If you own or manage a fleet of vehicles, you’re constantly looking for ways to keep drivers safe and maintenance costs low. One of the easiest ways to achieve both goals is to install vehicle gateways in your trucks.
Motive, formerly known as KeepTruckin, produces a gateway device that will help you run your business efficiently. If you’re unsure whether or not the system is for you, keep reading for a more detailed report to help your decision-making process.
What Is a Vehicle Gateway?
A vehicle gateway is a device that provides real-time GPS tracking and has electronic logging device (ELD) capabilities. The devices give engine diagnostics, driver workflows and have built-in Wi-Fi hotspots to help drivers remain productive, keep operating costs low, and manage compliance. It’s a tool every fleet manager needs for their business.
How Does a Vehicle Gateway Work?
A vehicle gateway combines data from various built-in and accessory sensors to provide a complete and intuitive view of the fleet. It only takes a few minutes to install and can be mounted in a discreet location to minimize tampering.
The small black box fits in one hand and plugs into your vehicle’s diagnostic port so they can collect information regarding engine diagnostics, fuel efficiency, and driver productivity.
On older vehicles, connect the device to the 9-pin diagnostic port, which is to the left of the footwell and may be hidden behind a plastic panel. Newer trucks use manufacturer cables that connect to specific third-party diagnostic ports.
The location information can be found in your vehicle’s manual, but the connection is usually near the truck’s fuse box. Once the gateway is installed, it begins collecting information and can be set up to support certain functions.
They support wireless temperature monitoring, which makes them perfect for refrigerated trucks. Specialized fleets with lift arms, plows, sweepers, and more can benefit from the increased visibility into their power takeoffs.
When it comes to GPS tracking, the Motive Vehicle Gateway updates every two seconds, so you are always aware of your fleet’s location. You can also add other packages to your bundle for more safety features. The road-facing smart dashcam allows videos to be uploaded in real-time to send out alerts when unsafe driving practices are detected.
The gateway also provides all of the features of an ELD, including fuel optimization, speeding alerts, and fleet safety and coaching. Motive has the standard maintenance reminders and location tracking services found in most plans.
But companies like Fleetio need third-party integration to utilize location tracking. However, Fleetio and IntelliShift have vehicle diagnostics compatibility, and Motive charges extra to notify you when it’s time for vehicle maintenance.
Motive Vehicle Gateway FAQs
The Motive Vehicle Gateway has quite a few benefits. Still, you’ll want to ensure that it’s right for your business before you purchase it. We’ll cover the most asked questions in the next section to help you with your final decision.
What Is the Gateway ECU?
Gateway ECUs control and enable inter-bus communication for seamless interactions between different vehicle networks. Gateway ECUs can have several interfaces with different communication buses like CAN, LIN, I2C, and more. It understands and interprets messages between buses.
Which Vehicle Gateway Works With the AI Dashcam?
Model LBB 3.55 and other newer models are compatible with the AI Dashcam.
Which Vehicle Gateway Works With the Smart Dashcam?
Smart dashcams follow the same compatibility as AI dashcams. Gateway models of LBB 3.55 or newer are what you need for the dashcam to work.
How Do I Connect My Bluetooth to My Gateway?
Enable your Bluetooth on your mobile device and go to the Motive Driver App to connect to the Vehicle Gateway.
Performance Factors of Motive Vehicle Gateway
When selecting a vehicle gateway system, there are some important factors to consider for your business. One of those is diagnostic and maintenance reporting, which is very thorough.
Drivers can view active malfunctions and diagnostic events right from the app. Users have stated that the data produced by the diagnostic reports are accurate and helpful in preventing potential maintenance issues.
Another factor is the ability to communicate with drivers while on the road. Real-time tracking is great, but if you can’t reach your driver to warn them of changing road conditions or pick-up times, then you’re out of luck.
Motive makes it easy to communicate with drivers through the app. Drivers also report that the interface is easy to use, even for technology-challenged individuals.
Perhaps the most important factor to consider is the support provided by the company. There will be times when you encounter a problem with the installation or a technical issue with the software.
Fortunately, Motive has a dedicated support team for your account that will walk you through each step of the process.
How Has the Motive Vehicle Gateway Improved?
In March 2022, Motive announced the release of Asset Gateway for real-time fleet tracking. They’ve also enhanced the product with a road- and dual-facing dashcam that allows better visibility on the road and within the cab.
Best For
The Motive Vehicle Gateway is a great tool for fleet managers. Below are some reasons you should consider using one for your business.
- Fleets with power take-off equipment
- Simple installation
- Refrigerated fleets
- Easy to pull daily reports
- Fleets of all sizes
- Logistics
- Fuel efficiency
Don’t Leave Home Without a Motive
The Motive Vehicle Gateway is an easy-to-install solution that can streamline your business. It’s easily accessible for all drivers once they download the app on their mobile devices.
With customer support available in five languages, there’s no reason not to give Motive a try. Install the systems in your vehicles, and the Motive team will have you up and running before you know it.
Cost
Pricing is based on the number of vehicles in your fleet and any additional services you want to be included. To receive an accurate quote, it’s best to contact them with your information, and you’ll receive an answer within 24 hours. Request a quote today!
Pros & Cons
Advantages
There are many positives to using a gateway system:
- 24/7 customer support
- Supports team driving
- Free hardware when you sign a contract
- User-friendly
- All-in-one management solution
Disadvantages
Like any system, there are also drawbacks to using a Motive Vehicle Gateway. Here are some things to keep in mind before finalizing your decision:
- Customer service can be slow to respond
- You need to provide contact information for a quote
- Dashcam feature doesn’t always work well
- Must upgrade for features that come standard with other companies
- Mobile app difficult to read
User Reviews
keep Trucking is the best ELD and IFTA and Accessors, their fleet app is prefect and driver app too. they offer Data also. people who complain their service of service charge after cancelation, I’ll suggest you don’t give them your bank account at first place, use credit card. but they service is good. these guys are experienced long ago before the eld manadate.