The best ELD for truckers

What is an ELD (electronic logging device)?

An electronic logging device (ELD) is a hardware solution that automatically records truck engine data, current location, driving time, miles driven, and hours of service (HOS) of commercial vehicle drivers in real time. An ELD device helps commercial vehicle drivers avoid finding themselves in violation of HOS requirements. Because information from the ELD device is updated in real-time, it allows drivers, dispatchers, and compliance managers to know how many available hours a driver has.

electronic logging device (ELD)

The best ELD providers

ELD provider Description Rating Cost
Motive ELD
(Formerly KeepTruckin ELD)

Motive (Formerly KeepTruckin)
is a #1-rated ELD provider.

Motive ELD device:
from $150

Motive ELD monthly subscription fee:
from $25

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What does an ELD do?

An ELD connects to the vehicle engine to automatically record engine hours, speed, odometer, GPS current location data, driving time, and miles driven. The ELD sends collected data to the ELD provider server and creates appropriate logs. Drivers can access electronic logging information through mobile app on their smartphone or tablet. Dispatchers, fleet managers, and compliance managers can access these logs through the integration of the transportation management system (TMS) and use reports, location maps, and real-time notifications.

Who needs to use an ELD?

All commercial motor vehicle drivers who use records of duty status (RODS) for more than eight days during any 30-day period, operate vehicles manufactured after the year 2000, and have a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,001 pounds are mandated to use ELDs to record their hours of service.

Who does not need to use an ELD?

  • Drivers who aren't required to keep a RODS
  • Drivers who don’t use records of duty status (RODS) for more than eight days during any 30-day period
  • Drivers of vehicles older than a 2000 model year
  • Drivers who deliver empty vehicles for sale or repair

What are the ELDs benefits?

ELDs offer a lot of benefits for drivers, carriers, and fleet managers.

The main benefits of ELD devices are:

  • Increase driver safety
  • Reduce paperwork for drivers and managers
  • Increase Hours of Service compliance
  • Save time and money spent on administrative tasks
  • Reducing the risk of human errors with automated tracking
  • Support mileage reporting for fuel tax (IFTA)
  • Fuel usage monitoring
  • Vehicle inspection reporting

What are the ELDs key features?

The key features of ELD devices are:

  • Connect to the engine diagnostic port (control module)
  • Automatically record driving time and details
  • Record GPS current location
  • Support electronic data transfer
  • Support certification of driver records (every 24 hours)
  • Driver records have to be available for safety officials

How much does an ELD cost?

The cost of an ELD consists of the hardware device price, installation fee, and subscription monthly fee. The list of available features can change the cost of an ELD solution. So an ELD cost can be from hundreds to thousands of dollars per vehicle.