Best ELDs for Trucking Fleets & Owner Operators in 2024

Overview

The most popular ELD on the market according to Google Play Store downloads, Motive has slightly lower reviews from drivers compared to Samsara but is still well-liked by drivers when compared to most other options. Compared to the Samsara, the Motive ELD is similarly priced and also provides a full-featured device and software. 

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We also like that fleets can easily upgrade their services for a full fleet management solution.

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ELD Device

Motive’s Vehicle Gateway is easy to install and can connect to virtually any truck on the market with a wide range of adapters available. Once installed, drivers can either connect to the ELD through its mobile WiFi hotspot or Bluetooth.

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Like Samsara, the annual license comes with 500MB of data each month that drivers can also use to use apps or browse the internet on their phones. If the mobile hotspot loses connection, information will be stored on the ELD and will be automatically updated once a connection is restored. The Bluetooth connectivity provides peace of mind, however, in case a driver is pulled over when they don’t have service. Drivers with Android phones can also connect via USB.

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Like Samsara, Motive makes it easy for fleet and compliance managers to monitor their drivers and fleets in real-time through their fleet dashboard. iOS and Android apps are also available for fleet managers.

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In addition to basic ELD functionality like automated driver logs, the Motive ELD also offers additional functionality such as:

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• Electronic Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports
• IFTA Reporting
• Two-Way Messaging
• Team Driving Capabilities
• Document Management
• GPS Tracking

Cost

While Motive doesn’t publicly advertise their prices, third-party websites suggest their ELD software compliance package starts at $25/month but with fairly limited functionality. Most companies will want to upgrade to their $40/month package which includes IFTA reporting, fuel management, and driver safety reports. Companies are usually required to sign an annual contract.

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However, companies will also need to purchase the device upfront but Motive also doesn’t publicly state how much this costs so potential customers will need to inquire about getting a quote.

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Fleet Management Options

Like Samsara, Motive also offers a wide range of services for fleet management. Rather than cobbling together different products and services, companies can save time and usually money by selecting a single provider to handle everything they need to manage their fleet.

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In addition to their ELDs, Motive also offers the following products and functionality:

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• Fleet Dispatch Software
• Dash Cams & Other Camera Integrations
• Telematics and Geofencing
• Fuel Management
• Fuel Cards with Spend Analysis
• An Integration & App Marketplace for TMS, Load Boards, Insurance, and More
• A Public API for Everything Else

Overview

Samsara is our top choice for fleets because their driver app receives top marks in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, they have an intuitive and easy-to-use dashboard for fleet managers, and it integrates easily into the company’s suite of fleet management services.

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ELD Device

Able to connect via 9 different cable ports, Samsara’s ELD solution is compatible with nearly every truck on the market and can be self-installed in minutes. Samsara runs on a BOYD model (bring your own device), that allows drivers to manage their logs using an Apple or Android mobile app. Drivers connect to the device through its WiFi hotspot, which is powered by the data plan that comes with all licenses. 

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While drivers may occasionally lose data driving through remote areas, the information is saved on the device and will be transferred once a connection is restored. Benefits to the Wifi hotspot models include:

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1. Compared to devices that connect via Bluetooth, drivers won’t burn through their phone’s battery life as quickly
2. The standard data plan license includes 500MB of data each month, which should support most work-related mobile apps for drivers

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The driver app is easy to navigate and allows drivers to easily set duty status, which is automatically updated based on the vehicle’s data. Additional features the mobile app offers include:

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• Digital DVIR
• Routing & Navigation
• Driver Safety Stats & Leaderboards
• Instant Document Capture
• Two-Way Messaging
• IFTA Reporting
• Team Driving Capabilities

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Fleet managers and dispatchers can also view the data in real-time on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone so they can monitor logs, suggest edits, and optimize routes. 

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Cost

The biggest drawback to the Samsara ELD is the pricing model. Companies that run Samsara ELDs aren’t actually buying the devices or ELD software. Instead, they are leasing the ELDs. Companies are required to start with a 3-year contract at $39/month for each unit, which is slightly more expensive than other options but the features and usability can be worth it depending on the fleet. Samsara charges the entire contract upfront though, so companies will need to pay $1,404 to get up and running.

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Fleet Management Options

One of Samsara’s biggest advantages is that the ELD integrates with the company’s other offerings to offer one of the best fleet management solutions on the market. In addition to ELD compliance the company offers the following products and solutions:

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• Dispatching
• Telematics and GPS Tracking with Geofence Alerts
• AI Dash Cams
• Side/Rear/Interior Cameras
• Fuel Management
• Maintenance Reporting & Diagnostics
• Wireless Sensors
• App Marketplace for Integrating with TMS, Payroll, Etc
• APIs for Everything Else

Overview

Unlike the first two options on our list, the Blue Ink ELD does not require a subscription service, which is a big plus for owner operators or small fleets that don’t want to spend extra on extra fleet management services they don’t need. Instead, the ELD device focuses on the important functionality a small trucking company needs. 

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For a one-time purchase of $295, trucking companies get an FMCSA-compliant ELD device that is relatively feature-rich with features like paperless DVIRs, IFTA reporting, GPS tracking, and vehicle maintenance monitoring.

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ELD Device

The Blue Ink Technology (or BIT) ELD can connect to most trucks, including medium-duty pickup trucks hauling hot shot loads. Drivers are then able to connect to the device on their phone via Bluetooth. Information will then be uploaded to the cloud using data from the driver’s phone or the next time they connect to WiFi. 

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In addition to the basic ELD functionality such as HOS logging, edits, and notifications, BIT also comes standard with the following functionality:

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• Paperless DVIR
• IFTA Reporting
• Fuel Receipt Tracking
• Document Capture
• GPS Tracking

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While not a full-service fleet management solution, owners and fleet managers can view the status of their fleets through an FMS dashboard.

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Cost

Blue Ink Technology sells its ELD for a one-time fee of $295, making it one of the few popular ELD devices that doesn’t require a monthly or annual subscription.

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The closest competitor would be the Garmin eLog, which also sells for $295. Compared to the BIT ELD, the Garmin eLog has better user reviews in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store but it is less feature-rich.

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Fleet Management Options

While Blue Ink Technology does offer GPS fleet tracking, the ELD device caters to smaller fleets and doesn’t offer additional FMS features like fuel management/analysis, dash cams, dispatching, or routing.

Overview

The Garmin eLog is a great choice for owner operators and small fleets looking for an affordable ELD that doesn’t have a lot of extra features. Compared to the Blue Ink ELD, the Garmin eLog has better reviews in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store but it is lighter on features.

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Another big selling point is that the device does not require a subscription to use. Instead, trucking companies purchase the device outright.

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ELD Device

The Garmin eLog Compliant ELD is easy to install and comes with a 9-pin J1939 and a 6-pin J1708 diagnostic port out of the box, which should work with most semi-trucks. The device isn’t compatible with vehicles using the OBD2 protocol and Volvo trucks will require a 16-pin to 9-pin adapter cable. 

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Drivers can interface with the app on their smartphone that can connect to the device through Bluetooth or a USB port. Drivers without a smartphone can still use the Garm eLog ELD but will need a compatible Garmin dezl GPS device that has the app pre-installed.

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In addition to Hours of Service recordings, drivers can also use the mobile app for Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports. The biggest drawback to the Garmin eLog, however, is that the device cannot generate IFTA reports without integrating with a Garmin dezl device.

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Cost

One of the biggest selling points of the Gramin eLog ELD is that it retails for $249.99 and does not require a monthly or annual subscription. 

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While the upfront cost may be harder to swallow for some truckers, the subscription payments for other devices quickly add up over the long run.

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Fleet Management Options

Being a great budget ELD option is not without its drawbacks. The Garmin eLog ELD is not feature-rich and Garmin does not offer a suite of fleet management solutions that it can be paired with to set up a full fleet management system.

Overview

While less popular than some of the other ELD companies on our recommendation list, HOS247 trails only Samsara when it comes to driver reviews in the two major app stores. 

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Feature-wise, the HOS247 ELD stands up to most competitors but it does fall short with third-party integrations compared to Samsara and Motive (formerly KeepTruckin). For smaller to medium-sized fleets that care more about a cheaper price point, the HOS247 is a great option.

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ELD Device

The HOS247 connects to most vehicles via 6-pin, 9-pin, OBD2, or OBD2 Volvo/Mack ports. Drivers can then connect to the ELD device via Bluetooth on their smartphone and information is sent to the fleet management dashboard using the phone’s 4G data network. However, the device does not require data to function, just to send the information to the cloud so it’s accessible in the dashboard.

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Most drivers love the HOS247 Electronic Logbook App for its intuitive interface and rich features. In addition to an electronic logging system, the ELD also allows drivers to electronically perform DVIRs and supports team driving in the US and Canada.

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Cost

While the HOS247 ELD does require a monthly or annual subscription, the entry-level package is quite competitive. Starting at $19/month per vehicle, trucking companies receive a free ELD device, a driver app with electronic DVIRs, and a fleet management portal.

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Companies can add on GPS fleet tracking for another $3 ($22 total) and IFTA reporting for another $3 ($25 total). Even with these add-ons, the HOS247 costs less than most top-rated solutions.

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Fleet Management Options

From a fleet management perspective, the HOS247 provides many of the basic features such as HOS compliance, automated IFTA reporting, and GPS tracking but it falls short of larger competitors. The company does not offer dash cams, wireless sensors, or as many third-party integrations as larger competitors.

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For smaller fleets, this shouldn’t be much of an issue as these features may not be required and those that are can use third-party solutions. Though integrating these different solutions may be more difficult (or impossible). 

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HOS247 does integrate with a few third-party applications, however, which is uncommon for a smaller ELD manufacturer. They offer integrations with Project44, Descartes MacroPoint, and C.H. Robinson.

Overview

Like HOS247, BridgeHaul is a smaller ELD company with great reviews in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. However, rather than focusing just on ELDs and fleet management features, BridgeHaul offers a suite of software solutions for trucking and logistics. 

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For small trucking companies looking for a single solution for ELDs, navigation, load boards, and more, BridgeHaul is worth looking into.

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ELD Device

The BridgeHaul ELD can connect to most vehicles using a 6-pin, 9-pin, or OBD2 port. Drivers connect to the device via Bluetooth and will transfer data to the fleet management dashboard using the phone’s data plan. 

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From the dashboard, fleet managers can monitor their entire fleet in real-time, see driver ETAs, and dispatch drivers.

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In addition to keeping companies ELD compliant, the driver app also offers the following functionality:

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• Free load board
• Electronic DVIRs
• Navigation & truck stop locator
• Automated IFTA reporting
• Document management

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Regarding the navigation system within the app, it’s important to note that BridgeHaul does not offer truck-specific routing. So while the app is helpful for locating important stops, many over-the-road trucking companies will still need to find a truck-specific navigation solution.

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Cost

For fleets and owner operators that plan on utilizing BridgeHaul’s other features, the ELD is a great deal at only $17.50/month per vehicle. There are no upfront costs and all of the other features are included at no extra charge.

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Fleet Management Options

While BridgeHaul’s FMS solutions may not be as robust as other options, a big advantage of choosing BridgeHaul is that all of their services are included at no extra cost. For carriers and owner operators, this can include:

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• DVIR Reports
• Routing
• Dispatching
• Finance Reporting
• Automated IFTA
• Load Board Access