The latest regulations oblige drivers to install electronic logging devices in their trucks. Due to that fact, you can see plenty of electronic logging devices for sale. The large number of eld devices makes it hard to pick the right one for your needs.
There are many features and options available, which is why we did the footwork for you and reviewed some of the best ELD devices on the market. Keep reading to discover what we learned and find the favorite that will ensure you become compliant with ELD mandate!
 | All-in-one system for fleet management | |
 | Reliable performance and accurate location tracker | |
 | No subscription fees | |
 | Hands-free interface that utilizes your voice | |
 | Highly accurate and free of bugs |
KeepTruckin ELD Buyers Guide
Features of KeepTruckin ELD
The reason why we are suggesting this as the best electronic logging device on the market is the extensive set of features it offers. The crucial thing is that this product will keep you ELD compliant at all times.
That means you will pass DOT audits without any issues and prevent HOS violations even before they happen.
KeepTruckin ELD offers GPS tracking with location history, which means that you can see where vehicles are at the moment and where they have been in the past.
It also offers modifiable vehicle inspections, as well as diagnostic alerts that will make it easier to maintain your trucks.
Thanks to the IFTA feature, you won’t have to bother with the administration of collecting state miles, while vehicle utilization might save you some money on fuel costs.
If you worry about the safety of your fleet, the installed smart dashcam offers a video solution that will protect your drivers and vehicles. Other features include a simple messaging system to communicate with the drivers, as well as the scorecards you can use to analyze their performance. The Bluetooth connection is available, but it is far from perfect.
Costs of Keep Truckin ELD
If you want to test the product, you can get a demo of electronic logs, vehicle inspections, and messaging for free. The starter package is priced at $20 per month, but it includes GPS tracking, ELD compliance, and alerts.
If you truly want to experience the power of the KeepTruckin ELD, you should apply for a Plus packet. It costs $30 per month and it comes with everything we mentioned so far plus IFTA fuel tax reporting, vehicle diagnostics, idle time tracking, and driver scorecards.
Keep in mind that you pay on a yearly basis, which means that the app will cost $240 or $360 per year depending on the package. Large companies may be eligible for discounts, but the system is not fair to small companies as they are required to pay in advance.
- Easy to use for drivers
- Secures ELD compliance at all times
- The IFTA feature makes the administration part simple
- Vehicle diagnostics and inspection features
- A camera protects your fleet
- There is a free version, but all the good features require payment
- Might be too expensive for small companies
- Bluetooth connection is far from perfect
My20 ELD
Features
In its essence, an electronic logging device was designed to help track drivers on the road. However, it is still nice to see when an app is designed with a driver in mind and My20 ELD by Konexial falls into that category.
The installation and usage are both simple as they only require connecting the smartphone to the hardware in your truck via Bluetooth. From that point on, all tracking is done automatically by the device. That means the driver doesn’t have to use the phone while driving, which contributes to their safety.
When it comes to features, My20 ELD has everything you might expect from this type of device. It will make you ELD compliant and it offers log auditing, fuel information, and messaging system, as well as maps and GPS tracking. Although it doesn’t come with an instruction manual, the product has an intuitive interface and even a driver that is not technically proficient should have any problems with using the system.
When it works perfectly, My20 ELD is an extremely valuable device. However, it seems that Konexial is still working on optimizing the firmware as the unit might have some functioning bugs. Although it doesn’t happen often, a couple of users mentioned that their device logged the wrong activity. For example, it might track idling even though the driver is on duty. Fortunately, the company is releasing occasional upgrades that stabilize the software and fix various issues.
Costs
There is only one pricing plan for My20 ELD, but the good news is that it is quite affordable. The company decided to charge only $15 per month, which makes the device suitable even for small businesses. You should pay the costs every three months and there are no hidden hardware charges involved.
- Plenty of useful features
- Suitable even for drivers that are not tech savvy
- No need to use the phone while driving since everything is tracked automatically
- Affordable price and no hidden hardware charges
- In rare occasions, it might record wrong activities
- No instructions provided
- Only one pricing plan
Omnitracs IVG
Features
Did you know that IVG stands for Intelligent Vehicle Gateway? Omnitracs has been in the trucking industry for almost three decades and they have been making ELDs for more than 15 years, which is why we expected a top-class product and we are glad they delivered.
This solution guarantees that you will comply with the latest regulations. The installation process shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes and, once you are ready to go, you will enjoy 99% of the uptime of the system.
Omnitracs IVG is driver-friendly and aims to keep drivers happy so that they stay loyal to your company. This ELD system improved efficiency and enables maximized revenue for the driver while securing reduced costs for the business. Thanks to this device, you will boost CSA scores and compliance, as well as enhance customer service.
The interface is intuitive and the navigation through the menus is simple, but there is no tutorial, which means some trial and error will be necessary. You can also utilize the hands-free voice interface that additionally contributes to safety and productivity. Just connect the phone via Bluetooth and enjoy the magic. Unfortunately, the device has occasional bugs, which we didn’t expect for the price. If anything, the staff of Omnitracs is working on new versions as we speak.
Costs
The good news is that you can try Omnitracs IVG through a fully clickable demo. To become eligible, you will need to register through their official website. The problem occurs once you want to purchase the hardware as it has an extremely high upfront cost. You need to pay $799 for the equipment plus $30 per month to use the ELD system.
- 99% system uptime guaranteed
- Hands-free interface for increased safety
- Simple installation process
- Uses both Bluetooth and cable to connect to your phone
- No instructions provided imply that there need to be some trial and error in learning
- The extremely high price tag
- It becomes buggy occasionally
Rand Mcnally ELD 50
Features
If you are an experienced driver, you are surely familiar with the Rand Mcnally brand as they have been on the market for decades. They are now trying to keep track with modern products, but the truth is that there is room for improvement when it comes to their ELD 50 system. Do not get us wrong as this device can be reliable, but it also comes with a portion of flaws.
The installation process is simple as long as you have the required hardware equipment. Upon installing the app, you can perform transitions and updates over the air which saves some time you otherwise spend on connectivity.
There doesn’t seem to be any problem with performance except an occasional bug or two when rebooting the system. The interface, however, is the problem as the manufacturer tries to pack plenty of information on a single screen, but finding your way through menus can be confusing.
Costs
The price of the electronic logging device itself in the Rand Mcnally online store is set at $150.
However, you will need a tablet and a GPS tracker and it is advisable to use the one provided by the company. In that case, the upfront cost might go over $500, while the monthly fee is set at $30.
- A reputable brand that has been on the market for decades
- Simple to install and allows updates and transitions “over the air”
- Reliable performance and accurate location tracker
- Avoid rebooting as it may lead to buggy performance
- The interface could be more modern
EROAD Ehubo
Features
We like to see that a manufacturer is dedicated to making a great product and it seems that EROAD has done just that with EHubo. The amount of features packed in a single system is impressive, but let’s focus on ELD compliance first. The company hired another firm to test their products before releasing and confirm that everything is working as expected, which is why this software is completely bug-free.
The manufacturer guarantees total compliance with both ELD and tax demands, which is why the software is also equipped with IFTA. The drivers will appreciate that the system considers their safety a top priority and packs an over-speed dashboard, virtual speed camera, vehicle inspection forms, and even max speed alert.
When it comes to fleet management, location tracking works flawlessly, and you also have a messaging system, fuel management, and usage report when the vehicles are off the highway. The size of the product is compact, but that also means the screen is relatively small, which can cause issues for some users. There should be no issues with the system, but in case you have a problem, keep in mind that the support outside business hours is far from ideal.
Costs
As with most of other companies, EROAD also offers a free demo of its system on request. If you decide to purchase the hardware, the good news is that there is no upfront cost. However, the expected monthly fee is around $45, although it can vary depending on your plan.
- Total compliance with ELD and tax
- Plenty of useful fleet management features
- Highly accurate and virtually free of any bugs
- Relatively small screen
- Don’t expect much from customer support outside business hours
What You Should Consider When Purchasing ELD Devices
First of all, let’s clarify that you need an electronic logging device if you want to comply with the latest regulations. In fact, the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) passed a mandate that requires all drivers to have this system installed in their trucks.
Do not think that smartphones can serve as ELDs because they are not connected to the engine and the information provided might not be accurate enough.
Here is what you should consider when purchasing ELD units:
- Total compliance – try to browse the website of the ELD and find information that the manufacturer guarantees compliance with the mandate. Most companies updated their software to comply with the regulations, but you should still check to confirm
- Constant updates – there is no perfect software, but you can get close to perfection with continuous updates. You want a product from a company that constantly works on improving their software
- Reliable customer support – if anything goes wrong, you will need the help of a professional to resolve the issue, which is why customer support should be available 24/7
- Your budget – the truth is ELD units can be expensive and the prices may significantly vary. You want to find a unit that fits the budget but still provides the most bang for the buck
Final Note
At the end of the day, the best electronic logging device depends on your desires. You want a system to have accurate location tracking and activity logging.
There are also additional features that you can look for, such as driver’s scorecards or vehicle inspections and diagnostics.
If the price is not an issue, we are sure that you can find a perfect ELD unit that will fit your needs!
