Every year around 700 truckers and others die due to truck collisions. These accidents result from overworked, fatigued, and sleepy drivers. Unfortunately, several people are affected by it drastically – both financially and physically. This problem grew huge and needed to be curbed from its roots. Therefore in 2019, FMCSA and DoT implemented ELD rules making it compulsory for every fleet manager and commercial truck driver to install an ELD to automatically record their Hours of Service and service data.
If someone is caught violating the rules stipulated by FMCSA and DoT under the ELD rule they can be penalized with hefty fines, and placed out of service, resulting in a negative CSA score. As ELDs have become compulsory, several fleet management companies have launched their ELDs. But it is very important to choose the best ELD for trucks to ensure compliance with the rule as well as avail other benefits for fleet management.
What is an Electronic Logging Device?
Electronic Logging Device also known as ELD is electronic logbooks or driver e-logs. They are a more reliable way to collect hours of service data than the paper-pen way. ELDs are modern-day solutions for fleet compliance, inspections, planning, and management.
ELDs are connected directly with the engine of the motor vehicle and record the driving time. This information cannot be altered or falsified, though the driver or fleet managers can make edits, along with a valid reason for the said edit. However, these edits will also be recorded and the editor has to inform the inspection team about it.
This is not only a modern way of recording working hours but has been made compulsory to be in compliance with Hours of Service rules and maintain the integrity of the driver’s record of duty status.
Moreover, you cannot use just any ELD for trucks in the market; they need to conform to the technical specifications prescribed by FMCSA. ELD for trucks also needs to be certified by their manufacturer and registered with the FMCSA.
Top 8 ELD for Trucks [Reviewed]
Here is the list of best ELD for trucks to help the owner-operators:
Matrack Electronic Logging Device
The Matrack ELD is one of the best available ELD for trucks in the market. It is known for its robust design and durable device. It has a user-friendly app that can run smoothly on all user interfaces for instance apple and android. Moreover, it is a valid ELD as per FMCSA guidelines.
It has an automatic HoS calculation system that sends you an alert whenever a driver exceeds the prescribed limit. Moreover, it also keeps a record of driving time, miles and location covered. You can access these data simply on your phone or tablet for the DOT inspection. It is fully compliant with multiple HoS rules including property and passenger. It is one of the best ELD ( Electronic Logging Device) for trucks that not only helps you to meet the ELD compliance but also provides additional benefits such as low fuel notifications, Bluetooth integration, real-time GPS tracking, geofencing, and offline and online mode capabilities. Matrack ELD also allows voice-enabled status changes making it easier for the driver.
This device is easy to connect to the vehicle. All you need is to plug it into the vehicle’s OBD II port and it is ready to go. The best part of this device is the best technical support that makes your onboard smooth and simple. For a fleet manager, it is the perfect choice given its free ELD for trucks and low monthly subscription cost.
Highlights
- Free Device
- Lifetime Warranty
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Low Subscription
- No Contract
- 30 Days Return
Pros
- Save hours of IFTA tax filing time
- Idle time tracking
- Accurate travel logs
- Real-time safety management and risk alerts
- Easy to use ELD Logbook App
- Fully compliant with DOT and listed in FMCSAs ELD approved list
- With Matrack you will get an FMCSA-approved ELD device Free.
Cons
- Coverage only in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Customer Reviews (Matrack website)
# Converted to Matrack after years with another company based in NY that, for whatever reason, just became almost truck unresponsive and I’m happy now that I did. Matrack seems to be on the ball and customer service is very responsive.- D. Wayne Patterson
# The software is extremely user-friendly and the entire format of Matrack is easier than any other ELD system I’ve ever used.- Charles D.
Eroad Ehubo ELD
Eroad EHUBO ELD comes second on our list. It is an intuitive, driver-friendly ELD with superior connectivity and accuracy. EHUBO outshines an exceptional customer care team that is ready to resolve all your problems and doubts. It is an FMCSA compliant with third-party verification. It helps the drivers to tackle overall roadside inspection and reduce administrative work. If you are looking for a convent yet cost-effective ELD solution then this one’s just right for you.
Highlights
- Single in-vehicle device
- Easy to use and adopt
- FMCSA registered and the third party verified
- All-in-one solution
- Secure, Reliable, and Accurate
Pros
- Easy to use and adopt
- FMCSA registered
- Best customer care services
- User-friendly device
- Location tracking
- IFTa reporting
- Automatic data capture
Cons
- Questionable customer service
- Expensive
Customer Reviews (Capterra)
# Eroad has maintained outstanding reliability, technical support, and continuous upgrades to meet the needs of the customer
# EROAD is awesome. And is definitely worth the money. Their support staff are amazing, Heather is awesome at fixing problems. If she can’t figure it out, she will call you right back with an answer.
Keep Truckin ELD
The KeepTruckin ELD is another FMCSA registered ELD. It has an easy-to-use interface and is a cost-friendly option for you. This is accentuated by 24/7 customer care services and is fully compliant with DOT. It offers ELD solutions for all kinds of vehicles and each comes with multiple features. Other important features are IFTA fuel tracking, vehicle diagnostics, and driver’s report card.
Highlights
- Intuitive Interface
- Two way messaging
- Free Version
- 24/7 support
- Available for all sizes
Pros
- Easy to install and use
- Free hardware units
- Simple communication
Cons
- The free version is limited
- Not so good Customer support
Customer Reviews (Amazon)
# Provides service that is described
# Good product but not crazy about more than one unit on a plan because you can only use one credit card to pay on the whole account.
BigRoad DashLink ELD
BigRoad Dashlink ELD is the easiest and most affordable ELD device. It is designed with drivers in mind. Dashlink has a user-friendly mobile app that automatically counts the hours of service, and duty status, and displays traffic conditions. It is a verified device by FMCSA and provides accurate and flawless HoS rules. It also has a fuel tracking feature and works on both android and ios. Moreover, it provides 24/7 free customer services to help its customers with any problems. The other benefits include easy to use and installation, risk notification for upcoming violations, fuel tracking, reason codes open for edits, etc.
Highlights
- Risk Notification
- Standalone ELD solution
- Free Trial
- Serves different types of Fleet
Pros
- Driver-friendly notifications
- Traffic Alerts
- Fuel tracking
- Location tracking
Cons
- Limited Features
- Easily Disabled
Customer Reviews (Capterra)
# Accurate logs that as a Transport Manager allows detailed tracking of the drivers day, from inspection to finish of the driving day.
# Big Road is easy to install. Our drivers find it to be user-friendly. It is very affordable though the app is simple. It doesn’t have a ton of extra features but it keeps us in compliance. Drivers can edit their logs and view hours. GPS tracking is one of the most important features. It is accurate and easy to decipher.
GPS Trackit ELD
Last in our list but GPS Trackit ELD is one the best options for fleet managers. It fully complies with FMCSA and offers simple and easy plug-in hardware units. Trackit has all the essential features of an ELD complaint system. It automatically tracks hours of service and records when the driver is on or off duty. The report can be generated and transferred with a simple touch and its maintenance checklist guides the driver throughout the ruler inspection and checkups.
Highlights
- Automated HoS
- Easy-to-use interface
- Easy to generate and transmit reports
- Customized Driver alerts
- Durable Design
Pros
- Easy to Track
- Maintenance Alert
- Easy to use
- Best customer support teams
Cons
- Costly
- Needs improvement
- Lacks functionality
Customer Reviews (Capterra)
# Best GPS Software!
From the very beginning, I have been impressed with this software and this company. Their customer service is incredible and very intentional in making sure the customer is satisfied. Would highly recommend it to anyone!
# Perfect for our small business!
GPS Track-it was an easy choice to make. Once the units were installed, we were immediately able to track the location and speed of all our trucks. The website and app are very easy to use.
Verizon ELD
Verizon is a comprehensive ELD solution that can help you to comply with the DoT rules and regulations. It can also reduce your burden with its innovative fleet management system integration and exceptional customer support. It is fully FMCSA-compliant, so you won’t have to worry about staying in compliance with the HoS rules.
The integrated mobile application allows drivers to log in and change their duty status. Fleet managers can use the web portal to access significant ELD data, such as HoS status, violation alerts, and DVIR, to make decisions for their business.
DVIR reports allow fleet managers to arrange preventive maintenance on time and avoid unexpected breakdowns. Along with other compliance features, Verizon ELD also offers GPS tracking features. It allows fleet managers to stay connected with the drivers in their journey. They can access their real-time location information, driving behavior, idling report, etc.
Highlights
- Vehicle health
- GPS tracking device
- Document scanning
- Performance reporting
- Safety alerts
- IFTA
- Two-way messaging
- Tire pressure monitoring
- Integrated dash cam
Pros
- Real-time tracking
- Maximize productivity
- Deployment of cloud SaaS
- Fuel and cost tracking feature
- E-DVIR
- Reduce operational cost
Cons
- Contracts based solution
Customer Review (Software advice)
Cindy
” It’s one of the best purchases our company ever made.
We love this software, and we have cut down on employees’ unapproved use of company vehicles and improved employee driving safety by using it.
Pros
We’ve been using Fleetmatics, now Verizon Reveal, for years. We initially signed up with them because we wanted to keep track of what employees were doing in our company vehicles, but this software is capable of so much more. From tracking our oil changes to sending us alerts when employees are speeding, we use this every day. The customer service is amazing also, and there’s a pretty nice referral program.
Cons
It recently went through a revamp, and we did training for the new system about a year before it was actually released. It was a little bit of a messy transition, but once we downloaded the new apps to our phones and got over the hump of getting everyone back on the same page, it’s been amazing. The upgraded graphical user interface and new features are great.”
HoS247 ELD
HoS 247 ELD is an easy-to-use electronic logging device suitable for drivers, owner-operators, and fleet managers. It is FMCSA-certified, so you don’t have to worry about ELD compliance. Also, if you ever face any difficulty with the device, you can always reach out there dedicated driver and management for multilingual support to resolve it.
HoS 247 ELD has easy installation; you can install the device in minutes. It has an ELD logbook app that your drivers can use to complete their compliance duties. They can use it to manage and edit their logs, and DVIRS report, get on-road driver training, and maintain compliance.
The fleet managers can use the intuitive fleet manager portal to increase fleet visibility, automate FMCSA compliance and improve efficiency. Fleet managers can view or edit driver logs to prevent violations. They can view the real-time location information of vehicles using the GPS tracking functionality. They can also generate automatic IFTA reports within a few seconds. You can also streamline vehicle maintenance with fault code detection and real-time notification.
Highlights
- Electronic DVIR
- HoS record
- GPS tracking
- Preemptive alerts
- Cloud portal
- Integrated dashcam
- Fuel efficiency tracking
Pros
- Easy installation process
- Exceptional customer service
- IFTA reporting
- Fleet tracking
- Compliance monitoring
- Electronic DVIR
- Multiple HoS rules
Cons
- You will get the device only when you pay subscription fees one year in advance.
Customer Reviews (ELDDevices.net)
Dan Miller
“Hos247 is a lot better ELD than our old one. The previous logbook system kept kicking the drivers out, and devices lost connection which was frustrating. Now our drivers are finally happy with their logs and more comfortable during inspections. Right from the start, the hos247 customer service team was helpful, and the transition was easy. The other provider (the old one) just didn’t seem on top of things. We highly recommend hos247”
Peoplenet ELD
If you want some advanced features and budget is not your issue, here is a great option for you- Peoplenet ELD.
PeopleNet ELD is a reliable electronic logging device and provides premium fleet management features. The device is DoT & FMCSA approved, so you will never have to worry about fines or CSA scores.
The device not only helps you to stay in compliance with the elders but also connects to the engine and provides detailed reports on the vehicle’s health. It provides significant information, for example, fuel consumption time pressure, real-time location, speeding, and fault codes. In this way, you can arrange preventive maintenance before the issue gets back and causes unexpected vehicle breakdowns.
PeopleNet ELD has a 4G LTE connection, so the drivers and fleet managers can transfer data fast and securely without any delay. Moreover, the device automatically switches to a 3G or GPRS connection when the 4G connection is not available. So you will always be connected with your drivers, irrelevant of their location and the network condition.
One of the exciting features of PeopleNet ELD is comparative KPI reporting. It provides a comprehensive metric for managers to keep an eye on the engine performance of the different vehicles in their fleet, for example, fuel efficiency, RPM velocity, etc.
Product Highlights
– Reliable and Durable ELD
– Fully compliance with the ELD rule
– High initial cost
– DVIR and HoS reports
– 4G Connectivity
– Excellent Customer Care Service
– Packed with multiple features
Pros
- Engine Monitoring
- 4G LTE connection
- KPI reporting
- Excellent customer support service
- Camera and navigation
Cons
- High price
- Costly monthly subscription
- Complex installation process
Customer Review (FinancesOnline)
Fredique
PROS: Its ability to monitor trucks at all times, anytime is what I like most. If anything happens, we’ll be able to spot them in no time. We can see if they are traveling in the right direction and so on.
CONS: The server is both bad and good. There are times when it takes some time to load. It’s also not user-friendly sometimes. It does, however, meet our needs.
How to Choose the Best ELD for Your Trucks?
Before you come up with a decision it is extremely important to understand the measures on which you must determine the best ELD for trucks.
Compliant
The first and foremost thing you should check is whether the ELD is restored and self-certified through the FMCSA or not. You are solely responsible for checking if the device is compliant with the ELD rules or not.
Accuracy and Reliability
An ELD device must provide an accurate and reliable logging report.
Hard-wired or Bluetooth connections
The next thing you should check is whether it is directly connected to the vehicle or depends on Bluetooth connectivity.
Fleet management features
The other thing you should look at in an ELD device is whether it has features to help you with fleet management such as in-built GPS trackers, geofencing features, drive scoring, fuel tax reporting, etc.
Easy to use and install
Another important thing is to check whether the respective ELD comes with an easy-to-use interface and helps drivers to manage the records easily. The ELD should be easy to install as well to avoid any hassles.
Benefits of ELD for trucks
ELDs have several benefits, including, but not limited to, the aforementioned list.
Improved Drivers Safety
The most important motive behind the implementation of an ELD was to improve drivers’ safety. Every year, approximately 130,000 people are affected by truck accidents. This is a harsh statistic that causes suffering to the victims as well as their family members. Around 15% of these accidents are caused due to tired truck drivers. Truck drivers without any rules or regulations work day and night which is extremely dangerous for themselves as well as the people on the road. Hence the ELD rule was especially implemented to control the working hours of the drivers and improve their safety.
Compliance
The other important benefit of an ELD is to manage compliance. ELD Compliance refers to compliance with the ELD rule. It means that all non-exempt commercial drivers have an FMCSA-registered ELD solution. If a non-exempt commercial driver is not having an ELD or is found he can be put out of service for more than ten hours or punished with hefty fines. Therefore, to prevent any kind of suspension or to avoid hefty fines you need to get an ELD.
Minimize Administrative Burden
An electronic logging device saves a lot of administrative burdens as it automatically tracks and records the vehicle movement and records the drivers’ HoS data. This saves time and effort that is wasted in manually registering the records. It is also cost-effective as well as time-saving for both fleet managers and drivers.
Reduce Fuel Wastage
With the help of ELD, you can have better control over your fleet’s fuel consumption. You can easily access the data of the respective vehicle and know how much time a driver has taken to transport the cargo. Certain bad driving practices also consume more fuel. Suppose one of your truck drivers is wasting his time and fuel in idling you can easily reprimand them and prevent any such activities in the future. This can not only help you in saving money by reducing fuel usage but also save time.
Vehicle Maintenance
An ELD can also help you with the maintenance of your vehicle. It is plugged into the OBD II port and hence can detect any fault codes, average mileage, and other important dates related to the nines. It sends you an alert whenever such code is detected and also identifies recurring issues. This gives you a better insight into your vehicle and you can resolve any small problem before it becomes a huge one and causes problems.
Driver’s Report
An ELD can also help you to assess the driving behavior of your drivers. This is a crucial benefit for any fleet manager as bad driving behaviors increase the risk of accidents, loss of cargo, and depletion of the asset. For example, if one of your drivers has a bad driving habit such as excessive acceleration, harsh braking, steep corner in, or sudden braking then you can talk to them and help them to improve it for mutual benefits. This can decrease the risk of accidents and liabilities at a huge margin. Moreover, as a fleet manager, you can have a proper record of each driver and you can easily train the poor performer and appraise the best one.
Improve in Work Environment of Driver
ELD has a great impact on the working environment of drivers. With proper driver working hours and a better track record, they can have proper rest and a stress-free work environment. This also improves their efficiency and reduces road accidents by huge margins.
Location Tracking and Better Fleet Management
ELD comes with in-built real-time GPS tracking features. It facilitates fleet managers to have a proper record of their fleets. They have a proper understanding of their trucks and can reduce the communication gap between the customers. You won’t have to be able to depend on the driver for a better record of your truck’s real-time location.
For instance, if you are assigned to transport an expensive car in the oven time. You can only depend on your driver to track the location of the truck. In the meanwhile, if your partner or customer enquired you about the time when the cargo will be delivered then what will you do? At the peak of misfortune, you lose the connection with your driver. What will be the result? Loss of cargo, trust, and hence harmful consequences for your business in the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do I need an ELD for my truck?
A: You need an ELD for your truck if you are required to comply with the US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations for recording HOS. It can help you avoid fines and penalties, increase compliance, and improve safety.
Q: How does an ELD for trucks work?
A: An ELD for trucks works by automatically recording a driver’s HOS information, including driving time, rest breaks, and off-duty time. It uses GPS technology to track the vehicle’s movement and can provide real-time updates to both the driver and fleet manager.
Q: What features should I look for when choosing an ELD for my truck?
A: When choosing an ELD for your truck, you should look for features such as ease of use, compatibility with your vehicle and other devices, automatic recording of HOS, real-time tracking, and compliance with FMCSA regulations.
Q: How do I install an ELD on my truck?
A: The installation process for an ELD on a truck can vary depending on the device and the make and model of the truck. However, many devices come with instructions and can be installed by a professional installer or a knowledgeable DIYer. It is important to follow the FMCSA regulations regarding ELD installation and use.
James Johnson is a former truck driver who now works as a writer, specializing in the trucking industry. With over 15 years of experience on the road, James has a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by truck drivers and the trucking industry as a whole. His writing focuses on issues such as safety, regulation, and the latest industry trends. His work has been featured in several trucking publications and he has received recognition for his contributions to the industry. In his free time, James still enjoys being around trucks and often attends truck shows and other industry events.