An electronic logging device (ELD) is indispensable for truck fleets of all sizes. The ability to effectively manage hours of service and ensure regulatory compliance can make or break your business.
The following list of the top ELD providers for trucks merges the best of technology, customer service, and reliability. Discover which trucker ELD providers are setting the pace in providing robust, user-friendly solutions tailored to meet diverse industry needs.
And when you’re finished reading, check out the other articles in our ‘All about ELDs’ series:
- What is the ELD Mandate?
- What happens if you unplug your ELD?
- ELD exemptions: What you need to know
- 6 best trucker ELD providers
Quicklook: Best trucker ELD providers
- Best ELD for hotshot trucks: Samsara
- Best ELD for owner operators: Konexial
- Best ELD for fleet management: Trimble
- Best ELD for small fleets: Motive
- Best ELD for large fleets: Verizon Connect
- Best ELD for no monthly subscription: Garmin
What is an electronic logging device for truckers?
So, exactly what is an ELD platform? It’s a digital solution primarily used by commercial motor vehicles, like trucks, to automatically record their driving time and ensure compliance with hours of service rules. Often referred to as ‘electronic logs,’ ‘electronic driver logs,’ or ‘e logs,’ these devices sync with the vehicle’s engine to accurately capture driving time, miles driven, and engine hours.
ELDs for trucks have become indispensable in the freight logistics industry, with numerous ELD companies offering various models and services. ELD devices for trucks range from those designed for large fleets to those tailored for owner-operators and small fleets.
Choosing the best ELD for trucks depends on the specific needs of the trucking operation. Some factors to consider include the size of the fleet, whether the company is a hotshot business, an owner-operator, or manages box trucks, and which features are most important.
It’s worth exploring the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association’s (FMCSA) list of registered ELD providers to ensure the chosen device complies with all regulations. Keep in mind that top ELD service providers all vie to offer the best ELD devices for trucks by delivering value-adding features beyond simply meeting regulatory requirements.
Who is exempt from using an ELD?
If you drive vehicles manufactured before the year 2000 or maintain duty status records for no more than eight days within any 30-day period, you may be able to drive without an ELD. Agricultural and short-haul drivers within 150 air-miles of their home base may also qualify for exemptions under FMCSA regulations.
Read ELD exemptions: What you need to know for complete details.
6 best trucker ELD providers
The best ELD for truckers should excel in ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing fleet management. The following providers of electronic driving logs set the standard in providing robust, reliable, and easy-to-use ELD solutions for various business needs.
Samsara
Samsara’s ELD offers many features that hotshot drivers subject to ELD regulations appreciate. It’s one of the most reliable ELD trucking devices on the market, even in areas with limited connectivity. In fact, drivers can use the device as a Wi-Fi hotspot. With easy installation, getting started with Samsara is simple for fleet managers and owner-operators of any skill or ability level.
Best for: Hotshot trucking
Benefits:
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Routing and dispatching
- Engine diagnostics and fault codes
- Violation alerts and RODS visibility
- Driver behavior reporting
- Fuel tracking
- Optional dashcams
Disadvantages:
- Frequent software updates
- Onboard diagnostics (OBD)-only port
Pricing: Customized quote after free demo
Konexial
Konexial’s MY20 ELD software integrates seamlessly with your Apple or Android device. The app is easy to download and very user-friendly. This is the perfect device for independent drivers who need to keep track of their information and have it readily available for DOT audits. With value-adding capabilities like in-app point-of-interest mapping and user reviews, Konexial is one of the best ELD devices for owner operators wanting to enjoy the sights as they travel.
Best for: Owner operators
Benefits:
- Simple installation
- Excellent privacy and security
- Route mapping and navigation
- Supports all ELD documents
- App compatible with iOS and Android
Disadvantages:
- Delayed connection
- Short battery life
- Pricey subscription cost
Pricing:
- $149 to $219 for hardware
- $35 to $150 per month for subscription
- $300 to $600 per year for subscription
Trimble
Trimble ELD offers tools to help motor carriers 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: Fleet management
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
Motive
The Motive ELD is one of the best ELD devices for small fleets because it’s so easy to use. Motive simplifies the process of tracking, managing, and sharing hours of service data, reducing administrative burden. Drivers for small fleets with limited resources and personnel can benefit from Motive’s intuitive ELD interface, which requires less training time, enhances productivity, and efficiently ensures regulatory compliance.
Best for: Small fleets
Benefits:
- Reduced fuel wastage
- Vehicle diagnostics
- Reduced liabilities
- Location tracking
- Better route management
- HOS alerts
- Quality customer service
Disadvantages:
- No international integration
- Annotation notes for edits are difficult for some
- Each driver needs a smart device
Pricing: Request a custom quote
Verizon Connect
Verizon Connect offers an ELD device that’s excellent for compliance, driver safety and back-office use. Add it to any fleet management system platform (FMS) to build the technology combination that works best for your company. By integrating Verizon Connect’s device into your existing FMS, you can maximize efficiency and streamline operations to drive greater success for your company.
Best for: Large fleets
Benefits:
- 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
Garmin
Garmin provides owner-operators with an ELD that does not require an ongoing monthly subscription service. Instead, the Garmin eLog Compliant ELD device only requires the up front hardware fees, then you’re set. It makes tracking your HOS simple and affordable, without the worry of having to commit to monthly subscription plans.
Best for: No monthly subscription
Benefits:
- Reliable name brand
- No monthly subscriptions
- 24/7 customer support
- Automated recording of HOS
Disadvantages:
- No IFTA reporting
- Limited functionality
- Not compatible with OBDII
Pricing: $249.99
What to consider when buying an electronic logging device
Even though ELD devices are a fairly new concept, the technology surrounding them is already changing. When you’re looking to purchase an ELD, make sure you get one that’s up-to-date.
ELD compliance
The ELD you choose must be registered and self-certified through the FMCSA, which can be done online. As the driver or motor carrier, the FMCSA will hold you responsible for ensuring that your equipment is in compliance with the federal government’s mandates.
Any violation of those rules results in penalties like being removed from service for eight hours at a time. The FMCSA keeps track of a safety measurement score, and if it dips too low because of repeated violations, the agency conducts an investigation.
Safety features
Commercial vehicles and drivers are occasionally subject to roadside inspections, so it’s important all logs and equipment are up to snuff. Safety violations can result in costly penalties.
Plus, your safety measurement score affects your ability to do the following:
- Obtain good insurance
- Find loads
- Secure contracts
- Attract talented employees
ELD trucking is made even more convenient with maintenance alerts and driver vehicle inspection reports. Some ELDs have built-in gyroscopes and accelerometers that can detect hard braking, dangerous steering, and possible collisions, and some even offer safety management and risk alerts.
Fleet management features
There are some features in certain ELDs that benefit certain companies more than others. Small fleets may choose different ELDs than large ones, and what each company views as the best one may vary.
Every company can benefit from efficient routing and dispatching. That can save time and money, and there are plenty of ELDs that have functions to help with that efficiency.
Some, for instance, have built-in GPS trackers that provide real-time location data so you can build better routes and delivery estimates by pinpointing the exact location of your vehicles.
Security and loss prevention software
Security and loss prevention software is a must in any ELD. Some providers include geofencing features that allow you to set security zones.
Then, you can use real-time GPS tracking to alert you when one of your vehicles leaves the geofenced zone. This capability can help you detect possible theft or unauthorized activity.
Dash cam options
Smart dash cams bring artificial intelligence analysis to every feature. The following details are improved as a result of the help of technology:
- FMCSA compliance
- Evidence for accident reports and insurance issues
- Protection of assets and security
- Safety alerts and driver monitoring
- Driver training
Other tips for buying the best electronic logging device for trucks
Other than the tech options available with each ELD, it’s a good idea to check what other people with similar fleets think about each particular one, and do free trials if you can.
Take advantage of free trial runs
Before committing to an ELD for trucking, see whether you can test out a free trial run. For some demos, you may need to sign up for a remote, live demonstration of the equipment in use. If you talk with a sales rep, insist on getting some type of trial run. In most cases, they can offer you one.
Learn about the most popular ELD companies
Finding out what other drivers and fleet managers think of a particular ELD and its manufacturer after using it can be invaluable input. Make sure to read reviews from people who’ve used the device before, and check to make sure the provider is in good standing.
Consider the costs
ELD systems typically cost $20-50 per vehicle monthly, with additional one-time hardware costs of $100-600 per unit. Enterprise solutions with advanced features can reach $70+ monthly per vehicle.
The more features an ELD for trucking comes with, the more likely it is to be fairly expensive. Although the extra bells and whistles may seem appealing, make sure they’re useful to your company so you aren’t wasting money.
Find the best ELD for trucking to meet your needs
Regardless of whether you’re an owner-operator, part of a small fleet, or run a large trucking company, there’s an abundance of options out there. Get started on your search for top ELD companies by comparing the entries on this best ELD providers list today.
FAQ
An electronic logging device (ELD) for trucks works by syncing directly with the vehicle’s engine control module to automatically record precise data. This data includes driving time, miles driven, and engine hours. ELDs replace traditional paper logs to accurately track and manage hours of service. This ensures regulatory compliance while also providing data to enhance fleet management and operational efficiency.
ELD compliance refers to adherence to regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in the U.S. ELD compliance requires the use of electronic logging devices (ELDs) by commercial drivers to record their hours of service. Compliance ensures that drivers are maintaining proper rest periods and not exceeding maximum allowed driving hours. This promotes safer working conditions and more accurate record-keeping.
The ELD Mandate is a regulation issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in the U.S. It requires that most commercial drivers use an electronic logging device (ELD) to record their on-duty and off-duty hours of service. Implemented to improve road safety and ensure proper rest for drivers, the ELD rule makes manual paper logbooks obsolete for most truckers. The mandate has been in full effect since December 2019.
Several ELD providers offer free mobile applications, but to fully comply with FMCSA regulations, they typically require pairing with a compatible hardware device that involves an upfront purchase. Motive and Garmin offer two notable examples.
While GPS tracks vehicle location and routes, ELDs are federally-mandated devices that automatically record driving time and hours of service compliance. Though ELDs often include GPS capabilities, their primary purpose is logging driver duty status and ensuring compliance with FMCSA regulations.
