The Best ELD Providers for Fleet Managers in 2024

As we enter the new year, owner-operators are still facing significant economic pressure when it comes to managing their fleets. According to the American Transportation Research Institute, the top five concerns for owner-operators include parking costs, gas prices, driver shortages, driver wages, and managing the overall cost of running their fleet.

Vehicle tracking tech can help with these concerns, but if you’re new to fleet management, we understand that the vast range of options can be overwhelming. Many providers offer the same features and are not transparent with their prices, and we aim to make this clearer.

Following our review of the top fleet GPS tracking systems, we’ve focused on compliance with commercial driving regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

The right ELD provider will help you keep up with hours of service (HOS) break times and manage your Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs).

Quick Comparison: Best ELD Providers

After extensive research into their features, capabilities, and pricing, we’ve determined these are the best ELDs on the market:

1. Verizon: Best Overall ELD Provider

ELD rules can be challenging, but Verizon makes them much more manageable – that’s why we named it the best overall ELD provider, with a final score of 4.7/5. 

Thanks to its 24/7 mobile app support, you can easily integrate your fleet management system and monitor your commercial drivers as they start their shifts. Verizon’s ELD software also employs driver ELD health reports, which provide access to data, including driver details, diagnostic events, number of ELD events, and malfunctions. Another perk is that it updates the records of duty status (RODS), even when not connected to the vehicles.

It lets you access daily and weekly hours logged, time remaining, HOS status, violation alerts, and Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIR). It allows you to manage your drivers efficiently and forecast routine repairs and maintenance using the DVIR reports. So, it should be no surprise that Verizon scores a perfect 5/5 for driver management! 

You can find the Verizon ELD report in the ‘Reports’ tab of the app interface. You’ll find a breakdown of the necessary information for ELD compliance such as driver details, DOT number, carrier name, logbook ruleset, time zone, and more. We loved how easy it was to locate this report, plus download it for safekeeping. You can also add certain reporting styles to your favourites and easily navigate to them later.

Verizon offers custom pricing plans, so if you wish to upgrade to a plan with ELD support, such as the Verizon Connect cost plan, it will come with an additional cost, depending on your fleet size and contract length. GPS Trackit also gets the memo regarding accessible ELD features, which lets you set automatic and customized alerts. However, Verizon has the upper hand because it has more powerful features, such as the Driver ELD health reports, and it can update your system even when not connected to your vehicle.

2. Samsara: Best ELD Provider for Communicating with Drivers

What sets Samsara’s ELD systems apart from other providers is its in-cab Wi-Fi hotspots. It helps you connect with your drivers, even in areas without cellular service. Communication is safer with text-to-speech messaging, meaning drivers can listen to your messages while keeping their eyes on the road. With an overall score of 4.6/5 in our research, Samsara’s top-tier features are worthy of winning second place.

Its Driver App also upgrades any Android or IOS device to add ELD compliance sans specialized hardware, earning a spot on our list of the best fleet management apps. Saving you time and money on engineer callouts, Samsara’s Vehicle Gateway installs within minutes. You only need to plug into the vehicle diagnostic port and it’s good to go.

Unfortunately, payment for vehicle tracking hardware is due upfront, so it’s a significant investment. But if you’re looking for personalized quotes from top suppliers, including Samsara, our quote comparison tool will match you up in a snap. 

3. Teletrac Navman TN360: Best ELD Provider for Managing Driver Fatigue

The Teletrac Navman TN360 has an dedicated function for driver fatigue management, making it easy to monitor the timing, duration, and frequency of rest breaks. Having this data in one easily accessed dashboard makes driver management more efficient than making phone calls and relying on drivers to keep you informed.

Teletrac Navman leverages its decade-long experience of providing ELDs to deliver its cloud-based telematics solution. The software uses HOS rules and data from your vehicles such as driving time and mileage to help you comply with the ELD mandate.

Teletrac also has a dashboard dedicated to HOS logs, which helps you monitor and review all your drivers’ logs in one place, including violations and duty status. The whole process is automated, but you can eliminate errors by adding manual corrections as needed.

There are a few drawbacks, however. Sometimes ELD units won’t work as intended, and support can be spotty. We found Verizon had more dependable customer support with minimal wait time – an essential factor if you have urgent concerns regarding your ELD units.

4. Azuga: Best ELD Provider for Promoting Safe Driving

Azuga’s app offers a driver score that evaluates driving safety based on braking, accelerating, and seatbelt use, and creates an automatic leaderboard each day. Safer drivers are rewarded with gift cards from places like Amazon and Walmart. That’s why it’s our preferred ELD for promoting driver safety, with an overall score of 4.4/5. 

Azuga’s ELD performs similarly to Verizon Connect Reveal in terms of tracking capability. Like Reveal, Azuga’s ELD systems include fuel reporting and vehicle diagnostics. However, Azuga can also increase operational efficiency as it tracks fleet maintenance costs and fleet service records (these features are only available on certain Verizon Connect plans).

On the downside, some users report that the ELD tends to draw heavily on the vehicle’s battery. That could leave you dangerously low on power if your drivers go on longer journeys. Furthermore, there’s no specific crash reporting feature which is somewhat unusual for a telematics device like this (Samsara’s Vehicle Gateway automatically detects crashes, for instance).

It also cannot connect with third-party GPS systems. If you need a system that can integrate with your existing routing devices, you should choose Samsara or Verizon Connect instead.

5. GPS Trackit: Best ELD Provider for Smaller Fleets

GPS Trackit’s apollo ELD is the most reliable for small businesses, helping streamline operations with HOS logging and DVIR recording functions. It also provides a guide to maintaining vehicles, from inspecting air compressors, drive lines, and other parts that require upkeep.

We appreciate how the apollo ELD has so many bases covered, with real-time alerting to help drivers avoid violations. You can set customized alerts and notifications from various industry-specific triggers and alerts. Everything is  automated, from the data logging to transfer, so you can rest assured that your ELD logs are accurate.

However, apollo ELD is arguably too simple for some business users, and lacks the additional connectivity features of Samsara and Verizon Connect Reveal, such as in-cab Wi-Fi and in-depth reports.

But our favorite feature about GPS Trackit’s ELD is its zero-contract policy. It’s the only provider that doesn’t hold you up with contracts! It offers monthly payments and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you have ample time to test out the product before committing.

6. Spireon: Best ELD Provider for Fast Updates

Spireon is a tough contender among ELD providers with its FleetLocate Compliance system. Powered by Gorilla Safety, a fleet efficiency software solution, FleetLocate is a cloud-based software that helps mixed, small, or medium-sized fleets keep up with the ELD mandate. It gives you the flexibility you need as you manage different vehicle types, such as trucks that need HOS regulation and vans that don’t. It also uses sensor data from various mobile assets, like trailers and containers. Additionally, it tracks data from the onboard telematics systems, helping you manage and monitor your entire fleet.

Fleet managers will also appreciate that FleetLocate keeps track of your drivers and how long they have left until they break HOS regulations. Its system also sends immediate warnings before being flagged for violations, allowing you to make the necessary schedule adjustments.

Furthermore, FleetLocate Compliance sends notifications to drivers who started a journey without finishing the required vehicle inspections. It can also reduce tax liabilities by providing automatic, real-time data updates on state jurisdiction compliance reports, such as the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA).

We’re just hitting the brakes at its pricing plans, though. Scoring 2.5/5 in our research in this category, Spireon offers custom pricing depending on fleet size and features, but we’ll still opt for GPS Trackit (3.9/5) because it does not hold you up with long contracts. Spireon offers a three-year minimum contract, which sees its score dip.

7. Linxup: Best ELD Provider for Minimizing Downtime

Linxup’s ELD system is your driver’s best friend. It gives you easy access to data that will come in handy during roadside inspections. It will also notify you in case of impending violations or problems with your vehicle. The best part is that it automatically updates your drivers’ duty updates and monitors their behavior. It helps with accurate HOS logs that are vital to ELD compliance. 

We’d also like to highlight two of its strongest points: vehicle protection and ELD data plans. With Linxup’s ELD system, you get peace of mind as a bonus as it protects your vehicles 24/7, even if it’s turned off. Its dedicated ELD-only data plan ensures your vehicles follow ELD guidelines to a tee.

Linxup’s plans start as $25 per vehicle, per month, but if you wish to avail its ELD compliance, the plans start at $30 per vehicle, per month. It is worth mentioning that you need to pay extra to enjoy IFTA compliance, unlike Spireon. You also can’t integrate its ELD with third-party devices. This may cost more bucks as you need to provide each driver with a tablet of their own to be able to adhere to the ELD mandate.

ELD Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Below you’ll find all the essential information you should be aware of before taking the plunge and investing in your chosen ELD solution. We’ll cover which types of fleets need an ELD, how much you can expect to pay upfront and for installation and whether your phone can double as an ELD device.

How Do I Choose an ELD For My Fleet?

There’s lots of different ELD brands on the market so it can be tricky to pick the right one for your business needs. The first thing you should consider is your budget and the size of your fleet. This will give you an idea of how many devices you need and how much you can spend on each.

An important thing to remember is to choose a device that’s registered with the FMCSA. Check out their list of registered and revoked list of revoked devices. As we’ve noted above, on February 29th 2024, the FMCSA removed a number of devices from its registered list.

• Features are an important factor also when choosing an ELD. Most ELDs track time, date, location, miles, engine hours, driver ID, fuel and driver behavior. It also useful if the ELD comes with an easy to use mobile app.
• Pricing is another factor to consider when choosing an ELD. Each provider will have a slightly different pricing plan. Some will charge for the ELD device and offer the software and app for free. Others will charge a monthly fee for the service and software and offer the device for free. Choose a pricing structure that suits your budget best.
• Integration into your current fleet management software is another thing you need to consider. Or, if you don’t have fleet management software already, look for an ELD device that comes with a management software.

Do I Need an ELD if I Drive Fewer Than 150 Air Miles?

You do not need to use an ELD if you operate within a 150-air-mile radius of your usual work reporting location as you are exempt from the ELD mandate. This is known as the “short-haul exception“.

To qualify, you must start and end your workday at the same place each day. You’ll also need to meet additional requirements, such as working hours, vehicle tracking, and record keeping. Certain trucking companies and states require ELD use regardless of this exception, so you should check your contract to be sure.  For example, the state of New York requires ELDs for most commercial truck drivers operating within the state, even short-haul.

Using paper logs can be easier, simpler and cheaper than investing in an entire ELD system. You can also avoid pesky bugs that can occur with technology by manually handling your hours.

How Much Do ELDs Cost Monthly?

For a dedicated ELD system, you can expect to pay between $25-$45 per unit with the software license included. If you need extra features such as advanced driver behavior monitoring, cargo monitoring, and GPS routing, you’ll likely pay more. Some providers, such as GPS Trackit, offer longer contracts where you’ll pay less than a month-by-month plan. Always be mindful as well of incurring extra costs like installation or training costs.

Most ELD providers offer bespoke pricing plans depending on the fleet size, contract length, and features. However, our free quote comparison tool can help you narrow your search as you will get free tailored pricing quotes from the top ELD providers.

How Much Does it Cost to Install ELDs?

Depending on which ELD provider you choose, the installation process may differ.

Some are installed via OBD Plugin and some via hardwiring. Some providers, including Motive, Verizon and Samsara, include the necessary cables. For other providers, you may have to source OBD-II or 6-pin/9-pin DLC ECMD harnesses to install the system in your vehicles. These can cost as little as $25 or as much as $90, depending on the required accessories for your system and vehicles.

In terms of installation service costs, some providers offer self-installation which of course means you are not paying for the service of installation. To assist with self-installation, some providers offer online help guides. Some ELD providers include the installation cost in the subscription fee, while others charge an additional installation fee. These fees can range between $100 and $200.

Read more about how much you can expect to pay in our useful guide to fleet management costs.

Can I Use My Phone As My ELD?

Yes, it’s possible to use your phone as an ELD device. The only way to do this properly though is by using a compatible mobile app by your ELD provider. These apps can be used on iOS and Android devices.

There are a few conditions that determine whether your phone can substitute for a designated ELD device:

• The app must be certified and registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
• It must be able to record HOS (hours of service), DVIR (driver vehicle inspection reports), shipment documents, and other necessary functions to count as an ELD device.
• The device must have a decent battery life and storage capacity so that it can record the necessary data.
• The phone must be mounted so that it has an unobstructed view of the driver for recording.
• You may need a portable WiFi extender in case you drive through areas with limited 4G connectivity.
• You will also need to ensure the phone can adequately back-up data to a central location in case the device dies.

Most larger fleets will be better off with a designated ELD device that is separate from a mobile device, but following these conditions, it can be an adequate solution for smaller fleets or those on a budget.

What Is the ELD Mandate?

The ELD mandate requires commercial fleet drivers to use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track their driving hours and duty status, replacing the previously used paper logbooks. The mandate was set into motion by the 2012 MAP-21 Act, with full ELD compliance necessary from December 2019.

The latest ELD models automatically record driving time, engine hours, and other relevant information to ensure compliance with the HOS regulations. The main aim of ELD regulation was to reduce driver fatigue and lower the rate of accidents and deaths on the road.

Read more on the latest regulations in our ultimate guide to US vehicle tracking laws. Bear in mind that there are similar rules that apply in Canada and Mexico – so you should check whether your ELD is compatible with those regulations if your business operates in either nation.

Which Fleets Need to Comply with ELD Regulations?

While there are exceptions to the rule, the ELD mandate applies to most commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) that previously had to maintain records of duty status (RODS) under HOS regulations.

Specifically, fleets that should be ELD-compliant if they meet the following criteria:

• CMVs definition: vehicles with a gross weight rating of 10,001 lbs or more, vehicles that are used to transport 8 or more passengers for compensation or vehicles used to transport 15 or more passengers not for compensation. This typically covers most trucks and buses.
• Interstate commerce: vehicles involved in the domestic or international transportation of goods or passengers.
• HOS Compliance: fleets that are required to record RODS for their drivers are subject to HOS regulations so should also now be ELD-compliant.

How Did We Compare the Best ELD Providers?

Expert Market is a proud team of passionate, experienced in-house researchers who delved into the top ELD providers so that you don’t have to. We combed through every feature and weighed them up with each other according to these factors: 

• Driver Management: We look at how each provider tracks your drivers’ behavior and performance on the road, ensure their safety, and provide convenience.
• Price: This one is pretty straightforward – the cheaper it is, the higher it scores! We also look at the contract lengths, features included, warranty, and more.
• Tracking: This tests how effective each provider is at tracking your fleet, depending on their data refresh time, route optimization, and more.
• Vehicle Management: You need all the help you can get to manage your fleet, and this is where we sneak a peek at their features. Do the providers schedule maintenance checks, retain fleet records, and ensure your vehicles are in tip-top shape?
• Product Features: This is in addition to the other features offered by each provider – there’s more to fleet management than tracking, vehicle management, and driver management, after all. 
• Customer Support: This compares the providers according to their assistance and support channels for their users.