The Motive ELD is an easy-to-use electronic logging device (ELD) that keeps accurate records and ensures that truck drivers are in compliance with safety laws.
Consistently rated amongst the best ELD devices for their data accuracy, ease of use, and safety record-keeping abilities, the Motive ELD is an industry leader that is noticeably changing the face of truck driving across America.
How Does the Motive ELD Work?
The Motive ELD is top-rated across all ELD devices. This ELD tracks hours and keeps a record of the distances driven. It also alerts drivers and lets them know when it is time to either stop driving or take a break in compliance with driver safety laws.
The device is designed to directly connect to the engine control module. From there, it tracks the driver's driving time, record of duty status (RODS), and hours of service (HOS). Automatic tracking creates efficient fleet management and more accurate records overall.
The Motive electronic logging device is a small box that sits on the dashboard of the truck and connects to the engine of the vehicle. Once connected, the ELD device records the date, time, location, engine hours, miles driven, engine power status, vehicle motion, duty status, and other pertinent information about the driver.
This data can be automatically transferred via the cloud, Bluetooth, or USB. It can also be directly synced with an app on your phone or your tablet for the sake of ease.
Motive ELDs increase the Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) scores of companies that use it while also saving valuable resources. When it comes to the amount of money that companies save on paperwork alone, the Motive ELD saves companies an average of $705 per driver annually.
In addition, it reduces operational costs by increasing productivity and efficiency. In turn, this reduces the administrative burden for companies and ultimately minimizes total fuel waste thanks to idling.
Most important of all, by streamlining the fleet management process, trucking companies can increase profitability. For example, Flying Star Transport saved approximately $40,000 by switching to the Motiven ELD.
Motive ELD FAQs
While looking for the best ELD devices, it’s important to compare features and offerings. From easy installation and data accuracy to whether the device is part of the FMCSA ELD approved list and if it can prevent HOS violations, there’s a lot to learn. Here are all of the answers to the most important FAQs about the Motive ELD.
Is Motive FMCSA-Approved?
Yes. Motive is registered with the FMCSA. It is also included in the FMCSA's list of self-certified devices.
Is Motive DOT Approved?
Yes, Motive is compliant with U.S. DOT rules regarding the driver’s record of duty status (RODS). However, it’s important to recognize that drivers must electronically sign their RODS manuals at the end of every twenty-four hours of logged work time.
Is My Vehicle Compatible With the Motive ELD?
The Motive has a wide variety of cable options, making it easy to connect to any vehicle on the road. Cable connectors include 9-pin, 6-pin, OBDII, Dual CAN, Mack, or Volvo.
What Is the Difference Between the Motive Electronic Logbook App and the Motive ELD?
The Motive Electronic Logbook App is the mobile application that keeps drivers’ records and ensures they are in compliance with USDOT as well as FMCSA. On the other hand, the Motive ELD is a physical hardware device that is connected to the diagnostic port of a vehicle. It works in conjunction with the Motive Electronic Logbook App.
Can I Use Motive Without Cellular Data?
Yes, you can use your Motive ELD without cellular data. It uses Bluetooth to transmit data and maintain its log which means you will always be compliant with mandates even if your cellular data cuts out on occasion.
What Types of Mobile Devices Are Compatible With Motive?
The Motive app is compatible with mobile devices that run either Android 5.0 and higher or iOS versions 9.0 and higher.
Is the Motive ELD Tamper-Resistant?
Yes. Motive ELD continues to record even if the driver has forgotten to connect the mobile device upon driving. If the ELD is accidentally disconnected from the vehicle’s diagnostic port, it will continue to record as well. Motive ELD also uses GPS satellite time to prevent modification of the device’s clock or any other form of tampering.
Motive ELD Performance Factors
Below are the key performance factors:
- Ease of use
- Accuracy
- App compatibility
- Effectively manages large fleets
- Prevents HOS violations
- Improves efficiency
- Increases CSA scores
The Motive ELD is rated the #1 ELD in the industry because it combines performance, ease of use, compatibility, and reliability in the most efficient manner.
How Has the Motive ELD Improved?
The Motive electronic logging device has improved in terms of compatibility and performance due to its intuitive and user-friendly app. Plus, the ability to monitor drivers’ hours of service is a major bonus.
The latest model (LBB-3.5CA) has improved upon the first model (LBB-1 ) by adding cellular compatibility. The latest model also enhances communication and overall connectivity while boasting automatic updates.
Best For
The Motive ELD is best for those who want the highest standard of excellence in the trucking ELD arena. It is best for:
- All fleet sizes, especially large fleets
- Companies looking to improve workflow
- Integrates equipment tracking and administration
- Ease-of-use with an integrated and intuitive app
- Best value for the money
- No better ELD on the market at this price
Motive ELD: The Way Forward for Trucking
With its low price point, easy integration, data accuracy, and ability to manage large fleets, the Motive ELD is a significant step forward for the trucking industry. It sets the precedent for the industry and encourages companies to strive for a new standard of not only compliance but also safety. Combined with the Motive Fuel Hub, these tools offer a clear path for industry leaders to improve efficiency and savings while increasing revenue.
Cost
- $149 – Hardware
- $20 – $35 monthly subscription per vehicle
Monthly subscription cost required for all ELDs. The initial contract per ELD is twelve months, which is much shorter than other ELD companies, like Omnitracs. For large fleets, inquire within.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
The benefits of the Motive ELD go beyond compliance to improve company workflows, employee compliance and efficiency, and driver satisfaction. Other Motive ELD benefits include the following:
- Optimized workflows
- Saves on valuable resources and administrative time
- Results in increasing profit and annual revenue
- Prevents accidents and improves safety records
- Monitors hours of service
- Alerts drivers when it is time to stop
- Simple and easy to use
- Excellent customer service
- An effortless transition for companies of all sizes
Disadvantages
There are a few drawbacks of the Motive ELD, namely the way it requires the use of a smart device. Plus, the ability to edit logs could be improved upon as well. Other Motive ELD drawbacks include the following:
- Requires a smart device for each driver
- Logs can only be edited by dispatch the next day
- Difficult to note any and all real-time corrections
- Can feel restricting for drivers
- Affects drivers’ ideal driving times
- Potentially reduces drivers’ revenue
- Does not offer international integration
User Reviews
The worst company that I had to deal with. Their sales agents will tell you anything so they Can get you to sign up with them. They will not keep their words.
These guys overcharged my account then gave me a runaround for 3 months to only refund a portion of the overcharge. Had to call my bank to stop these crooks from continuing to steal from my company. Whenever you call they give some fake western name and keep transferring to themselves with more fake names. It’s a scam out of some hut in India.
Worst customer services, very lazy sales department, my replacement device took forever to ship, Fred Cook did very bad job, he just replies that your order is in process. I don’t recommend it, I already switched most of my units from them.
Cancelled my subscription due to non payment. Went to reconnect and pay my bill, told me I would have to pay my current subscription $3100, then start a new one and pay for the new one.
That is double charging for the same time span!!!! Never me.
They took $2871.00 from my account instead of $760 fighting for 2 months to get refund, they keep promising the refund but its not happening, today i received e-mail they asking for bank information in order to send me refund, they used my credit card to charge the $2871.00 and they asking for bank information for refund? Its big scam stay away from them, It looks like im not getting my money back have to hire lawyer to get my money back.
Customer tells us to go to an alternative website and we can see our logs there
DO WE HAVE THST KIND OF TIME TO PERUSE THE INTERNET WHILE WE ARE DRIVING OR IN A DOT CHECK NOOOO LAW ENFORCEMENT DOESNT UNDERSTAND THAT…..
Motive is a waste of time. Is a waste of time because it is unreliable. It can switch your hours from personal conveyance to driving on its own and then you have to wait to get somebody to a review it and approve a change which leaves you in a violation during the whole time. I highly recommend that people avoid motive at all cost. There are many negative effects of this worthless and wasteful program. Please avoid it completely
I had it for 3 years and now my company when out of business and they still digging from my account I called them 3 times to cancel my account and they refused to cancel it
That’s why I advise people not to buy it
Motive is a sorry business Richard stokes is a liar Bruce Clinton is a liar Thomas also this place needs to be shut down all they do is lie period every day they lie!!
Need a price for eld
I am with Go motive previously know as KeepTruckin. These companies are not even committed to the service they are providing, they failure big on Communication. Especially between there own departments, no ethics, they are charging more what we committed to and when you find out and ask them fix it they never fix it. It’s in documents so that is why I am going to change my vendor.
I was a four year customer with keep trucking never had an issue. Now, with the new company motive, he will get an extreme run around and always an escalation or being. Transferred to a supervisor which never gets anything done two weeks. I waited for an email and the connection wire to be shipped. Cancel subscription. Worst companies to deal with go Garmin one time price no subscription. Good luck guys.
Called to receive help on log book issues. Technicians refused to help and can barely communicate because their strong accents. Keep on trucking/ motive change the name all you want it’s still a trash system with even worse service
Please stay away from this company. This is the most disrespectful eld company i have encounter. They charge you for service & devices that you don’t even use. Customer service? Yeah good luck
Lies about contract just to get you in and then won’t let you cancel it. Horrible!!! not recommending to deal with this guys
I’m totally unsatisfied with customer service bill department. I’ve had an open case since March 2022. Motive/Keep Truckin was processing payments on my personal account for another customer. I’ve explained to multiple agents that I have no affliction with company. The company has taken $1018 from my account and only refunded $350 June 15. I’ve uploaded bank statements verifying charges. A case shouldn’t take months to resolve.
I am trying to cancel my service and they charged me for the entire year and they do not want to return half of what I paid, I call this theft and impudence on the part of this company that I do not recommend to any company.
Estoy tratando de cancelar mi servicio y me cobraron todo el año y no me quieren devolver la mitad de lo que pagué, a esto le llamo robo y descaro por parte de esta empresa que no recomiendo a ninguna empresa.
THE WORST! They’re a racket – I’m stuck a contract I didn’t agree to and with equipment I can’t use and they won’t allow me to return it nor sell it because then they lose money from a future customer. They won’t lessen my data plan because “it can’t be changed after the contract begins” though they allowed me to increase it. They talk in circles and give you no solution. Look at their BBB rating – I wish I had
No customer service, if you don’t have trucks, anyway you supposed to pay for device until contract will end. Manager supposed to call me back, 2 weeks later nobody call me, I call again, the same story, wait until manager will reach you back. Don’t care about costumer
No Users manual sent which is a mandate to keep in truck.
Second, sent us wrong cable, for right one it will take 7 to 8 business days. That’s really bad I can’t drive without ELD. And I told them to cancel my contract Customer service said I have to pay for whole year at front before canceling the contract. Very rude and dishonest.
It is not our fault motive sent wrong cable and when we complain then they didn’t register it. This sucks, we are loosing money because of motive ELD
Be very careful with this company, once you signed up there is no way you can get out.Today I was finally able to contact the cancellation department directly and there is nothing I can do but continue to pay for 3 years. The reason I never used this service is because after I paid for it, they told me that they don’t have equipment available to send me, they took 3 weeks to send it. I need to start as soon as possible, so I paid another company: TopTrucking
Customer service will give you all the excuses in the world but won’t find a solution. The software on the application needs serious updates.
If you cancel their subscription you will be months dealing with it and they will still auto renew your subscription to get your money in their account
IT IS NOT FREE! They locked me in for 60 months contract without my knowledge. I asked the agent, Tim Shaw, multiple time if this is month to month and can I cancel at anytime, he said YES! Then I later found out that I was locked into a 60 months contract when I was trying to cancel their dashcam service.
500 words is not enough to voice my distaste for this company. Long story short they are a bunch of thieves that gain access to your account and pull money. I took service with them on 10/22/21 on 10/25/21 I canceled services. They assured me it was cancel on 3/05/22 they went into my account and took $234 and said it would be refunded never happened. Now they won’t cancel b/c I’m locked into a contract although my truck was total 11/30/21.
New update has bugs and too complicated. Having to use this is mentally taxing all day everyday all we think about is your logs. Now we have to re learn it.
Great customer service. But software is quirky, and I’m having hardware issues. I was told it can take up to 3 weeks to get hardware replaced. So basically I bought a dash cam and an ELD that just ride along in the truck and don’t work properly
Have tried multiple times to resolve issues with this company about there new rates but as of yet they have not conceded so as of now my service has been suspended for none payment so with that being said I don’t believe there’s any reconciliation all that keep saying is they’ll escalate and still nothing
DUE TO A 500 CHARACTER LIMIT FOR REVIEWS I’LL MAKE THIS SHORT..
KEEPTRUCKIN & KEEPTRUCKING CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCK
KeepTruckin Withdrew funds from my account without my consent, and when I requested a refund from them they were keep giving me a runaround for more then two months. Therefore For those of you out there whom trying to get ELD service I urge you not to do business with KeepTruckin!
Really good software, a lot of extra options beside of regular eld monitoring. Excellent customer service. Leave a 4 stars because there is small things that they can improve.
I have a fleet company with multiple trucks, the gps constantly fails to perform and when I talk to the rep they tell me they will escalate it but i dont get a cal until 2-3 weeks later.They don’t want to refund me for their bad service either. Everything was ok until the gps stopped working…. And this has been the 20th time I’ve had this issue and am simply fed up! Not the company to go with if you heavily depend on gps stay away!!!
The price is a very attractive feature of this product. With such a price expectations are tempered, but in my opinion, this product outperforms value. Some of the higher end versions have more features, but the KeepTruckin ELD does everything it says it does. One grievance I would have to bring up is the fact that it’s not possible to determine of the driver is on a short haul range exception. Otherwise I would recommend.