12 ELD Devices Small Fleets Can Opt In 2024 (Ratings & Reviews)
The best ELD devices on the marketplace currently can help your business grow exponentially. One of the immediate concerns for small fleets is guaranteeing compliance with regulatory requirements. Authorized electronic devices play an essential component in this.
When the ELD mandate required all commercial vehicles to have ELD systems, the market saw increased products promising security and reliability with FMCSA regulations. After a few years, the devices’ functionality and features have improved. Regardless of fleet size, most commercial bus and truck drivers in the United States must comply with the ELD mandate and maintain their RODS using an electronic logbook device. These rules apply to drivers in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. You are almost certainly required to follow FMCSA ELD rules if you must maintain HOS records unless you qualify for one of the following exemptions:
- 8/30 Day Exemption – Drivers who keep RODS for a maximum of eight days out of every thirty days may do so on paper.
- Short-Haul Operation – Drivers who qualify for this exemption may keep paper logs. They are not required to use RODS or an e-log.
- Manufacturing Date Limit – Applicable to the engines of vehicles manufactured before 2000.
- Drive-Away-Tow-Away Operations – Drivers who perform drive-away-tow-away operations signify that the vehicle driven is part of the delivery.
If you’re a fleet manager seeking the best ELD devices for small fleets to improve your team’s performance, you’ve come to the right place!
Something You Must Know Before Selecting An ELD For Your Business – Benefits Of ELD Devices
Security – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that ELDs protect 26 lives and prevent 562 injuries each year. ELDs can also help avoid numerous accidents by providing more efficient route management, GPS tracking, fault-code monitoring, and timely identification of rough driving behaviors such as distracted driving or tired driving.
Reduction Of Liabilities – You can use the data collected by the ELDs as evidence. Another advantage of ELDs is their consistency and accuracy in the recording. A written record is only as good as the driver’s ability to keep track.
Diagnostics Of Vehicles – Because an ELD connects to a vehicle’s diagnostic port, it can constantly monitor fault codes. As a result, with real-time alerts and detailed reports, you can stay ahead of vehicle maintenance issues. Prevention and containment measures can be taken at the right time, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity.
Reduction In Fuel Waste – Tracking how much time each driver spends idling allows you to identify drivers who stop for too long or too regularly, potentially saving hundreds of dollars in the long haul.
Better Route Management And Location Tracking – ELDs enable fleet managers to carefully monitor vehicles via GPS tracking, providing real-time visibility and increasing productivity. GPS tracking, breadcrumb trails, and location history can assist fleet managers in formulating the best routes. Routes that are shorter save time, fuel, and money.
Before diving deep into the ten best ELD devices for your fleet business, you must understand their benefits. ELD has many advantages for the individual, owner, and fleet managers who oversee enterprise-wide fleets. ELDs, when used correctly, can optimize operations, reduce operational costs, maximize productivity, and increase profits.
How Much Do ELDs Cost?
An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is a piece of hardware that records a driver’s Record of Duty Status (RODS) and hours of service (HOS) electronically. The cost of an ELD varies depending on the type of device, features, and number of units needed. Generally, an ELD cost can range from $150 to $1,000 per device.
Some ELD providers may offer leasing options, which can reduce the upfront costs but result in a higher overall cost. It’s important to note that the ongoing costs associated with ELDs include monthly service fees, ranging from $10 to $50 per month per device.
For many business owners, ELD is a significant investment. According to an early estimate of FMCSA, the ELD solution for a truck can cost $40 per month. The current average price of an ELD device is about $495 per truck.
But contrary to this popular belief, ELD, if chosen smartly, is affordable. Nowadays, many companies are offering ELD services at reasonable prices. Vendors like Matrack provide free hardware with a subscription plan.
As for the subscription, they can be as low as $15 per month. You can reduce this even further by choosing a long-term plan.
How To Choose An Affordable ELD Solution?
We already know that an electronic logging device (ELD) is a crucial tool for fleets and trucking companies to comply with federal regulations that mandate employing electronic logging devices to track hours of service (HOS) for commercial drivers. As the market offers several options, choosing an affordable one that suits your requirements can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you find an affordable electronic logging device:
List Your Needs: The first step is determining what features you need from an ELD. Identify the number of vehicles in your fleet, the type of vehicles, and all the other specific requirements you have for the ELD. It will help you narrow your options and select an ELD that meets your needs.
Research ELD Providers: Once you have identified your needs, research ELD providers to find the ones that offer the features you need at an affordable price. Check reviews, testimonials, and ratings to gauge the reputation of the ELD provider and its products.
Compare Prices: Compare the prices of different ELD providers to find the most affordable one. Consider the initial cost of the ELD as well as any additional fees, such as monthly or yearly subscription fees.
Look for Discounts: Some ELD providers offer discounts to customers who purchase in bulk or sign up for a long-term contract. Look for such offers to save money.
Check for Hidden Costs: Make sure to read the fine print and check for any hidden costs or fees that might be associated with the ELD. These might include setup fees, installation fees, or additional charges for support or training.
Consider Integration: If you already employ fleet management software, consider an ELD that integrates with your existing software. It can save you money and make it easier to manage your fleet.
Look for User-Friendly ELDs: Look for an ELD that is easy to install and use, as this can save you time and money on training and support.
Choosing an affordable electronic logging device requires careful consideration of your needs, research on ELD providers, comparison of prices and discounts, and awareness of hidden costs. These tips help you select a cost-effective ELD that meets your fleet management requirements.
Here are some things you can consider while choosing an ELD solution to lower your cost:
- Hardware costs: Many companies in the market offer free ELD with regular subscription plans. So you check out these to save your money on the hardware.
- BYOD: Additionally, you should go with the solution that offers the BYOD option. In this way, you will not have to incur any additional expenditure in purchasing a separate device, and your drivers will be able to complete their logs from their own devices. It will also save money in organizing training sessions for your drivers to adopt the new technology.
- Installation Process: ELD solutions with complex installation processes can seriously threaten your pockets. So choose an ELD with a simple installation process that you or your driver can do without professional help.
Subscription plans: Subscription plans are one of the most important things you should check before getting any device. A company offers different options to you. The cost varies according to the time. If you plan to use the solution for over a year, then go for annual subscription plans. In this way, you will be able to save more.
Top 12 ELD Devices You Need To Get Your Hands On
Disclaimer:
Selecting the ideal ELD for small fleets can be difficult if you don’t know where to begin. The following article will describe the 10 ELD devices today, allowing you to make an informed decision when selecting your ELD provider.
Matrack ELD
The Matrack ELD hardware system is free, with a monthly charge that starts at $19.95. Users will receive a lifetime guarantee and will be free to cancel at any period because they will not be obliged to a contract. Our research found that Matrack offers a diverse range of features and is easy to use, making it a perfect choice for businesses on a budget.
Users only need to install their ELD and download the application after registering. Matrack does not work with cloud or on-premise software and is only available on desktop for Mac and Windows and mobile for iOS and Android.
Matrack’s ELD solution includes fuel tax tracking capabilities and useful ELD compliance features such as an audit trail and the ability to run timers to record employee working hours. It’s a low-cost, no-frills solution for those that need ELD compliance but don’t need fancy features.
Customers can contact Matrack’s support team by phone or email from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Online manuals and video tutorials are available too.
Benefits:
- IFTA fuel tracking
- Real-time location tracking
- Serves all fleet sizes
- Employee timeclock
- Violation tracking
- Audit trail
Pricing:
- Starts at $19.95/month with no contracts
- Free ELD
GoMotive ELD
GoMotive, formerly known as KeepTruckin ELD, is a popular choice among truck owners owing to its ease of use. It has a robust feature set, a convenient interface, and a reasonable price. The drivers find it easy to switch to this solution. Also, it offers 24/7 support that helps tackle any obstacle in tracking their HOS in a simplified manner.
GoMotive provides a comprehensive ELD solution ideal for all vehicle sizes. It offers advanced features like two-way messaging, GPS location tracking, and customizable vehicle inspection attributes such as vehicle records and automated notifications.
It has many features encompassing all you could anticipate from an ELD, and it’s far more than most providers, making this service an excellent choice for notably feature-heavy fleets with the supplies to do so.
Benefits:
- Reduced fuel wastage
- Alerts from HOS
- Diagnostics of vehicles
- Reduction of liabilities
- Real-time location tracking
- Better route management and security
- 24/7 customer support
Pricing:
- The vendor does not disclose the price. You will have to go through the website for your customized quote.
Samsara ELD
The Samsara ELD works best for fleet managers looking for a complete fleet management service. Samsara (founded in 2015) has rapidly become one of the best ELDs for small fleets due to its functionalities. They provide comprehensive fleet management initiatives that are considered one of the best. The initiatives include reefer management and trailer tracking.
Another advantage of using Samsara ELD devices is that you don’t need to invest in a Field Management System to buy the ELS-compliance package. You can upgrade to the program while maintaining the app infrastructure and dashboard of the ELD-specific software.
Samara’s ELD solution consists of a device that connects directly to a vehicle engine’s OBD port and works with a smartphone app that allows drivers to monitor and register vehicle information in real-time. Furthermore, dispatchers can use a dashboard to view the HOS for most of their operators in one place. The devices are simple to connect and configure.
Benefits:
- Intuitive app interface
- Easy setup process
- 24/7 service
- Clear fleet visibility
- Vehicle diagnostics
- Plug-and-play hardware
- Cloud-based storage
- Upgrading to FMS is simple
Pricing:
- $33 starting price for monthly service
- $99 for hardware
Garmin eLog
Garmin eLog can show a fruitful learning curve in setup and everyday use. Garmin has no ongoing costs, and hence it stands out as one of the best and most consistent ELD investments. When drivers grasp it, the Garmin eLog can save a company thousands of dollars per month. It gets the job done and even provides fuel tracking.
The Garmin eLog is the size of a fist. It provides ELD-compliant logs that you can access locally via USB and Bluetooth for roadside safety checks. The free downloadable mobile app allows drivers to manually enter their readiness and easily see how much time is left. Fuel tracking via IFTA is also supported. The units are compatible with 6-pin and 9-pin ports. However, they are not compatible with OBDII ports.
Benefits:
- Free mobile application
- 24/7 customer service
- No ongoing costs
- Tracking of fuel
- Data backed up on the mobile application
- Serves fleets of all sizes
Pricing:
- $250 initial (no monthly cost)
EROAD Ehubo ELD
The Ehubo device from EROAD stands out for the features and functionality that a fleet needs to track HOS, providing daily and weekly summaries that include on-duty status, vehicle idle-time, and resets. The Ehubo software monitors safety and fuel tax adherence. They are two useful features that not all ELDs provide. The physical device is sturdy and precise, making it a good fit for extreme conditions. It also includes one unique feature: a “Smart Short Haul” function that instantly addresses short-haul exemptions from the ELD mandate.
It may not be as feature-rich as the more expensive options, but it makes up for its accuracy, durability, dependability, and affordability. EROAD ELD is perfect for anyone looking for an affordable option, as the device does not require prepayment, and an affordable monthly plan is available.
The EROAD Ehubo is the perfect solution for your fleet’s drivers who want an ELD that makes roadside checks fast and easy with little to no learning curve. Customer service by phone is available during regular hours, but not 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Benefits:
- Cloud-based storage
- Integrated tax/miles tracking
- Fuel and safety tracking
- Handles short-haul exemptions
- Excellent support team
- In-vehicle unit
- HOS violation reports
Pricing:
- The free device with the subscription plan
- A monthly subscription starts from $25.
BigRoad’s Dashlink ELD
The Dashlink system is a stand-alone ELD solution with all the necessary features – HOS (Hour Hours of Use), service status, and quick reports. It also includes some notable additional features, such as fuel tracking and notification to the manager when a violation occurs. Dashlink also exhibits road congestion to inform drivers of their estimated arrival time and how it may shift in the future.
The BigRoad DashLink is a simple and cost-effective solution for meeting ELD mandate requirements. There are no upfront costs or restrictions on driver duty status, and drive time is automatically recorded for HOS compliance.
BigRoad provides a free trial, demo, and free downloadable materials such as guides, videos, and ebooks on their website. The Dashlink ELD solution package offers each vehicle a plug-and-play hardware unit that installs and pairs the BigRoad mobile app via Bluetooth, but with no hardware upfront costs.
Benefits:
- Easy to install and user-friendly
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Traffic display
- IFTA and document scanning
- Low cost
- Two-way messaging
- Fuel tracking
Pricing:
- $19.50 per month
- $1440 per year
GPS Trackit ELD
GPS Trackit’s ELD system, like Matrack’s, is accessible to fleets without tying them to a contract. The service provides simple, plug-and-play hardware units and software that provide all the necessary features and capabilities for an ELD mandate-compliant system. Uptime is automatically tracked along with the time stamp when the driver logs on or off.
With the push of a button, drivers can generate and transmit reports, and maintenance checklists can guide them by inspecting air compressors, drivelines, and other equipment.
Benefits:
- Easy Installation
- No Contracts
- Maintenance Checklist
- Intuitive Interface
- Downloadable app on Playstore
- Customized alerts
Pricing:
- $23.95 per month with no contracts.
Verizon Connect Reveal ELD
Verizon Connect’s ELD solution connects with Verizon Connect Reveal’s fleet management system. One can be discouraged by fleets looking for quick ELD compliance, but it adds optimization features such as live maps and geofencing and access to field services and asset tracking options.
The logbook is a necessary ELD add-on, and it provides drivers with the alerts they need to monitor their HOS and avoid breaches and managers with a bird’s-eye view of which drivers have a chance to carry on another assignment. Phone support, live online support, chatbots, video conferences, and training materials are all available.
Benefits:
- Risk warning alerts for drivers
- Mobile phone and online support
- Strong Support
- Administrator dashboard
- Free demo
Pricing:
- Personalized quotes
Teletrac Navman ELD
Teletrac Navman Director, like Samsara, is a renowned FMS service. It has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, offers role-based assistance for drivers and managers, and offers both on-demand and live ELD coaching, with 21 on-demand courses preinstalled on each ELD device.
Customer service is available by phone, email, and online. Teletrac Navman does not publish pricing, but it changes based on fleet size, and their full FMS is reasonably priced compared to the industry average. It’s simple to upgrade to their FMS or other solutions, such as fleet safety and workflow management software.
Benefits:
- Upgrading to FMS is simple
- Intuitive Interface
- On-Demand and Live Training Courses
- Role-Based Support
- Free Demo
Pricing:
- Personalized quotes
GPSTab
Truckers designed the GPSTab ELD cloud-based app for truckers. Because there is no ELD device, you can use any existing mobile device to connect to the app and save hundreds of dollars. With a low monthly fee and suitability with almost any server, this app is hard to challenge.
GPSTab is best for those who already own mobile devices.
Benefits:
- Vehicle diagnostics
- Geofencing
- 24/7 customer support
- Free trial offer
- In-person and online training
- Video tutorials and demos
- Asset tracking
- Driver management
- IFTA reporting
Pricing:
- $29 per month
Gorilla ELD
Gorilla Safety ELD offers a simple and affordable electronic logging solution for your fleet. It can reduce the paperwork in your organization and focus on the road. You can save time from unnecessary documentation and keep accurate records of the drivers. It will also simplify HoS compliance management and avoid violations.
Gorilla Safety ELD has a simple one-minute installation process. It works on a plug-and-play system that makes installation a breeze. It also comes with an integrated mobile application to ease access to features. Another benefit of this device is that you can use the same device to track one truck in the morning and another in the evening.
It provides ease to track hours of service, complaint edit and even helps during a roadside inspection. It is also easy to use, so your drivers can quickly adapt to the new technology.
Other benefits of the Gorilla safety ELD are eDVIR, real-time alerts, accident investigation, etc.
Benefits:
- Fully FMCSA registered
- Reduce the amount of paperwork
- Save time
- Affordable solution
- Easy installation
Pricing:
- The cost of the hardware is $175
- Monthly subscription fees start from $19.99.
Rand McNally ELD
Rand McNally ELD 50 is a compact electronic logging device. It has a simple installation process that you and your driver can get done in seconds. It allows them to view and certify their logs using their smartphone. It saves their time and effort from learning to operate a new device.
The device uses cellular data to send logs to the fleet management portal. If you lose connectivity or don’t have a mobile device with you, the device will record the data and store them for up to 2 days. So even when the drivers are in an area with low or poor connectivity, you will not have to worry about compliance.
On the other hand, you can access the portal to view, print, or store the electronic logging history. It can store up to 6 months’ worth of data, so you can access it as and when you need to make informed decisions.
Rand McNally ELD also helps you to efficiently manage vehicle maintenance. The device is connected to the engine and pulls out important data, such as average fuel economy, boost pressure, gallons per hour, battery voltage, coolant temperature, and oil pressure.
You can use this data to schedule vehicle maintenance time and reduce any possibility of an unexpected breakdown.
Benefits:
- Simple installation
- BYOD
- Compact hardware
- Complete DVIRs
- Check engine diagnostics
- Access log history
Pricing:
- The initial cost of the device is $150.
- Monthly subscription fees start from $20.
Conclusion
Once you’ve determined which vendors you want to work with, compare prices to ensure the best deals. The vendor could offer you a quotation tailored to your specific requirements if you have a large fleet.
You’ll need to search and compare prices tailored to you to guarantee ELD compliance while saving your operation money over time.