In 2019, the ELD mandate made it necessary for commercial vehicles to use ELD devices, and the market quickly filled with products promising FMCSA compliance and improved safety. Since then, even more options have hit the scene—with better features and functionality, but a lot more noise to sort through if you’re managing a small fleet. The good news is, we’ve done the work for you. We recommend Motive as the best ELD for small fleets.
Hi, I'm Michael Marshall from FreightWaves
Our featured partner for ELDs is Motive
Motive helps fleets streamline FMCSA compliance with the #1-rated ELD trusted by 100,000+ fleets. Get up and running fast with an install that takes under 10 minutes, real-time fleet tracking, and time-saving compliance automation backed by 24/7 support.
Trusted by 100,000+ fleets
< 10-minute install time
Real-time GPS tracking
Compliance tools to reduce HOS violations
Top ELDs for Small Fleets
Finding the best ELD for small fleets can be challenging if you don’t know where to start. The following article will break down the top ELD devices on the market today so you can make a well-informed decision when choosing your ELD provider.
- Best for ease of use: Motive ELD
- Best for reputation: Trimble ELD
- Best for fleet management: Samsara ELD
- Best for efficiency: Verizon Connect ELD
- Best for ELD compliance: Linxup ELD
- Best for those with devices: GPSTab ELD
- Best for individual owner operators: Konexial My20 ELD
- Best for simple information logging: BigRoad Dashlink ELD
Motive ELD
Best for: Ease of Use
The Motive ELD is a top-rated compliance solution known for its user-friendly experience. The updated Motive Driver App brings ELD compliance, IFTA reporting, and CSA insights together to deliver strong value. It’s designed to simplify logging and help drivers and managers stay compliant without adding complexity.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reduces fuel waste
- Vehicle diagnostics
- Helps reduce liabilities
- Location tracking
- Better route management
- HOS alerts
- Quality customer service
Cons
- No international integration
- Annotation notes for edits can be difficult
- Each driver needs a smart device
Trimble ELD
Best for: Reputation
The Trimble ELD is one of the most well-known and trusted ELDs available. While it has the standard features that allow you to stay in compliance, its focus is on creating a tool that’s driver-friendly. With an easy-to-use interface, drivers don’t have to become tech experts—they can focus on the road. Trimble ELD gathers the data fleet managers need and provides insight into fuel consumption and other key metrics, all while keeping things simple for small businesses to integrate into daily operations.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Helps drivers focus on driving
- Easy-to-use technology
- Advanced GPS
- Reports engine status
- Reports fuel consumption
Cons
- Hardware and monthly costs can be higher than some alternatives
Samsara ELD
Best for: Fleet Management
Samsara delivers a quality, easy-to-use ELD with one of the most comprehensive fleet management platforms, including reefer management and trailer tracking. Clear fleet visibility, intuitive apps, and plug-and-play hardware make it a strong choice for small fleets.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy setup process
- Helpful staff
- Intuitive app
- Clear fleet visibility
- Video monitoring of the road
- Real-time vehicle diagnostics
- Plug-and-play hardware
- Cloud-based
Cons
- Edits can be difficult
- Frequent updates can cause device restarts
- Report filtering can be challenging
- Occasional data connection drops
- Hardware not very durable
Verizon Connect
Best for: Efficiency
Verizon Connect’s device supports compliance, driver safety, and back-office workflows. It can be added to many FMS providers to build a customized technology stack, helping streamline operations and boost efficiency across your fleet.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Flexible feature set
- Strong support and training resources
- Works within broader telematics ecosystem
- Live maps
- Geofencing
- Field service & tracking add-ons
- HOS driver notifications
- Simple admin dashboard
- Phone or online customer support
- Webinars and online training
- Use driver smartphones to reduce display hardware costs
- DVIR to help forecast maintenance and reduce breakdowns
Cons
- Pricing not transparent
- Sales process can feel intimidating for smaller fleets
- Not the fastest path to compliance due to sales cycle
Linxup
Best for: ELD Compliance
Linxup’s ELD GPS tracking system sends timely alerts and detailed reports. Beyond meeting ELD mandate requirements, it helps monitor driver behavior and vehicle health to improve overall fleet efficiency.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Designed to help CSA scores
- Durable hardware
- Free trial offered
- Monitors driver behavior
- Sends violation alerts
- Vehicle malfunction notifications
- Stop and idling summaries
Cons
- Cannot use your own devices
- Not compatible with third-party tablets
- IFTA at additional cost
- No offline tracking
GPSTab
Best for: Those Equipped with Mobile Devices
GPSTab is a cloud-based ELD app designed by truckers for truckers. There’s no proprietary ELD hardware requirement—connect via existing mobile devices to reduce costs. With broad compatibility and a low monthly price, it’s a compelling, flexible option.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Truck diagnostics
- 24/7 customer service
- Free trial
- In-person and online training
- Video tutorials
- Asset tracking
- Driver management
- Geofencing
- IFTA reporting
- Mobile access
Cons
- Must supply your own device
- Occasional bugs and crashes
Konexial MY20 ELD
Best for: Individual Owner Operators
Konexial MY20 pairs ELD software with your Apple or Android device. The app is simple to download and use, making it ideal for independent drivers who need accurate records readily available for DOT audits.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Simple installation
- Strong privacy and security
- Route mapping and navigation
- Supports all ELD documents
- iOS and Android compatible
Cons
- Occasional delayed connection
- Short battery life (device-dependent)
- Subscription cost can be high
BigRoad DashLink ELD
Best for: Simple Information Logging
BigRoad DashLink is a straightforward ELD for meeting mandate requirements without extra complexity. It automatically records driver duty status and drive time for HOS compliance and keeps the setup simple for teams that want just the essentials.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- User-friendly
- Easy installation
- Two-way messaging
- IFTA support
- Document scanning
- Low cost
Cons
- No idling reports
- No MPG and engine fault codes
- Lacks DVR tracking and alerts
- Easily disabled
What Makes a Good ELD Device?
While there are many benefits that come with ELD devices, the one that makes the most sense to us is keeping drivers focused on what they do best—driving. That’s why our top choice is the Trimble ELD. As you research devices, keep in mind what’s most important to your operation: safety, compliance, GPS tracking, or other key features. There’s no single “right” checklist, but brand reputation should always be a consideration.
Compliance
ELD compliance with FMCSA regulations ensures you won’t be in violation of any rules and subsequently fined and required to spend more to become compliant. A self-certified device shows the ELD provider has tested the product and found that it meets FMCSA requirements, but providers may not always be aware of every test that should be completed.
A third-party company specializing in ELD compliance can conduct a comprehensive, unbiased diagnostic evaluation. Their procedures should address your fleet’s operational requirements in relation to the ELD mandate. If no third-party testing was done and the device isn’t registered as compliant, it’s best to avoid using it.
This is especially true for drivers crossing the U.S. and Canadian borders. Drivers from both countries must follow their respective ELD mandates to avoid compliance issues when entering or leaving either country.
DOT Inspections
ELDs make DOT inspections faster and easier for both the driver and examiner. Human error is significantly reduced because drivers aren’t required to keep manual records, and pages can’t be misplaced. Inspectors don’t need to rifle through logbooks or decipher handwriting—everything is stored digitally in one place.
Drivers stopped for DOT inspections who aren’t in ELD compliance will receive a citation for not having the proper record of duty status. The driver will then be placed out of service (OOS) for ten hours, or eight for passenger vehicles. After the OOS period, the driver may complete the trip using paper logs.
If a driver is dispatched without an ELD after reaching their final destination, they may be subject to the OOS period again. Any violations incurred will be recorded against the carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) scores.
Simple Logbook Edits
Drivers can fix mistakes and input missing information into their logbooks as long as they are acting within FMCSA rules. Edits do not override or eliminate the original record; instead, the corrected entry includes an annotation explaining the reason for the edit. A good ELD device should make editing straightforward and intuitive.
Under the ELD mandate, the following edits are restricted:
- Drive time
- Turning the engine on and off
- ELD malfunctions
- Log-in and log-out activity
Newest User-Friendly Technology
The best ELD devices offer up-to-date software and user-friendly interfaces. This software provides access to valuable data that was previously unavailable and allows fleet managers to monitor vehicle and crew efficiency.
Top ELDs for small fleets provide engine diagnostics so you can anticipate issues and reduce maintenance costs. Access to driver behavior data makes managing and training simpler—drivers who speed can be coached, which can reduce fuel spend.
Customers awaiting deliveries can be given accurate ETAs using ELD GPS tracking. ELDs can also determine the quickest or safest routes to ensure on-time, secure delivery.
If you’re using older devices, make sure updates can be pushed to keep them FMCSA compliant.
Top Security Features
Cybersecurity is a major concern for ELDs because they contain sensitive data and require internet connectivity. The ELD mandate requires security controls like encryption whether the vehicle is stationary, in motion, or the device is being transmitted.
All communication with FMCSA servers must be encrypted, as should any emails sent. To protect drivers and companies from potential data breaches, ask providers about their security measures before committing to a device.
Affordability
Price is often a key factor when selecting an ELD for a small fleet. Beyond hardware and software costs, many providers require monthly subscriptions or contracts. Research options within your budget that balance features with either lower monthly payments or smaller upfront fees.
Cloud-Based
Cloud-based ELDs tend to be more reliable than hard-wired, Bluetooth, or other solutions. There’s no pairing process or back-office intervention needed.
Battery life is often better due to lower power consumption, and these devices generally work across platforms like iOS and Android. Logs remain accurate even when operating different vehicles.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation
ELDs record hours of service (HOS), GPS tracking, mileage, fuel usage, vehicle identification, and engine power cycles. Having this information enables a comprehensive evaluation of safety data required to stay compliant with the ELD mandate.
Fatigued driving is a known risk, especially over long distances. Paper logs can be inaccurate due to miscalculations or pressure to manipulate hours. ELDs help ensure accuracy, and many systems will prevent drivers from continuing once they’ve reached their HOS limit.
Tracking mileage and fuel use, along with engine diagnostics, helps keep vehicles in top condition. Drivers can be notified when maintenance is due, and dispatchers can use real-time location to coordinate urgent pickups and drop-offs. The operational benefits of this data are significant.
FAQ
Do owner operators need elogs?
Owner operators are required by federal regulations to track their driving time using either paper logbooks or electronic logging devices (ELDs). There are limited exceptions, such as certain short-haul operations, but most owner operators need a compliant way to log hours of service.
Can I use a logbook instead of ELD?
You can use paper logbooks instead of an ELD if your truck was manufactured before model year 2000. Carriers and drivers with newer trucks must use certified, registered ELDs to stay compliant.
What is the penalty for not having an ELD?
Drivers required to use an ELD who do not have one will be placed out of service and prohibited from operating the vehicle until compliant. Fines can start above $1,000 for a first offense and escalate to over $25,000 for multiple violations.
