Skip to Content

10 Best ELDS for Small Trucking Companies

Are you looking for the best ELDS for small trucking companies? If YES, then here are excellent ELDS for small trucking companies you can consider.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has made it mandatory for all U.S. trucks and buses to be equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) or automatic on-board recording devices (AOBRDs). An ELD is a combination of hardware and software that records driving time for big rigs and commercial vehicles.

They must satisfy specific requirements by law, such as tracking: HOS (hours of service), RODs (records of duty service), and vehicle drive time. However, a good number of ELDs go above and beyond these requirements.

Note that some include GPS tracking, fuel efficiency, and diagnostic checks complete with driver walk-through. Many of the best ELD devices can even alert drivers when they violate rules in real time. Howbeit, concerns that come with such a rapid change as the upcoming ELD mandate are understandable, but smaller trucking operations shouldn’t be nervous about ELD compliance.

The cost of installing ELD devices on each vehicle may seem like a challenging task, especially for small fleets with already-thin profit margins; but profit, performance and productivity don’t have to suffer at the hands of compliance – it’s quite the opposite.

The sheer number of options means that it can be difficult to parse which ELD is right for your small fleet. Nonetheless, what makes a good ELD depends upon a fleet’s needs, as all FMCSA-registered devices meet compliance standards.

Therefore, it is up to you to decide what you really need versus what you want in an ELD system. To help discerning truckers and fleet managers make the right decision, below are the best ELD devices for small trucking companies.

Best ELDS for Trucking Companies

  1. Lytx with Geotab GO Cloud ELD

The Geotab GO software solution can be bought directly from the telematics supplier Geotab, for use with their hardware, but the best version is available through the Lytx FMS solution, making this another ELD-compliance service that brings the full power of fleet management to bear.

Lytx’s FMS solution comes with RAIR compliance services for DOT and CSA scores, GPS tracking, and dash cams, so adding Geotab’s ELD lets you meet all compliance needs through one central dashboard. Top features include:

  • Secure cloud-based data upload
  • HOS tracking
  • Driver notifications
  • GPS tracking
  • DOT and CSA compliance
  1. Matrack ELD

Coupled with various other electronic logging devices available in the market, Matrack ELD is more reliable and easier to use. Along with the dependable ELD device, the provider also offers a seamless, intuitive, and user-friendly app. With free ELD device, low subscription cost, no contracts, lifetime warranty, and more, Matrack ELD is the best in the current market.

The device is an ideal combination of a wide variety of ELD, tracking, and other FMS services, and comes with a sturdy and long-lasting, warranty-covered hardware, making Matrack a popular choice for owner-operators as well as fleets of all sizes.

Also have it in mind that the Matrack ELD is in complete compliance with FMCSA guidelines, thereby making it most preferred by drivers who are required to comply with the ELD mandate. The device is also easy to connect with the vehicle’s OBD II port and does not require any special expertise.

The app that comes along with the device can be installed on any Apple or Android device of your choice, and once integrated with the ELD, all the information you need becomes easily accessible. In addition, the manufacturer offers round the clock technical support for all their clients making on-boarding extremely easy and simple.

  1. Rand McNally ELD 50

The Rand McNally ELD 50 installs quickly and comes at a low monthly cost. A few features included (along with ELD compliance) are handy perks for fleets that don’t have a full FMS service: Two-way messaging is a wonderful way for managers to quickly communicate changes or receive updates, while vehicle tracking offers managers some reassurance that drivers are staying on track. Top features include:

  • Easy installation
  • Two-way messaging
  • Location tracking
  • Free Trial
  • 24/7 Support
  • Serves fleets of all sizes
  1. Garmin eLog

Garmin eLog is an ELD that comes with a steep learning curve to set up and use. In addition, it also comes with a steep price tag.

But once your drivers get the hang of it, this is one of the best ELD devices for small fleets on the market. And with no ongoing costs to use the device or access data, companies can save thousands every month. The Garmin eLog system is fully ELD compliant and includes a robust array of features, including:

  • Data backup via the free mobile app
  • 24/7 customer support
  • IFTA fuel tracking
  • USB and Bluetooth access for roadside inspections

Also note that many Garmin dezl GPS navigators work with the app, so all you have to do is install your ELD. The installation itself is easy; merely plug your device into a 6-pin or 9-pin port, download the app, and drive.

  1. GPS Trackit ELD

GPS Trackit ELD is a good option for owner-operators who do not intend to be tied down under a contract. The hardware is simple plug-in-play and FMCSA compliant, and comes with a software application that can be downloaded on the device of your choice.

GPS Trackit also offers hardware packages as well as the option of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). Their monthly subscription rate starts at $24.95. There are no contracts required to be signed and this makes it a good option for owner-operators and small-sized fleet, who often prefer to first use and check the features of their ELD before entering a long term commitment.

  1. Blue Ink Technology

Blue Ink Technology (BIT) is an unusual ELD on the market in that it comes with no monthly fees or contracts if you use its mobile app or website dashboard. The free version includes such online services as:

  • Electronic logging
  • Web portal access
  • International Fuel Tax Association Fuel Tax reporting
  • Paperless driver vehicle inspection reports
  • Fleet visibility from the back end
  1. Gorilla Safety ELD

Gorilla Safety is indeed a newer service provider in ELD and fleet management industry. If you are looking for an ELD that also helps in proper document management, then Gorilla Safety ELD is the right option for you. As mandated by law, the ELD by Gorilla safety is also compliant with FMCSA regulations.

Note that the app allows drivers to switch on document tracking while driving – assisting them in scanning and digitally recording documents to relevant categories, including sections specific to the driver, the truck, or the company.

The Gorilla Safety ELD comes at an upfront lease price of $7 with a subscription that starts at $12 per month. It has one of the lowest costing ELD plans, offers a free trial.

  1. BigRoad DashLink ELD

If you’re looking for the best ELD devices for small fleets, it doesn’t get much better than BigRoad’s Dashlink. Note that this device is easy-to-use, certified with the FMCSA, and fully compliant with ELD standards. It links to a vehicle’s diagnostic port in 15 minutes to make for easy installation. Coupled with tracking HOS and service status, this ELD includes:

  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Live traffic display
  • Fuel tracking
  • Real-time violation alerts
  1. EROAD Ehubo ELD

If you are eager for a basic and affordable FMCSA compliant ELD with an accurate recording of hours of service, then EROAD Ehubo ELD is ideal for you.

Have it in mind that this device not only comes with a sturdy hardware but also supports a wide range of services including reporting and compliance, dependable back-office feature suite, ease of use and installation, and more. It is a convenient, cost-effective, and reliable ELD to choose for owner-operators.

According to reviews, EROAD has three different ELD plans ranging from $30  to $60 per month. There are no upfront charges for the hardware, except a set-up fee of $35 for applicable on any plan you choose.  Notably, with the kind and range of features, EROAD ELDs definitely offer great value for money.

  1. Drive ELD

Drive ELD is the ideal option for businesses that are only focused on being FMCSA regulation compliant. Note that the device doesn’t come with a large list of features, but fulfills the basic necessity of an ELD. The Drive ELD package starts at $99 per year per vehicle.

There are no initial costs for set-up or hardware installation. For a basic package, the pricing is wonderful. It comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. Its top feature is FMCSA compliance. It also offers:

  • Cloud-based storage
  • Easy Installation
  • Free Trial
  • Phone and email support