FMCSA Approved ELD Devices – List & Resources
Meta Description: Find the best FMCSA-approved ELD device for your fleet with our comprehensive list of certified providers and devices. Ensure compliance with regulations today!
ELDs have revolutionized the trucking industry by enabling efficient monitoring of service hours and compliance with industry regulations. It’s essential to note that commercial drivers must use FMCSA-approved ELDs to ensure legal compliance.
Despite their various designs, ELDs provide reliable and accurate results for managing time spent documenting hours, travel time, and fuel expenses. They enable real-time status updates for dispatch and improve overall safety, compliance, and efficiency, making them indispensable tools for the trucking industry. Additionally, they simplify data capture for drivers’ logs.
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ELD Regulation
The ELD Rule, or Electronic Logging Device Rule, is a regulation implemented by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to improve the safety and efficiency of commercial motor vehicles. This Rule requires installing an electronic logging device in the CMVs to record a driver’s hours of service (HOS) electronically, replacing the traditional paper logbooks.
With ELDs, drivers can accurately track their driving time and rest periods, ensuring they stay within the legal limits and avoid fatigue-related accidents. These devices also provide real-time data on vehicle location, engine hours, and other essential information, making it easier for fleet managers to monitor and manage their operations.
The ELD Rule aims to streamline record-keeping processes, reduce paperwork, and enhance compliance with HOS regulations. It promotes fairness and safety across the trucking industry by creating a level playing field for all carriers.
Ultimately, the Rule helps improve road safety, protects drivers’ well-being, and contributes to more efficient and reliable freight transportation.
ELD Requirement
We already know that the FMCSA has curtain parameters that an ELD vendor needs to fulfill to get their device on the certified list. However, as a user, here are a few requirements the ELD you choose must meet to avoid violations:
- ELDs must accurately record a driver’s hours of service (HOS) electronically.
- They should connect directly to the vehicle’s engine to automatically capture engine status and motion data.
- They should have a user-friendly interface for drivers to view and verify their recorded data.
- They should have built-in safeguards to protect driver privacy and ensure data security.
- They should help streamline record-keeping processes and reduce paperwork.
- They promote compliance with HOS regulations and help prevent fatigue-related accidents.
- ELDs contribute to safer and more efficient roadways in the transportation industry.
ELD requirements focus on accurate recording, user-friendly interfaces, data security, and promoting safer and more efficient roads.
Top 10 FMCSA Approved ELD in 2024 – A review
Here we review the top 10 FMCSA-approved Devices:
Matrack ELD
Matrack ELD, our very own product, is designed to support fleet owners and managers in achieving FMCSA regulatory compliance. With us, you can count on a reliable and affordable solution that offers a range of valuable features and benefits:
- Our device is straightforward to install, saving you time and hassle.
- We provide a user-friendly interface, ensuring a seamless experience for both – drivers and administrators.
- Stay in control with real-time tracking and monitoring of your vehicles and drivers, allowing you to make informed decisions promptly.
- Take advantage of our exclusive offer of a FREE device, save over $2000 per vehicle, and eliminate any upfront costs.
- Matrack ELD enhances safety by promoting compliance with regulations, preventing violations, and reducing the risk of fatigue-related incidents.
- Reduce paperwork and administrative burdens with our solution, optimizing your fleet operations and increasing efficiency.
- Customized Reports and Analytics: Gain valuable insights through customized reports and analytics, empowering you to make data-driven decisions.
- Dependability and Certification: We are a dependable and FMCSA-certified solution, providing peace of mind and confidence in its performance.
- Cost-Effective: Enjoy a low monthly fee, as low as $19.95, without the burden of contracts or hidden expenses.
Experience the benefits of Matrack ELD, designed to streamline fleet operations, enhance safety, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Samsara ELD
Our next recommendation is the Samara ELD, and it’s highly regarded in the USA markets for good reason. This vendor offers a wide range of features that cater to different needs, whether you’re a trucker, owner-operator, or part of a small- or big-sized fleet. With features like real-time tracking, fleet dispatching, and automatic route optimization, they’ve got you completely covered.
What sets Samara apart is its impressive driver management capabilities.
- You can generate personalized reports,
- receive alerts, and keep track of driving time,
- records of duty status and fleet maintenance requirements.
They truly offer one of the most customizable electronic logging devices.
When it comes to pricing, Samara follows a transparent approach. You’ll only pay one subscription fee to access their entire platform, and there are no hidden costs. The membership is billed annually in advance and typically ranges from $27 to $33 per vehicle per month, depending on the features and services you choose.
Samara ELD provides an excellent package with robust features, flexible customization options, and fair pricing.
Motive ELD
The Motive ELD is a user-friendly electronic logging device (ELD) that ensures truck drivers comply with safety laws while keeping accurate records. It’s highly rated for its data accuracy, ease of use, and safety features, making it a game-changer in the trucking industry.
The Motive ELD
- Monitors and tracks drivers with ease
- Features include fuel efficiency data, score-carding, engine diagnostics, and GPS asset location.
- User-friendly interface with positive ratings for quality
- Different pricing options based on fleet size
- Dashboard cameras for driver monitoring and schedule adherence
- Efficient route planning and communication between managers and drivers
- Customizable dashboards and real-time safety updates
- Job dispatch, proof of delivery, driver compliance
- In-cab training guides for safe driving habits and compliance
- Reduces violations, fines, and unexpected repair costs while improving fuel savings
- Features like geofencing, IFTA reporting, electronic DVIRs, and vehicle analytics
- Some reported issues with customer service, connectivity, GPS tracking, and contract renewal
The Motive ELD is ideal for fleets of all sizes, offers excellent value for the money, and sets a new standard for compliance and safety. It costs $149 for the hardware and has a monthly subscription of $20-$35 per vehicle. The initial contract is for twelve months.
Pros include optimized workflows, time and resource savings, increased profit, improved safety, and excellent customer service. Drawbacks include the need for a robust device and limited log editing.
BigRoad DashLink
BigRoad’s ELD system – DashLink is a straightforward solution that helps drivers log their service hours and ensures compliance with FMCSA rules. It is user-friendly and can be set up in minutes. The hardware connects to your truck’s diagnostic port, and the mobile app, available for iOS and Android, helps you control the device. The app has received high ratings for its performance.
We used the BigRoad DashLink ELD for two weeks, and here are our findings:
- It supports OBDII and EOBD-compliant vehicles.
- It is compatible with most CMVs on the road.
- You can use the app on your mobile device – as long as you have a working Bluetooth connection.
- It offers a private conveyance mode.
- It can accurately track hours of service.
- Customer service is excellent, and the system is cost-effective and user-friendly.
- Regular updates improve diagnostics and add flexibility to adjust logs during a drive.
The BigRoad ELD is compliant with current regulations and registered with the FMCSA and is suited for new fleets, drivers working with multiple companies, and those who need an easily transferable device with top-notch customer service.
While it may not have all the advanced features of other ELD systems, it does offer an affordable option that excels in what it does. The cost varies depending on the package, with the owner-operator bundle priced at $234 per year.
Pros include quick setup, user-friendly interface, accurate reporting, and support for U.S. and Canadian compliance regulations.
On the other hand, some potential cons include the lack of advanced engine performance tracking, ease of device disablement, and limitations on simultaneous device usage.
Teletrac Navman is not just an ELD; it is a complete solution to monitor and track your drivers. Whether you’re in trucking, transportation, or construction, Teletrac Navman is here to make your life easier. On further study, we found the device has a user-friendly web-based platform that collects and stores fuel efficiency data and performs score-carding, engine diagnostics, and GPS asset location tracking.
The solution is very convenient. The vendor offers plans suitable for businesses of all sizes, from owner-operators to large fleets.
What sets Teletrac Navman apart is its driver monitoring capabilities through dashboard cameras. Moreover,
- You can keep an eye on your drivers’ activities and ensure they stay on schedule.
- Plus, the system helps reduce costs by optimizing routes and improving productivity.
- Teletrac Navman offers features like job dispatch, proof of delivery, driver compliance, and customized scorecards.
- It promotes safe driving habits with in-cab training guides and enhances communication between managers and drivers for faster, more efficient deliveries.
The base cost of Teletrac Navman ELD is $25 per vehicle per month. One advantage is that the device comes with a 12-month warranty, providing support in case of any faults. Contract length options range from 12 to 60 months, with automatic renewal. Also, you can terminate your contract by giving written notice 30 days before the expiration date. Early termination requires payment of all outstanding fees at a 3% discount.
While Teletrac Navman has many benefits, some users have reported concerns with customer service, connectivity, GPS tracking, and automatic contract renewal. However, the system remains a versatile and valuable asset for your company, improving efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction.
EROAD’s Ehubo is a high-quality and reliable ELD device known for its durability, user-friendly software, and accurate data capture. While it may not be the cheapest option and lacks some advanced features, it excels in providing a simple and dependable solution.
We chose to try this device because it is 100% ELD rule compliant. Unlike other vendors who self-certify, EROAD went through independent verification by PIT Group, ensuring full compliance with every aspect of the Rule.
EROAD provides a seamless user experience with easy daily tasks and convenient log editing options. Additional features include:
- Log transmission via email and recap hour displays.
- It can connect to the vehicle’s diagnostic port and is compatible with older CMVs without ECM.
- It is an all-in-one device with a compact screen and a well-designed user interface.
- The back-office system, Depot, is user-friendly and offers tools for log edits, assigning unidentified driving time, IFTA reporting, chat messaging, geofencing, maintenance tracking, and safety event monitoring.
- The “Smart Short Haul” feature automatically detects when drivers exceed short-haul exemptions, ensuring compliance.
Pricing plans range from $35 to $60 per month, depending on the selected features, and also include hardware warranty and tech support. EROAD’s customer support receives high praise, with multiple support channels available and comprehensive training resources. We recommend EROAD for its compliance, accuracy, fuel tax capabilities, affordability, and strong customer support.
If you’re searching for a reliable and efficient Electronic Logging Device (ELD) solution to streamline your fleet management, GPS Insight is worth considering. With its array of features and competitive pricing, GPS Insight ELD can help with your operations.
Here are some of its features:
- It ensures seamless compliance with the ELD rule by automatically tracking and recording driver logs, reducing paperwork and saving time.
- The intuitive interface simplifies daily tasks and logs management for drivers, minimizing confusion and potential errors.
- It comes with a real-time tracking feature, which enables you to monitor assets and make informed decisions about route optimization and driver dispatch.
- You get instant alerts and notifications for important events such as violations, unauthorized vehicle usage, and maintenance reminders. This proactive feature allows you to address issues promptly.
- You gain insights into driver performance with driver scorecards. These scorecards help you assess behavior, identify areas for improvement, and promote safe driving practices.
- The integrated tools simplify fuel tax calculation and other processes. Accurately track mileage and fuel consumption to streamline your reporting and compliance.
The pricing starts at $29.95 per month per vehicle (this includes hardware, software, and installation) and comes in three bundles depending on the size of your fleet. Contact the company directly to learn about costs and pricing options.
GPS Trackit has developed an Electronic Logbook app called ELD Fleet for iOS and Android devices. The app provides easy-to-use and compliant fleet management tools. After testing, we recommend you use it in conjunction with an ELD device for maximum benefits. The features include:
- Fuel control, driver monitoring, accident reporting, and truck tracking.
- The software facilitates real-time collaboration, tracking, and reporting. It is suitable for commercial truck tracking and small vehicle fleet companies.
- The user-intuitive app offers excellent customer support and training through the Fleet Advisor feature.
- It allows drivers to record their hours efficiently and complies with FMCSA regulations.
- It minimizes errors and the need for paper logs reduces audit risks, and supports driver alerts and personalized notifications.
- The app also offers features like driver scorecards, safety warnings, and predictive technical safety information.
- It enables easy log transfer, authorizes drivers for DOT inspections and logbook reviews, and generates and transmits reports.
The GPS Trackit ELD Fleet pricing starts at $23.95 per month with no activation fee and a 30-day cash-back guarantee, making it an affordable and reliable option.
J.J. Keller is a trusted name in trucking compliance. They have a long history and pioneered the paper logbook in the 1950s. We put their ELD called ELog, a part of their larger compliance system, Encompass, through vigorous tests. We found that it is a comprehensive tool that handles everything from logs to driver qualification files and more.
Features of the ELog device and Encompass system include:
ELog Device:
- Simple “black box” design that connects to the truck’s diagnostic port.
- Bluetooth connectivity to a display device such as a smartphone or tablet.
- Flexibility to use your device or opt for J.J. Keller’s tablet.
- It is recommended to request an official quote due to potential pricing complexities.
Compliance Focus:
- Emphasize compliance with features like logs and Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs).
- Additional add-ons are available for navigation and GPS tracking in the back office.
- While it lacks advanced functionalities like messaging or document scanning, the Encompass back office system provides comprehensive compliance tools.
In terms of pricing, the ELog device itself costs $199 upfront. If you bring your device, it’s around $25.50 per month, plus an additional $15 per month for a data plan. If you prefer J.J. Keller’s tablet, it costs $59 monthly, including a data plan. There are also fees for extra drivers and tracking compliance info on trailers. Remember to consider these costs along with the implementation/training fee.
Pros of J.J. Keller’s ELog with Encompass include their reputation as a trusted leader in DOT compliance, offering a comprehensive compliance management system. Another advantage is the flexibility of pay-as-you-go without long-term contracts. However, it’s important to note that pricing is complex, and the telematics features are somewhat limited. Additionally, some users have reported issues with hardware and usability.
DriverConnect comes with a single wire that plugs into the diagnostic port on the truck and is tiny and straightforward to install. It is one of the best options for fleets of small to medium-sized trucks. The Rand VL driver app continuously receives HOS data from the software and sends information to the back-end portal when linked to Wi-Fi or cellular network. Truckers can view driving hours and certify records using a smartphone or tablet. The Rand McNally ELD will continue recording HOS logs and storing up to two days’ worth of data if the driver loses connectivity.
Our research shows that this device costs around $200, including the monthly subscription. The starting monthly package ranges between $19.95 to $29.99. However, the cost may differ based on the number of services and the fleet size.
ELD Rule – What Do You Need to Know?
The FMCSA released its ELD Final Rule in December 2015. The rule went into effect on December 18, 2017, with a final deadline for conformity set for the end of 2019 in the rule’s timeframe. It also includes anti-harassment provisions for current ELD users and specifies the data providers must gather from every vehicle manufactured in 2000 or later.
This legislation has raised the level of CMV safety. By improving the usage of ELDs throughout the motor carrier industry and enhancing compliance with the relevant HOS rules; it minimizes the total administrative burden for both motor carriers and drivers.
Commercial motor vehicle drivers must electronically track their Record of Duty Status (RODS) by ELD requirements rather than in paper logbooks. The paper logs provided truckers more freedom in documenting hours even though they continued to be limited by federal restrictions on the number of hours they could drive. Drivers must rigorously abide by HOS requirements by using technological devices.
Benefits of ELD
Commercial vehicles are subject to the ELD requirement and can continue transporting their loads, remaining on the road, and maintaining compliance. Some of the benefits of installing an ELD system are :
- Reduced administrative tasks for owner-operators.
- Improved vehicle dispatch and scheduling.
- Improved fuel-efficient fleet.
- Boost delivery and routing effectiveness.
- Reduced administrative tasks than when maintaining paper logs.
- Automated and error-free reporting.
- Accident reporting could help drivers in insurance claims.
- Adhering to FMCSA compliance
- Improved CSA scores which help reduce insurance rates.
How To Choose An ELD For Your Fleet
ELDs technology that supports them is constantly evolving. Ensure you buy a current solution when you’re looking to buy one.
- Compliance with FMCSA regulations – The FMCSA requires the ELD you select to be registered and self-certified. The FMCSA will hold you accountable as the driver or motor carrier for ensuring your equipment complies with all applicable laws.
- Ease of installation and use – Look for a solution that offers simple and painless installation. The speed you can install will vary depending on the provider.
- Compatibility with your fleet management system – If you have a fleet management system, ensure the ELD you select is compatible with your current system.
- Reliability and durability – You want to ensure the device you select is rugged and durable and capable of handling all the conditions of your fleet.
- User-friendly interface for drivers and administrators – Get a solution with an intuitive, user-friendly interface for drivers and administrators. Make it simple for them to update their HOS and finish vehicle and roadside inspections quickly and efficiently.
- Data security and privacy protections – HOS Data is crucial to your business and drivers. Look for the best security and privacy protections you need. The ELD solution must protect your data safely and securely, even if a smartphone is lost or stolen and safety is compromised.
- Customer support and training options – Fleet managers and drivers may still require time and assistance as ELDs are a relatively new technology. An excellent customer service and training team can make all the difference, preferably one that has a 24/7 support service comes in.
Matrack ELD – Why You Need It?
Introducing the Matrack ELD, the perfect solution for fleet owners and managers looking to comply with the FMCSA’s rule without breaking the bank. With our FREE device offer, you can save over $2000 per vehicle and avoid any upfront costs associated with implementing the solution.
Our ELD device is FMCSA-certified, ensuring that you comply with all the regulations and avoid potential penalties. You can get started with our services for as low as $19.95 per month, with no contract or hidden fees.
Also, installing ELD from Matrack is easy. You can be up and running in just a few minutes. Our user-friendly design and intuitive interface make it easy for drivers and managers alike to use and manage all the required data.
With our ELD device, you can enjoy the following benefits:
– Eliminates paperwork and saves time
– Improves safety by ensuring all drivers comply with HOS regulations
– Prevents violations and potential penalties
– Reduces fuel costs and improves efficiency
– Provides real-time tracking and monitoring of vehicles and drivers
– Offers bespoke reports and analytics to aid decision-making
Don’t wait any longer to comply with the ELD rule, and start enjoying the benefits of our innovative and high-quality device now! Contact us today to learn more about our FREE ELD device offer and how we can help you streamline your fleet operations while staying compliant with all the regulations.
Conclusion
Choosing an ELD that can change course with your evolving business and help you adapt your fleet to uncertainties as you scale. Your ELD provider should be your trusted partner as you develop and expand. Find a reliable business with expertise, comprehensive data security policies, and the capacity to modify your fleet with trends with in-depth knowledge. To help you get the most out of your investment, choose a vendor who understands business needs and can tailor the solution. Most of all, ensure that it is an FMCSA-approved ELD device.
