ELD device is a hardware device that drivers and fleet managers of commercial freight vehicles use to calculate the Hours of service (HOS).

U.S. Federal government covered a law specifying that all operators of commercial motor vehicles are required to use ELD devices – ELD Mandate.

With a variety of ELD Devices, we provide a guide with the details of the best ELD Devices on the market.

What is an ELD?

An electronic logging device is a tablet computer supported in a truck cab. It keeps a record of data regarding the operation of the semi-truck.

The ELD device connects to the vehicle`s engine and automatically records driving movement and keeps the driver logs posted.

This gives the dispatchers and drivers real-time information on available hours and violation risks.

HOS data is displayed on the tablet in the cab, so whenever there is a roadside inspection, the driver can present it to the officers.

Information that ELD device captures:

• Vehicle Identification
• Motor Carrier Identification
• Date and Time
• Geographic Location
• Miles Traveled
• 60-minute intervals of motion
• Engine Diagnostics and Malfunction

Information that the driver captures:

• Driver Identification
• Driver Log On / Log Off
• HOS
• Duty Status Changes
• Personal Use
• Certification of Driver`s Daily Record

ELD records this data automatically, but some entries can be manually edited and every edit is tracked.

ELD MANDATE

The ELD mandate is issued to all commercial drivers that are required to keep hours of service records.

It applies to:

• Interstate Commercial  Motor Vehicles
• Vehicles with a weight of more than 10,001 pounds
• Hazmat load vehicles
• Depending on the vehicle class, the ones that transport more than 8 or 15 passengers.

Exemptions:

• Short-Haul Drivers
• Driveaway-Towaway Operations
• Pre-2000 Vehicles that are not equipped with an ECM
• Drivers who use RODS for 8 days or less in a 30-day period
• Agricultural and Farm Vehicles

With this mandate, the standard paper logs are replaced.

They are considered as not very accurate because there is a possibility of corrections and manipulations.

BENEFITS OF THE ELD DEVICE

• No paperwork

The FMCSA estimated that ELDs will save $2.44 billion in administrative work.

It will also save $1.88 billion from the driver’s time that was needed to complete the paper logs.

• Roadside Inspection

Drivers and officers conducting roadside inspections spent less time by providing quicker check-ups.

Breaking the trucking rules come with pricey violation penalties.

ELD Devices helps because they can inform drivers of upcoming violations.

• Safety

With accurate HOS counting, the drivers` safety is being improved.

ELD devices inform fleet managers where the truck is, how the driver is driving, and provide estimated arrival times.

According to FMCSA, ELDs will help save 26 lives and prevent 562 injuries every year.

• CSA Scores

CSA Scores affect both drivers and companies.

A high score can impact the decision of whether an employer will hire a driver or if a shipper will employ a trucking company.

• Fleet Efficiency

ELD devices provide a variety of features that will improve fleet management.

The data stored on the ELD reveal hazardous speeds, hard braking, idle times, and cornering.

GPS tracking provides accurate information on where the trucks are located at all times.

Sophisticated ELD systems can monitor detention times with shippers and receivers as well as accident investigations or stolen equipment.

BEST ELD DEVICES

1. KEEP TRUCKIN ELD

KeepTruckin ELD is the best ELD for Owner Operators.

The device plugs in directly into the vehicle`s port.

It also comes with an App where truck drivers can create vehicle inspections, check the logs, send messages, and more.

The ELD has a fast installation and can be activated from anywhere.

Each device is supported by a subscription plan from Smarter to Plus.

The software fee is $20/month/vehicle, billed annually.

Аdditional features are available for $30/month/vehicle, including IFTA fuel tracking, vehicle diagnostics, and driver safety scorecards.

Features:

• LOG Records
• HOS Alerts
• GPS Tracking
• 2 Ways Messaging
• In-cab WiFi
• Fuel Tax Reporting
• Idle Time Reporting
• Vehicle Diagnostics
• Driver Score Cards
• 24/7 Support

The KeepTruckin ELD solution is rated among the top with a user score of 9.0.

2. Rand McNally ELD 50

The ELD 50 is a compact E-Log device that sets up in seconds and allows drivers to view and verify logs by using their own smartphone, tablet or laptop.

With just plugging the ELD into the J-Bus Port and downloading the DriverConnect App on the smartphone, the installation is ready.

The monthly service plan is $19.95.

On the smartphone or tablet, the logs can be viewed and certified, complete DVIR`s and change duty status.

If somehow the connectivity is lost, the ELD can continue to record HOS logs and store up to 2 days data information.

Also, the ELD can transmit engine data to the DriverConnect App.

It allows viewing average fuel economy, and location tracking. boost pressure, gallons per hour, battery voltage, coolant temperature and oil pressure.

3. DashLink ELD by BigRoad

BigRoad’s ELD solution, called DashLink is the most affordable way to create compliant engine-connected logs.

The mobile app is user-friendly and automatically sums hours of service (HOS), records duty status and displays traffic conditions.

Driver duty status, driving time and drivers` availability are automatically noted from the vehicle`s ECM.

4. Verizon Telematics ELD

In 2017, Verizon created simplified device so the truck drivers could easily follow certain guidelines.

Verizon Connect allows to log in the on-duty activity, driving, sleeper berth hours and reporting a summary of the hours.

Start WorkPlan and sign in, then trun the engine and select the truck model from the list.

Before signing out, change the HOS Status to Off Duty.

The device also provides with safety monitoring tools, fuel costs

5. J.J. KELLER ELD

J.J. Keller provides a range of electronic logbook solutions starting with ELogs for fleet technology to data management.

The device works with all vehicle classes and has self guided set-up installation.

It performs audits and generate reports by using driver logs with minimizing the risk of DOT violations.

The price is $249 per ELD and additional $50 per adapter.

A monthly fee has to be paid also for the Encompass online fleet management system with a $10.95 per driver.

6. SAMSARA ELD

Samsara ELD offers solutions for the ELD Mandate to keep the fleet compliant.

It can get the HOS and duty status, as well as GPS Tracking, WIFI hotspot, sensor data, DVIRs and document captures.

The device connects directly to a vehicle`s engine through the OBD port.

It uses a combination of sensors, GPS trackers and AI-controlled dashcams to collect the data.

There is an option to track the trailer at any time, which can prevent cargo theft.

Samsara VG34 Gateway Vehicle ELD hardware costs $130 and the subscription per vehicle is $380 per year.

7. EROAD Ehubo

EROAD’s in-vehicle hardware makes operating a transport business easier.

• The important features that device offers are:
• Drive Buddy provide real-talk feedback to drivers
• EROAD messaging between MyEROAD and drivers
• Fuel Fill on screen with fuel efficiency tracking
• Idle detection
• Three digital inputs for reporting on auxiliary connection
• Simple and secure driver log-in system with no additional hardware
• Driver behavior including acceleration, braking, cornering and speeding alerts
• High resolution vehicle tracking

Depending on the features you need, EROAD offers several different pricing plans.

Prices start at $35/month for a simple ELD-only plan and range up to $60/month for the TotalFleet plan with all the available features.

8. Garmin ELD

The Garmin ELD is a simple solution for HOS records to comply with FMCSA ELD mandate.

It is considered as the best for long term investment.

Accurate records are stored on the smartphone, but never in the cloud.

The installation is simple and easy with no subscription fees or ongoing costs.

Features:

• No ongoing costs
• Fuel Tracking
• Data backed up on mobile app
• Free Mobile App
• 24/7 Support
• Serves fleets of all sizes

9. PeopleNet ELD

With this type of ELD Device, EDriver Logs connect displays and data locally to ensure that drivers can always access their log information, regardless of network connectivity.

Drivers monitor their available hours while safety managers can access the reporting platform to review logs, suggest edits, and get insights in each driver HOS.

The mobile software is available for Android operating systems.

The up-front hardware price per unit is $1100, making it one of the highest initial-cost systems in the industry.

10. Blue Ink BIT ELD

The Blue Ink BIT ELD device is one of the most popular ELD devices among truck drivers and owners in the country.

It is one of the most affordable devices today with an upfront cost of $295.

With this price, the Blue Ink Bit ELD hardware is included as well as access to Blue Ink Tech ELD portal.

The mobile app is free and available to download on Google Play Store and Apple App store.

Device collects data such as VIN number, engine hours, odometer mileage, in-motion status and engine on/off status.

11. GPS Trackit ELD

With GPS Trackit`s ELOGS, the drivers can log the hours and get on the road faster than before.

It easily generates and transmits reports, saves time and reduces errors with a simple storage option.

Trucking fleets and owner operators using this software helps them avoid violations and streamline everyday logging procedures.

12. Gorilla Safety ELD

Gorilla ELD Device is the best for document management.

It offers high-quality ELD Compliance and DVIR service.

Features:

• Document Management
• Mechanic Inspections
• Low Cost
• Free Trial
• Support
• Serve Fleets of all sizes
• Scan Documents
• Real-time Transfer Documents to the office or terminal

Installation has Plug-N-Play system.

The App on Apple or Android mobile device connects wirelessly to the truck`s ECM through Prime8, which is an innovative ELD adapter.

Each ELD unit costs $175.

Gorilla Safety is not just an ELD device, it has a full fleet management system.

13. Omnitracks ELD

Omnitracks ELD has plenty of features.

Some of them include:

•  Fuel Tracking
• Safety Reports
• Driver Monitoring
• Free Trial
• 24/7 Support
• Messaging
• Bluetooth Support
• Proof of Delivery

It offers two ELD compliance units: Omnitracs FMS Unit & Omnitracs XRS.

The Omnitracs XRS device is a plug-and-play unit.

The Omnitracs IVG unit must be hardwired into the vehicle.

The cost is $800.

Conclusion

It is important to choose a reliable ELD which provides a good feedback, reputation and meets the business needs.