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ELD Manufacturers 2023 – List of ELD Providers FMCSA Approved

(Last Updated On: December 14, 2023)

ELD Manufacturers

When it comes to ELD manufacturers, there are well over a hundred companies that offer a variety of devices from which to choose.

However, which device you choose and which ELD manufacturer you go with may determine whether or not you are ELD certified manufacturer and comply with the FMCSA’s ELD mandate.

In this article, we’ll go over what kind of device to look for, how to tell if the ELD device manufacturers comply with FMCSA regulations, and provide a list of ELD device manufacturers.

Summary

  1. Electronic Logbook Device: Everything You Need to Know
  2. What Type of Device Do You need?
  3. Hallmarks of good ELD manufacturers
  4. How to Know if a Device is FMCSA-Compliant
  5. Which ELD Providers are FMCSA-Compliant?
  6. The List of ELD Providers
  7. When to Get an ELD Device
  8. Conclusion: Electronic Logbooks is a Must!

1. Electronic Logbook Device: Everything You Need to Know

The first thing we’d want to mention is the official mandate of ELDs. The FMCSA published the final electronic logbook device in December 2015.

The mandate covers almost three million drivers currently on the road. Also, professional drivers are excluded from this rule — there are some ELD compliance firms exemptions.

a. Electronic logbook devices: what do you need to know?

This device is used by professional truck drivers and commercial motor carriers to effortlessly track their HOS (Hours of Service) and to be FMCSA compliant.

By the end of 2017, all CDL drivers were obliged to retain proper RODS (Record of Duty Status) and use an ELD to conveniently record their HOS rules.

b. The Costs of Electronic Logbook Devices

When it comes to ELD pricing, there are many factors to consider BUT…

It’s difficult to provide a fair baseline for the costs that truck companies or drivers are expected to spend per year. Why? Because prices are all over the place depending on one’s needs.

However, Motive (Formerly Keep Truckin) is quickly becoming the most popular ELD and fleet management solution. And the cost of the Motive ELD for 2023 is $150 with several monthly plan options as follows: a Free Plan, the Starter Plan costs $25 per month, the Pro Plan costs $40 per month and the Enterprise plan costs $50 per month. The Motive Dashcam is $300. Read about Motive fleet management here and about the Motive ELD here

c. Additional Benefits of Electronic Logbooks

The elogs have many economic benefits. Many studies suggest that ELD drivers save paperwork over time compared to drivers who retain paper logs. And this is a big one.

Also, mobile technology has advanced enormously. Smartphones and tablets may run ELD from FMCSA ELD manufacturers. In the past, they were only available on fixed hardware– Onboard.

  • Start-Up Cost

e logs for owner operators The initial cost of an electronic logbook device has dropped. Regardless of business size, the ROI is generally favorable.

Every business owner understands ROI. These solutions relieve a lot of administrative personnel’s workload, thereby increasing the whole process’s effectiveness.

  • Cost Saving While Using ELDs

Many truckers are concerned with saving money. The FMCSA noted cost savings in a report. The Regulatory Impact Analysis report provides insight. The report claims considerable annual paperwork savings per driver.

Below are the figures:

Filing the RODS on behalf of the Driver: $487
Submitting the RODS on behalf of the Driver: $56
Filing the RODS on behalf of a Clerk: $56
Getting rid of the paper logbooks: $42

Therefore, it is safe to conclude that using ELDs produces significant cost savings.

  • Lower Cost Units

Now, it is also important to note that the FMCSA has not recommended general prices. In the past, the prices of ELD devices were not reasonable.

Now, it is quite a lot different; there are many providers.

The increased competition reduced prices on ELDs and fleet management systems.

  • Decreased costs of fuel

Fuel cost is vital. A manager could track excessive idle time or speeding. The management could also modify incentive schemes based on the data. Those initiatives will improve driving behavior and fuel efficiency.

Read more about the Motive card and other fuel and fleet cards

Get the Motive card here

Get the Coast card here

 

Electronic logging devices


d. Additional Benefits

Remember that ELDs deliver considerably more benefits than just cost reductions to drivers and fleets. With this said, there are quite a lot of additional advantages, which include:

  • Regulatory Compliance Made Simple

Following ELD mandate regulations by using an FMCSA approved ELD may help you meet compliance requirements.

These include DVIR, IRP, HOS, IFTA, and CDL and driver qualification compliance.

  • Lowered Crash Rates

Fewer crashes are a key metric to watch.

According to the Center for Truck and Bus Safety, drivers who used e-logs had 11.7 percent fewer accidents than those who did not.

And this is a big deal which will save on insurance costs.

  • Easy Installation

Unlike previous electronic recorders, ELDs are simple to install. The learning curve is one of the key disadvantages of an E-Logbook.

And with practice, ELDs are simple to use.

2. What Type of Device Do You need?

If you just want to log data, you can use any gadget on the market.

The new FMCSA law mandates all* trucks to have an ELD device installed, so you must use ELD compliance businesses to ensure that your device fulfills their standards.

Even though they name their devices as ELD, there are ELD manufacturers who are not certified and produce many devices that no longer fulfill the criteria.

Here are the three different terms that you’ll hear for devices:

  • AOBRD – Stands for Automatic On-Board Recording Device

These devices were introduced in 1988 with the first set of FMCSA standards governing electronic commercial vehicle monitoring.

If you own one of these devices, there is a chance it can be updated to meet the new standards.

Depending on your equipment, you may need to contact the manufacturer.

  • EOBR – Stands for Electronic On-Board Recorder

This device, launched in the early 2000s, is more advanced than the original AOBRD.

This was the favored gadget until 2012 when the FMCSA regulations changed.

If you had one of these devices, you were able to delay complying with the ELD mandate.

  • ELD – Stands for Electronic Logging Device

This term was established in 2012 when Congress passed the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century bill, which includes the ELD mandate.

Their data goes beyond service hours or even drive times  They also record GPS position, hard braking, and lots of other data.

3. Hallmarks of good ELD manufacturers

You can’t go wrong going with one of the top ELD manufacturers. Making the right decision can increase compliance, safety, and productivity.

Poor decisions may result in unreliable equipment, additional expenditures or fees, and the need to switch to another reputable ELD.

  • Features and Transparency

Choose ELD manufacturers with transparent pricing and outstanding features.

In addition to logs, geofencing, inspection reports, messaging, and real-time GPS monitoring, the cheapest base packages will cost under $20 per month.

Users should be able to upgrade to a more advanced plan as their business or needs grow.

This advance plan should incorporate IFTA reporting, fuel optimization, vehicle diagnostics, and possibly a WiFi hotspot… or more!

In addition to basic functionality, reputable ELD manufacturers should include sophisticated capabilities like facility insights, driver scorecards, and driver training workflow.

  • Experience and Reputation of the ELD manufacturers

Attention: ELD manufacturers making big claims. Consider the ELD makers’ knowledge and reputation as confirmation of trustworthiness.

You want an ELD manufacturer who works as a partner, understands your objectives and can personalize the ELD solution to maximize your return on investment.

One product ELD manufacturers may not be the best option for long-term value.

What is the ELD maker’s track record? Find out who their best customers are and how long they’ve been with them.

Visit various online technology product review sites for unbiased user reviews of ELD solutions and ELD manufacturers.

Good ELD manufacturers have an online marketplace of third-party vendor services and a tighter security mechanism.

Things to consider:

– Find out how long has the ELD manufacturers been in business

– Ask if they’ve previously offered an AOBRD service

  • That’s right. Security – Data protection – Privacy

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and others have warned motor carriers to give preferential treatment to major telematics providers based on current secure platforms to ELD solutions.

Ask your ELD manufacturers, from production to operating systems, hardware, data transfer, and data storage, about their security arrangements across the board.

4. How to Know if a Device is FMCSA-Compliant

eld trucking fmcsa

To develop an ELD that meets current criteria, the ELD producer must self-certify that it meets the technical parameters put out by FMCSA.

Then they must register the device with FMCSA and present confirmation of certification.

FMCSA does not endorse any specific ELD provider or device but they do provide a list that is compliant. Any device FMCSA deems lacking will be removed from their list of ELD manufacturers. That list is also available to see.

5. Which ELD Providers are FMCSA-Compliant?

When you’re ready to keep your fleet FMCSA-compliant, contact any of the ELD providers on our list. Remember that while each ELD provider and device is unique, they all fulfill the same basic functions.

If certain optional features are crucial to you, make sure the ELD device and service you choose will meet your needs. Please fill out our free consultation form and we will help you select the best one for your business needs.

Another factor to consider when evaluating ELD manufacturers is whether they simply sell the gadget or also provide services.

If you want to buy ELD from an all-in-one firm, make sure they offer not only the device but also monthly services that work for you.

6. The List of ELD Providers

[ that are FMSCA-compliant (in alphabetical order) ]

7. When to Get an ELD Device

You should get an ELD as soon as you know you’ll be operating under ELD mandate requirements. However, it may not be a bad idea to get an ELD simply to have the newest technology which can get data that can help you optimize your business.

8. Conclusion: Electronic Logbooks are a Must!

As you can see, buying an ELD from a reputable company has many advantages. The above benefit should influence your decision to use an electronic logbook.

ELDs have changed the trucking industry for the better. Drivers no longer need to manually log their HOS and mileage. And it eases and speeds up reporting and filing.

And this adds up to a lot of money and time saved.

Buying an ELD from a reputable brand has obvious short-term and long-term benefits. It is definitely something to keep in mind when choosing the right ELD for your business.

best eld devices




Find out which are the Best ELD Devices out there and the best ones for owner-operators, and check our full review of the top sellers such as EROAD EHUBO, Magellan ELD, Verizon, or Motive (formerly Keep Truckin) in our comprehensive reviews of the best ELD solution from reputable ELD manufacturers.

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About the author

Robert Rigman

Robert Rigman

Former independent OTR trucker that left the road to dedicate his time to research new technology for the transport industry. When the ELD Mandate was approved many questions and daily challenges came up and there was no answer to them. ELDdevices.net was born from the combination of my passion for trucking and my affinity for research and writing.

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Share what you learned!

About the author

Robert Rigman

Robert Rigman

Former independent OTR trucker that left the road to dedicate his time to research new technology for the transport industry. When the ELD Mandate was approved many questions and daily challenges came up and there was no answer to them. ELDdevices.net was born from the combination of my passion for trucking and my affinity for research and writing.

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