As a commercial driver, you need an ELD(Electronic Logging Device) for your truck or car to operate smoothly and without any legal deficits. Having an ELD is mandatory in most states of the United States. An ELD device helps create a safer work environment while making it easy to share driver data with the Department of Transportation. Having an ELD Device comes with innumerable benefits. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about ELDs and encompasses a list of the best five ELDs for you to choose from for your vehicle.
What is an ELD?
An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is essentially a sort of hardware that drivers of commercial vehicles use to track their Hours of Service every day. It has replaced the traditional paper logs and electronic onboard recorders previously used for tracking. An ELD keeps a tab on other activities such as miles driven, tracking vehicle movement, keeping tabs on engine operation, and more. The ELD keeps truckers and drivers informed of driver activity in real-time. It enhances fleet compliance, management, and planning.
Any driver who has duty status logs for more than eight days in a month needs to have an ELD device by law. The rule applies to commercial bus and truck drivers. Canada and Mexico domiciled drivers also require an ELD device for their commercial vehicles.
How does an ELD work?
An ELD is installed in the engine of your vehicle. It will automatically record engine activity and Hours of Service (HoS). It also records other details such as miles driven and driver location, to name a few.
An ELD essentially consists of a hardware device and a mobile app. The ELD hardware device records the data and transmits it to a server. The server then sends the information to the mobile app in an easy-to-read format, making the information easily accessible for you. You can access the mobile app with a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, as long as you have a stable internet connection.
Top 5 ELD Devices in 2022
Buying an ELD can be a tedious and confusing task. If you do not know where to start, we have listed down five of the best ELD trackers for you to buy this year. Consider the features and pricing and choose the best tracker for your vehicle!
KeepTruckin ELD
KeepTruckin ELD is not only user-friendly but also cost-effective. It is very affordable and therefore an economical choice! Its features are used not only for fleet management purposes but also for personal tracking. With its proactive approach to technology, KeepTruckin ELD services also help drivers complete daily compliance tasks with the least possible time investment. You can manage multiple drivers with one device easily. The device meets all regulatory requirements as well.
Here are some features offered by KeepTruckin ELD.
- Trailer and Equipment tracking
- IFTA fuel tax reporting
- Driver coaching facilities
- Bluetooth connectivity
- USB connectivity
- WiFi availability
- App marketplace
- Vehicle inspection
- Vehicle tracking
This ELD comes with a feature called the Smartrip Match Tool- you can match unidentified trips with recommended trip drivers and notify them in real-time, saving your energy and hours of work.
KeepTruckin ELD services have a nominal $20 per month without initial deposits or surprise costs.
Matrack ELD
Matrack Inc. is one of the leading GPS solutions providing services in the country. Matrack ELD is a DOT-compliant and FMCSA-approved ELD service that has been opted for by many experienced drivers and truckers over the years. If you are looking for a versatile ELD solution, this is the one for you. Matrack ELD services come with all features you require to streamline your compliance tasks with the least manual effort possible. It is easy to install and has come with all modern technologies for a fair price. The device easily connects to your vehicle’s OBD II port and does not require any expertise. It is an all-in-one ELD device with everything you need in one subscription!
Here are some of the features you enjoy with Matrack ELD.
- DOT compliant and FMCSA approved
- Bluetooth and 4G connectivity
- IFTA fuel tax compliance
- Fleet performance analysis
- Customizable notifications
- Edvir and Defect reporting
- Voice-based ELD status changes
- Engine temperature reporting
- Equipment tracking
More importantly, Matrack ELD services come for $15 only, with zero cost for the hardware! There are no surprise costs either but a lifetime warranty for the device. It also has a 30-day return policy. All in all, Matrack ELD is the finest choice for you and your fleet.
GPSTrackIt ELD
GPSTrackIt ELD is another viable option for truckers and drivers, especially if you do not want to be bound by a contract. This ELD service is specifically famous for its easy installation procedure. The installation is just plug-and-play without any extra knowledge required. Moreover, GPSTrackIt ELD is FMCSA compliant, making it a reliable choice for your fleet. This ELD comes with a software application that can be conveniently installed on any device of your choice, as long as it has a stable internet connection.
GPSTrackIt ELD has the following features.
- Minimal violation monitoring
- HoS tracking for all your vehicles
- Extensive real-time reporting
- Color coding features
- Driver alerts
- Reduced audit risks
- Easy log sending
- Reduced errors
- Simple DVIR and inspections
GPS TrackIt solutions are a leading name in the GPS tracking and fleet management industry. This software also allows you to highlight important information and data, making decision-making easy in the long run. It provides ELD services for $24, without additional costs and features which will most likely increase the price.
Samsara ELD
Samsara ELD is a perfect choice if fleet compliance is a priority on your list of features for an ELD device. Like GPSTrackIt, this ELD also has a plug-and-play installation system. Samsara also offers round-the-clock tech support calls all around the country, always having your back during emergencies! Samsara ELD is new in the market as compared to other well-known ELDs. It has made a good name for itself in the market in a very short period. It is a cloud management-based fleet management service that has gained its customers’ faith in only five years.
Some features offered by this electronic logging device are listed below.
- Modern design technology
- 24/7 customer service in the US
- Cloud-based technology
- Asset tracking
- Fuel management
- Emergency dispatch
- Data visualization
- Audit trail services
The Samsara ELD costs $30 a month. However, it does require a downpayment of $99 at purchase. The pricing is dynamic- it can be modified depending on the features you opt for in the ELD.
Garmin eLog Compliance ELD
An ELD by Garmin Elogs is the ideal choice for a long-term investment. This device is FMCSA approved and DOT compliant as well. What is different about Garmin eLog ELD is that it does not have a monthly payment system. Instead, you pay a set price just once, and that’s it! The ELD is easy to install. Although, there is a steep learning curve in understanding the use of this ELD. However, once you get the hang of it with active usage, you are good to go!
The features offered by Garmin eLog are listed here.
- No ongoing costs
- IFTA fuel tracking
- 24/7 customer support
- It uses nine-pin and six-pin diagnostic ports
- Secure and inspection ready records
- One-time purchasing
Garmin eLog Compliance ELD is available for a one-time investment of $250, saving you a lot of money in the future. You can also pay in four installments of about $62 each. With no long-term costs or subscriptions, you are independent with how you use this ELD, making it the ideal choice for a long-term investment.
Investing in the right ELD helps you prevent unfortunate situations and save thousands of dollars for your fleet. We advise you to make a list of features you want your ELD to have and go about looking for the device that is right for you – it helps save time and gives you a base to start. We hope this article was helpful and aided you in your search for the right ELD!
