any skill or ability level.
Best for
- Fleet management features
- Reliable services
Benefits
- Features
- Real-time GPS tracking
- IFTA reporting
- Violation alerts and RODS visibility
- Fleet management and dashboard reporting
- Engine diagnostics and fault codes
- Driver behavior reporting
- Fuel tracking
- Free demos
- Optional dashcams
Disadvantages
- Frequent software updates
- Onboard diagnostics (OBD)-only port
Pricing: Quotes are customized to customers’ needs
Motive ELD
Motive offers an intuitive and user-friendly ELD. The technology is very cost-effective for fleets of all sizes. The driver app is simple to use and can help drivers be more efficient. Select from many outstanding features and services as part of your subscription to create the ideal program based on your needs. You can add a fully-integrated dashcam to provide even more insights into what’s happening while drivers are on the road, and reduce your risk for litigation.
Best for
- User-friendly setup and use
- Owner operators
- Fleet management
Benefits
- Features
- IFTA fuel tax reporting
- Customizable vehicle inspection reports
- Log auditing
- GPS tracking software
- Geofencing
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Vehicle diagnostics
- Easy to install
- Optional dashcams
- 24/7 customer service
- Offers a free version
Disadvantages: Can only be edited end-of-day by the dispatcher
Pricing: $150 initial down payment, monthly plans start at $25
Konexial ELD
My20 ELD, developed by Konexial, is a leading electronic logging device (ELD) and fleet management solution designed to meet and exceed the needs of fleet managers and owner-operators. This sophisticated ELD system goes beyond simple compliance, delivering real-time insights on a myriad of critical data points. From engine diagnostics and fault codes to fuel tracking and live GPS location, My20 ELD provides comprehensive, up-to-the-minute information. The ability to analyze this data in real-time allows for more informed decision-making, potentially increasing fleet efficiency, safety, and profitability. The inclusion of 5G and Edge computing technology further enhances its data processing capabilities, enabling the system to handle vast amounts of data with ease and accuracy.
Best for: Real-time data analysis
Benefits
- Features
- Compact and single in-vehicle unit
- Location tracking
- IFTA reporting
- Safety management
- Risk alerts
- Geolocation capabilities
- Project time monitoring
- Free demos
Disadvantages
- Small 3.5-inch display screen
- Dependence on internet connectivity
Pricing:
- Hardware $149.99-$219.99
- My20 subscription: $75 per every three months
- Save money when you buy in yearly packages
Trimble ELD
Trimble ELD offers tools to help fleet managers oversee all aspects of their business. You’ll find solid technology backed by a responsive customer service team. But all that comes with a higher price tag than many of its competitors. The technology is reliable and will serve your fleet for many years to come. It has user-friendly technology and provides full ELD mandate compliance. You can use it to monitor the safety of your drivers by reviewing their behavior and providing feedback.
Best for:
- Complete FMS
- Driver safety features
Benefits
- Track vehicles with real-time location data
- Reduce driver error with live tracking and feedback
- IFTA fuel tax data
- Driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIR)
- Fuel use reporting and analysis
- Engine status reports
Disadvantages
- Expensive upfront hardware costs
- Relatively complicated installation
Pricing: $1,200 upfront for hardware with plans starting at $43 per month
Verizon Connect
Verizon Connect offers a device that’s excellent for compliance, driver safety and back-office use. Add it to any FMS service provider to build the technology combination that works best for your company.
Best for
- Large fleets
- Optional FMS service
Benefits
- Features
- Live maps
- Geofencing
- Field service and tracking add-on options
- HOS driver notifications
- Simple dashboard for administrators
- Customer support over the phone or online
- Access webinars and online training to get started
- Use driver smartphones to reduce upfront hardware display screen costs
- DVIR to help forecast maintenance and reduce breakdowns
Disadvantages
- Pricing not transparent
- Sales process somewhat intimidating for smaller fleets
- Not a fast compliance solution because of the sales process
Pricing: Only provided via customized quote
EROAD ELD
Smaller fleets and owner-operators find the EROAD ELD a cost-effective solution for ELD compliance. In addition to helping your fleet comply with hours of service tracking, it offers many back-office features in an easy-to-use format. Users have no trouble installing the device in vehicles, which is one reason why this device is popular with owner-operators. The data is consistent and reliable.
Best for
- Owner operators
- Small-sized fleets
Benefits
- Features
- Compact and single in-vehicle unit
- Location tracking
- IFTA reporting
- Safety management
- Risk alerts
- Geolocation capabilities
- Project time monitoring
- FMS
- Warranty plans for all hardware
- Reliable technical support
- Reduced paperwork and administration time
- Accurate records of mileage and route data
- Fuel receipts
- Compiles IFTA return data
- Records fuel trips
Disadvantages
- Small 3.5-inch display screen
- No audible alerts when you approach a violation
Pricing: No upfront charge, plans start at $25 per vehicle per month
How does an ELD work?
An ELD is hardware that’s installed in vehicles to track their use. The data can tell you when the driver’s active for hours of service compliance. They provide validated records that can’t be manually adjusted in the way paper logs can. This feature helps ensure an accurate driver’s record of duty status (RODS), and provides fast and simple documentation for drivers during traffic stops.
ELDs connect to the OBD port in a vehicle to provide the following data:
- Date
- Hours of driving
- Mileage
- Engine hours
Some ELDs also offer telematics data, such as speed and driver behavior. The data then syncs to cloud servers and is available to fleet managers via software so office staff can review it as needed. Additionally, drivers can view the information while on the road to help facilitate compliance. At a distance, fleet managers can view a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, which can reduce breakdowns and provide valuable maintenance insights.
What makes a good ELD device?
As you search for the best ELD based on your needs, consider the following factors.
U.S. and Canada ELD compliance
Make sure your ELD is included on the FMCSA’s list of approved devices and meets Canadian compliance requirements. You can find third-party ELD reviews that explain how well each device meets regulations in both countries. If you cross the border, you’ll be responsible for abiding by each country’s requirements.
User-friendly technology
Your ELD should not be complicated to use or challenging to install. Look for a simple interface and find out if training and ongoing help are available. ELD data should be accessible via a variety of devices with validated credentials. Mobile-friendly systems are best for supporting drivers while they’re on the go.
Bank-grade security
Your ELD will store sensitive operational information related to your business. Ensure that the data is secure. Protect your drivers’ privacy by making sure no one can hack into your system and view their locations. ELD security features vary, and may include, for instance, two-factor authentication or complicated password requirements.
Affordability
ELDs often require monthly subscription fees to use the software that syncs with the hardware. That means you have to factor in upfront hardware costs and ongoing subscription fees in your ELD’s total cost of ownership calculation.
DOT inspections
Some software systems provide faster, easier access to data for DOT inspections than others. During a traffic stop, law enforcement may require drivers to show logs on the spot, which entails accessing the information remotely. Ensure that your ELD meets all DOT compliance rules to avoid potentially costly fines.
Easy log edits
Technology is great, but sometimes it gets things wrong. Malfunctions can lead to bad data or inaccuracies. Make sure that you can edit incorrect data to prove compliance in a way that still meets data validation regulations.
Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation
Get a better view of your vehicles and their maintenance needs. Because an ELD connects to a vehicle’s engine, it can provide diagnostic information. That way you know when to send a truck to a mechanic versus putting it back on the road.
A good device will also provide information about each truck’s gas mileage. This can help you identify which trucks to use for specific jobs so you can increase profitability.
Cloud-based
To have the best access to your data, you want an ELD that connects to a cloud-based system. This enables you and your drivers to view ELD data from anywhere — even while on the road. It puts information in the hands of your entire team to use it to the fullest.
Insightful data and compliance with federal regulations
While using an ELD is federally mandated, transportation companies can gain valuable insights by selecting one that offers additional features. ELDs can help increase your company’s profitability while empowering office staff to better support drivers.
FAQ
If an ELD malfunctions, a driver should use paper logs to record hours of service until the problem can be addressed. Otherwise, all non-exempt commercial drivers must use an ELD.
The average price for ELD hardware is $495 per vehicle, but costs vary. You’ll also pay an ongoing monthly service fee.
The FMCSA outlines several categories of drivers who are exempt from using ELDs. They include drivers using paper logs fewer than eight days during a 30-day period, driveaway-towaway drivers and drivers of vehicles manufactured before 2000.
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