Electronic Logging Device
Free device, No contracts, Cancel any time, GPS tracking, IFTA include.
*Only $21.95/mo.
FMCSA approved, DOT Compliant Real Time Tracking
Learn More About Your Free ELD
Interested in learning more about getting your $200 value Matrack Smart ELD FOR FREE?
We’d love to send you more info!Fill out the form below with your queries and one of our
team members will get in touch with you shortly.
Electronic Logging Device
Free device, No contracts, Cancel any time, GPS tracking, IFTA include.
Only $21.95/mo.
FMCSA approved, DOT Compliant Real Time Tracking
Learn More About Your Free ELD
Interested in learning more about getting your $200 value Matrack Smart ELD FOR FREE?
We’d love to send you more info!Fill out the form below with your queries and one of our
team members will get in touch with you shortly.
FREE DEVICE
30 DAYS FREE RETURN
Lifetime Warranty
Top 5 Reasons To Use Matrack ELD
- Free Device, Lifetime Warranty.
- No Contract, Pay Month to Month (*We will buy out your long term contract).
- Low Monthly Fee of $21.95.
- Improve Cash Flow, Pay for Expenses Only after 60 Days (A superior solution to traditional factoring).
- Optional Fuel Card with 2.5% to 4% Rewards (Seamless IFTA Reports).
OVERVIEW
Be ELD Compliant with Matrack SmartELD
Our hardware is ELD compliant, easy to install, Bluetooth compatible, and stacked with a load of valuable services to help streamline your business reporting.
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REQUEST INFO
Learn More About Your Free ELD
Interested in learning more about getting your $200 value Matrack Smart ELD FOR FREE?
We’d love to send you more info!Fill out the form below with your queries and one of our
team members will get in touch with you shortly.
ELD Logbook App- Easy to Use
FMCSA Approved Electronic Logbook
Our Device is DOT compliant and listed in FMCSA’s ELD approval list.
Voice-based ELD status changes
Our ELD logbook app provides voice recognition for making status changes.
Optimize Loading Operations
Matrack ELD provides tools to keep Fleet Managers up to speed on loading/unloading procedures from start and end.
Learn More About Your Free ELD
Interested in learning more about getting your $200 value Matrack Smart ELD FOR FREE?
We’d love to send you more info!Fill out the form below with your queries and one of our
team members will get in touch with you shortly.
Save Hours Of IFTA Tax Filing Time
Our intelligent and fully automated solution for IFTA compliance saves you hours of filing time and avoids costly errors. It can conveniently merge with your existing systems to give you peace of mind.
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REQUEST INFO
Learn More About Your Free ELD
Interested in learning more about getting your $200 value Matrack Smart ELD FOR FREE?
We’d love to send you more info!Fill out the form below with your queries and one of our
team members will get in touch with you shortly.
Analyze your fleet’s performance over time
Matrack devices easily track when drivers are on or off duty and provide an instantaneous view into driver’s total hours to make sure that there are no violations in exceeded hours of service.
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REQUEST INFO
Learn More About Your Free ELD
Interested in learning more about getting your $200 value Matrack Smart ELD FOR FREE?
We’d love to send you more info!Fill out the form below with your queries and one of our
team members will get in touch with you shortly.
Traditional Factoring vs. The Matrack Factoring Alternative
+ Fuel Card 2-in-1 Solution
Factoring Companies
The Matrack 2-in-1 Solution
Average fee 3%-10%
No Fees. No Interest for 60 days.
Risk of money not being available
Greater security
Dependent on third-party funds
Direct source of funds/ MNo middleman
NA
2.5% cashback on fuel
NA
1% cashback on all other purchases
NA
Streamline fuel expenses for IFTA Report
INSTALLATION
How to Install Plug and Play ELD in 3 Easy Steps
An electronic logging device or ELD is a hardware that can be connected to a vehicle’s engine via OBD port to record data regarding engine and ignition status, driving time, location, and more. The main function of an ELD is to record the hours of service in compliance with DOT regulations.
Step 1
Locate the OBD port on your vehicle. The OBD port is generally located underneath the dashboard on the driver’s side. Identify the type of diagnostic port and select 14-pin Molex OBD/J-Bus connector
Step2
Connect the 14-pin end to the device and plug the other end to the port on your vehicle. There are status LED indicators on the device. The blue light on the device will start blinking when bluetooth is connected.
Step 3
Login to your platform. Search for Matrack ELD app in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Contact your fleet administrator to get username and password. Once logged in, complete the user profile and other settings.
Step 1
Locate the OBD port on your vehicle. The OBD port is generally located underneath the dashboard on the driver’s side. Identify the type of diagnostic port and select 14-pin Molex OBD/J-Bus connector
Step2
Connect the 14-pin end to the device and plug the other end to the port on your vehicle. There are status LED indicators on the device. The blue light on the device will start blinking when bluetooth is connected.
Step 3
Login to your platform. Search for Matrack ELD app in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Contact your fleet administrator to get username and password. Once logged in, complete the user profile and other settings.
FEATURES
ELD Compliance
The MA-ELD Classic is DOT compliant and listed in the FMCSA’s ELD approval list.
DOT Log Transfer
One of the greatest advantage of having an ELD is to be able to transfer data files to security officer digitally.
HOS Logs
ELD has a complete set of steps to determine whether a CMV is in driving or non-driving status. When a CMV is moving at a speed of more than 5mph (which is a preset threshold as per FMCSA), the ELD is automatically prompted to consider the vehicle to be in driving status.
Geo Fencing
With G.-Fencing you can create dmw areas and assign particular vehicles to a specified GmArea. Using Alerts or Reports, you know predmly when your fleet vehicles enter and exitthe GeoArea and view where there is vehicle overlap
Dashboard Summary
With a quick glance at our dashboard you can easily view and monitor KPI’s like mileage, stop time, idle time, and speeding. This helps you recognize and correct behavior to become more cost efficient and increase productivity.
Idle Time Tracking
Once the speed of the vehicle comes down to 0mph, and stays at that speed for more than three consecutive seconds, the ELD automatically switches to non-driving status.
Travel Logs
View your travel log to see all data: Date, Time, Location Information, Engine Hours, Vehicle miles and more.
Real Time Alerts
Every second counts when you need precision and detail to make informed decisions. Using Shadow Tracker® Live’s unlimited alerts sent directly to your mobile device or email, you will know the location of driver activity.
Vehicle Inspections
Schedule and record the maintenance of your fleet vehicles for easy reminders based on mileage, engine hours or time. Automated email reminders make sure you never miss another oil change, tire change, or inspection.
Driver ID & Messaging
Quickly assign or move individual drivers between vehicles for an effective tool that allows you manage your fleet, when drivers have access to their shared vehicles. You can also send and receive messages or forward addresses directly from the software.
Automated Reporting
You don’t have time to sit in front of your computer and monitor your fleet every hour of every day. Our software can be configured to automatically deliver any report you want any time you want. You don’t even have to have a login. Take advantage of GPS tracking’s benefits
Accident Reporting
You don’t have time to sit in front of your computer and monitor your fleet every hour of every day. Our software can be configured to automatically deliver any report you want any time you want. You don’t even have to have a login. Take advantage of GPS tracking’s benefits.
IFTA Fuel Tax
Our hardware provides warning notifications, when fuel levels drop below the set threshold percentage.
Advanced Violations Warning
The Matrack ELD system provides violation details for current cycles as well as graph illustrations for break times, driver availability, remaining shift hours and remaining cycle hours for each shift.
Customizable Alerts
Every second counts when you need precision and detail to make informed decisions. Using Shadow Tracker® Live’s unlimited alerts sent directly to your mobile device or email, you will know the location of driver activity.
SOLUTIONS
A complete ELD management software solution
Our application is FMCSA-approved and can be used with any Android or iOS device, eliminating the expenses of proprietary e-logging hardware.
ELD
COMPLIANCE
FMCSA-listed ELD DOT compliant Works with any mobile device
EDVIR & DEFECT REPORTING
Create pre-EDVIR reports
Create post-EDVIR reports
Transfer reported defects
VOICE STATUS
CHANGES
Voice-based ELD status changes
Voice Recognition Make status changes with voice
VIOLATION
NOTIFICATIONS
Violation details for current cycles Graph illustrations Break times, driver availability, etc.
LOW-FUEL
NOTIFICATIONS
Warning notifications
Fuel level drops below threshold
DRIVER
DISPLAY
Matrack ELD driver display
Displays unassigned driving hours Option for hours to be claimed
BLUETOOTH
INTEGRATION
Bluetooth-based ELD system
Avoids cell-based noncompliance Remains 100% compliant in remote areas
EFFECTIVE ACCIDENT REPORTING
Create accident reports
Includes incident images
Submit to Fleet Administrators
OPTIMIZE LOADING
OPERATIONS
Keeps Fleet Managers up to speed Loading operations tool
Loading/unloading procedures start to end
REPORTING &
ALERTS
Fuel efficiency & vehicle health
Activity and driver behavior
IFTA, EL, and FSMA
REAL-TIME
GPS TRACKING
Live vehicle location tracking
Trip histories Geofence alerts
INDUSTRIES
ELD management solution for Industries
An electronic logging device that records driving data such as the hours of service in compliance with DOT regulations.ELDs allow edits, but also retain the original data.
Smart Slider with ID: 43
ELD Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why to Switch to Matrack Smart ELD?
Top 5 Reasons to Switch to Matrack Smart ELD are:
1. Free Device: With Matrack, you will get an FMCSA approved ELD device, which is worth $200, absolutely FREE!
2. Low Monthly Fees: Monthly subscription charges starting as low as $21.95 per month.
3. Life Time Warranty: The device comes to you with a lifetime warranty.
4. No Contracts: Not Happy with the device? You may cancel anytime and get the refund. No questions asked.
5. 24×7 Support: Round the clock customer support with response within minutes. Email us at support.gps@matrackinc.com or call us at 1(855) 685-7555. Phone and Chat support available throughout 9 am to 5 pm – PST, Monday through Friday.
What is an Electronic Logging Device (ELD)?
An electronic logging device or ELD is a hardware that can be connected to a vehicle’s engine via OBD port to record data regarding engine and ignition status, driving time, location, and more. The main function of an ELD is to record the hours of service in compliance with DOT regulations.
How is an ELD different from currently existing e-logs?
FMCSA or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has listed the major differences between the older e-logs/AOBRD and the modern ELDs here. Both technologies require to be plugged into the vehicle to retrieve important data. However, ELDs are more advanced, and document more information. They also allow for transfer of data during roadside inspection.
Another difference is in presentation of data as laid down by FMCSA. The newer ELDs can present data about driving hours, change of duty of a driver, and more in graph and grids. This wasn’t possible with older AOBRDs.
One of the biggest and most important difference between the two technologies is the records of edits. AOBRD allowed drivers, operators and others to make changes in the records that weren’t documented. To make the data authentic and accurate, ELDs allow edits, but also retain the original data. ELDs keep a track of who made the edits and when. This prohibits any discrepancy in the data collected, and makes drivers and operators accountable.
What kind of information does ELD record automatically?
As per the mandate, the ELDs are required to automatically record data at preset time interval, regarding the following:
- Date
- Time
- Location Information
- Engine Hours
- Vehicle miles
- Driver identification information
- Information on authorized users
- Vehicle
- Motor carrier
Some ELD providers also offer integrated fleet management system, which allows to document more information like speed of the vehicle, driving violations, and performance of the vehicle. However, these elements are not required for DOT compliance, but are valuable in optimizing the fleet operations by best possible use of available resources.
Is real-time tracking of CMVs required under ELD rule?
According to FMCSA, real-time tracking of CMVs is not necessary under ELD rule. Although, it has several benefits for the carriers. With the help of real time data, carriers can plan a better route and make most of the 11-hour driving window. There are various other ways carriers can improve their business functions through real-time tracking. However, FMCSA does safeguard driver’s interest, and prohibits using real time data as a means to harass or violate a driver’s personal boundaries.
How is the driving/non-driving status determined by an ELD?
ELD has a complete set of steps to determine whether a CMV is in driving or non-driving status. When a CMV is moving at a speed of more than 5mph (which is a preset threshold as per FMCSA), the ELD is automatically prompted to consider the vehicle to be in driving status.
Once the speed of the vehicle comes down to 0mph, and stays at that speed for more than three consecutive seconds, the ELD automatically switches to non-driving status.
In case the driver has changed the status to driving duty, and the vehicle has not moved for more than five minutes, the ELD prompts the driver to confirm the correct status. If the driver fails to set a proper status, ELD automatically changes the driving duty status to an on-duty not driving one.
On what devices can ELD be used?
ELD can be used on any wireless or smartphone device as long as they meet the technical specifications as mentioned in the ELD rule. More importantly, the device must be able to access the vehicle’s engine to retrieve the data. FMCSA has a list of certified devices that are compliant to the rule and can record data accurately. It is best to check the list before buying any device, as many GPS-enabled smartphone or other mobile devices are often not accurate in documenting the distance travelled. You can find the FMCSA approved list of ELD providers here.
Am I required to comply with the ELD rule?
If you own a motor carrier company or are a driver in USA, you are required to maintain records of duty status (RODS) through Electronic Logging Device. However, if you happen to belong to any of the following, you are exempted from the rule:
- You operate under short-haul exceptions and use time cards.
- You use paper logs for 8 or less days during a period of 30 days or a month.
- You operate for drive-away/tow-away unit.
- Your vehicle’s engine model is older than 2000.
- You drive a property-moving vehicle, rented for less than 8 days.
What is the short-haul or 100-mile radius exemption?
Under 100-mile radius or short- haul exemptions, a driver can use time records instead of electronic logging device if the following conditions are met:
- The driver has travelled within a 100-mile radius of the work reporting location.
- The driver has been released from duty for a 8-10 hour break from the work reporting location within 12 hours
- The driver accurately mentions the duration of hours of service, along with time of start and end of driving shift in the time records.
- In case driver travels beyond the 100 mile radius, he/she will be required to fill out the paper log for that particular day. However, if this happens more than 8 times throughout a period of 30-days, the driver will be required to use ELD for further travel.
When does electronic logging device (ELD) record location data?
According to FMCSA, the ELD records location data in following situations:
- When the vehicle is on the move, ELD records location data at every 60-minute interval.
- When the driver starts and shuts off the engine.
- When the driver changes the status of duty.
- When the driver uses the vehicle for personal work or for yard moves.
The location accuracy recorded by ELD is about 1-mile radius for on-duty period, and 10-mile radius when the driver is using the CMV for personal purposes. The latter is to safeguard driver’s privacy.
The ELD reads the location data in longitude and latitudes, and converts it into geo-location data. This information gives an approximation location information of the nearest city or town, along with state abbreviation.
What does the exemption regarding drive-away/tow-away mean?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a drive-away/tow-away operation means transportation of an empty vehicle (with more than one set of wheels on the surface of the road):
- Between different facilities of the manufacturer of the vehicle
- Between the facilities of the manufacturer and dealer/buyer
- Between dealership and buyer/ lessee
- To repair facility after a major accident or failure of an important vehicle component.
- By saddle mount or tow-bar.
If a vehicle is being driven away or towed away due to any of the above situation, the ELD rule does not apply to such operation.
I am currently running on AOBRD. When should I shift to ELD?
As per the mandate, all vehicles with AOBRD are required to shift to ELD before 16th December, 2019. But as the deadline is closing in, it is advisable to make a switch as soon as possible. This will allow you to choose an ELD, its implementation, and training.
Before opting for any ELD, it is vital that you research all available options and choose the one that best suits your requirements. You will also need some time to train yourself, your employees, and other people involved in your business in understanding the working of this new technology. According to FMCSA, if a CMV is found using ABORD after the deadline of December 2019, a fine will be levied on the same, and they will be put out of service.
Having two different electronic logging systems can make collection, representation and sharing of data difficult. For example, a driver using ELD can send files to authorized person for roadside inspection. However, a driver using AOBRD will be required to explain why the old technology is being used. Also, the driver will have to send the records to the officer within 48 hours, which delays the entire process of inspection.
Another issue that can arise due to use of two separate technologies is when a driver using AOBRD drives a vehicle with ELD, and vice versa. It will be challenging for the drivers to keep transitioning between the two.
After December 2019, AOBRDs will become redundant. Therefore, shifting to ELDs for a standardized and streamlined operation will be beneficial.
When can a driver use paper logs instead of ELD?
Most drivers who travel within 100 air-mile radius of their reporting workplace are exempt from ELD mandate and can use paper logs. However, if a driver who is exempt from using ELD under the 100 air-mile rule will be required to use ELD in case he/she travels beyond the 100 air-mile radius for 8 or more days within a period of 30 days. Similarly, if a driver travels beyond the 100 air-mile radius of the reporting location for less than 8 days within a period of 30 days, the ELD exemption still applies.
| Specification | Exemption Status |
|---|---|
| Travel within 100 air-mile radius | Exempted |
| Travel beyond 100 air-mile radius for less than 8 days in a period of 30 days | Exempted |
| Travel beyond 100 air-mile radius for 8 or more days in a period of 30 days | Use ELD |
How do I know if my older trucks are exempt under ELD?
According to FMCSA, vehicles with pre-2000 engine are exempt. It is important here to note that to determine if an older truck is exempt, the model number of the engine is taken into consideration, and not the actual model of the vehicle. This is because, ELD are installed within the OB port II of the engine, which isn’t possible with engines built before 2000. The age of the vehicle does not affect implementation/installation of ELD. Many older trucks often replace their older engines for a newer model, which are compatible to ELD mandate.
My technician took the truck out for test run. How will it affect the mileage record in ELD?
ELD records all driving time, even if the vehicle is being taken out by a technician or moved around the yard by another employee. In such cases, it is best that the carrier define an exempt driver category which can be used by the technicians, and does not affect the driving hours’ record of any driver. Every drive time recorded in ELD required to be assigned to a driver. If a technician drives a CMV for some maintenance or other reason, the next driver will be asked if the drive time belonged to him/her. If the driver rejects it, it becomes the carrier’s responsibility to explain and settle the records. They can use the 100 air-mile exemption for this purpose.
Is ELD required to drive a truck that weighs less than 10000 pounds?
ELD mandate extends to many light weight vehicles like pickup trucks and large passenger vans. The vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is 10,001 or more, and the vehicle is being used in interstate commerce, it is required to follow the ELD mandate.
How do I ensure that my ELD is FMCSA-compliant?
FMCSA maintains a list of registered ELD vendors/manufacturers, which you can find here. The vendors/manufacturers on the list are required to self-certify their devices, which also mean that they might not be completely in compliance with ELD mandate. However, in case a malfunction or problem occurs, the vendor of that device is revoked from the registered list. It is best that carriers register themselves with FMCSA to get timely updated of additions and edits in the registered and revoked list of devices to keep track of their own ELD.
Also, FMCSA takes measures to inform carriers and drivers if any vendor has been revoked from the registered list.
Also, a vendor/manufacturer is not required to notify its change in status to any of its clients.
FMCSA also has a checklist about things to consider while choosing an ELD vendor. You can find it here.
Choosing the best ELD is completely dependent on how well a carrier does a market research and can identify the red flags. There are some ELD vendors who are acquiring authentication certificate from third-parties, although this is not really required by the FMCSA. This is a step taken by vendors to ensure the clients about the productivity and efficiency of their product.
How to ensure that data transfer from ELD is complaint and can be read by inspecting officer?
One of the greatest advantage of having an ELD is to be able to transfer data files to security officer digitally. However, if the data file cannot be read by the officer’s device, the carrier and driver are at a loss. Therefore, FMCSA has come up with an ELD File Validator on certain ELD specific websites. This helps the motor carriers and drivers check if the data transferred from their EDL device is readable or not. This however, is not a mandatory process for ELD vendors, and is not included in their self-certification.
Another way you can ensure that data transfer will be compatible is to do a self-test. Ask the vendor to send you a document through the ELD, and if you can read it, you can opt for the device. Because unless it can transfer readable data, the ELD cannot be considered compliant, even if the vendor is registered with FMCSA.
What is better – an in-cab device or a system that allows use of smartphone or tablets?
As smartphones and tablets are quite in common use these days, several ELD vendors offer the choice of providing a device, sort of a black box that is installed in the vehicle’s engine. The ELD can send data to the smartphone or tablet, chosen by the driver or the carrier.
Many motor carriers with big fleets are choosing to opt for using their own smartphone and tablet for the purpose of ELD as it is cost efficient and easy to use for the drivers. However, experts in the field are critical of this decision as smartphones and tablets have two huge disadvantages – limited battery life and unreliable data connectivity. Also, using ELD with smartphones will mean added data charges and a separate subscription. In case the data connectivity is lost, or the mobile device is out of battery, or the device is lost, it will be difficult to maintain the electronic logs.
Choosing an in-cab system or any mobile device depends on the size of the fleet and also due consideration to the extra charges paid for data. In the end, both are reliable, if operated properly.
Who is authorized to edit ELD records?
Edits to ELD records can be made by the driver as well as any authorized staff of the motor carrier. All edits made must be accompanied by an annotation that details why the edit was required. Any change made to ELD records by the carrier requires a certification by the driver. This is to ensure that driver’s rights are protected. However, the driver can choose to not certify the said edit. Both instances of carrier making the edits, and driver certifying/not-certifying the edit is recorded in the annotations.
Can the status of driving time be changed to non-driving time in ELD records?
ELD automatically records driving time as soon as the commercial motor vehicle is in motion, and reaches a set speed of 5mph. Similarly, if the vehicle has stopped and the speed remains 0 for three consecutive seconds, the ELD considered this as non-driving status. As the data is recorded automatically, edits cannot be made to it by anyone.
What are edits and annotation? How are they different?
Whenever a data recorded by the ELD is changed, it is known as an ‘edit’. The original record is still maintained in the ELD. The reason behind an edit or/and update to the records is also required to be documented in detail as ‘annotations’, under Section 49 CFR 395.30 (c) (2).
FMCSA gives an example for further and easier understanding. A carrier may edit “off-duty” status to “on-duty not driving” status and record annotation stating the reason as “driver logged training time incorrectly as off-duty”. The edit thus made will then be sent to driver for his/her approval.
So basically, edits are the changes made to the original ELD records by authorised user, while annotations indicate the reason for such change. Annotations can also be used by drivers to indicate the start and end of a personal use of commercial vehicle like yard moves, and other special categories such adverse driving conditions, oilfield operation, etc.