3MD ELD Review – Affordable? Yes! but is it Reliable?

3MD ELD

from $175 + $30 monthly fee

6.9

Customer Support

6.6/10

Ease of Use

6.4/10

Installation

7.6/10

Suitable for fleets

7.7/10

Features & Technology

6.3/10

Pros

• Great for beginners
• Multi-lingual
• Intuitive Interface
• Fuel management
• Certified compliance

Cons

• Fleet owners cannot go for the basic plan
• The upfront payment on the basic plan is quite expensive for owner-operators
• The premium package is too expensive The app does not work properly on some phones

Free Custom Quote

Trucking is a tough job. You must deal with strict regulations and deadlines, always on the move from one destination to another, carrying valuable cargo — all of which require you to have a great electronic logging device taking care of your truck’s engine control module to ensure that everything works properly.

Are you looking for an ELD device that is simple to use, reliable and can sync easily with your system? Then the 3MD ELD is the FMCSA-mandated gadget for you.

The 3MD ELD is an electronic logging device. It has the capacity to make your life a whole lot easier. In this review, I will cover the most important information this device has to offer, and hopefully help you in deciding if it’s a good fit for your trucking business.

The Mandate

Familiar with the Hours of Service (HOS) Rules? The HOS Mandate simplifies tracking work hours for safety, easing payment and expense calculations, especially with the aid of ELDs like 3MD.

Do I Need The 3MD ELD?

If you’ve gone through the details of the mandate, then you probably know that you’ll need an electronic logging device to manage your fleet or your vehicle.  The 3MD ELD is a high-quality device complete with FMCSA and IFTA compliance. Also, the device is easy to use and has great features such as communication, backend operation, and reasonable pricing.

Why 3MD ELD is a Game-Changer for Owner-Operators and Fleets

Before we dive deep into the 3MD ELD review, it’s crucial to understand its significance, especially for owner-operators. As the ELD mandate continues to shape the industry, having a tool that aligns perfectly with owner-operators’ needs is invaluable. 3MD ELD, with its emphasis on compliance, safety, and ease of use, offers an unmatched solution.

Not only does it help owner-operators understand the nuances of HOS rules and exemptions, but it also provides them with a user-friendly experience to streamline their operations.

A Little Company Background

3MD ELD: A Solution

Established in 2017, 3MD ELD operated as an independent ELD provider, earning FMCSA certification for HOS compliance. It started as a vital tool for 3MD Inc., a family-owned trucking company, aiding in regulatory adherence and operational optimization.

The success of 3MD ELD propelled the company into the national spotlight, recognized for innovative solutions that contributed to substantial growth.

Trucking Hub: The Evolution Beyond Compliance

Fast forward to 2022, and the launch of Trucking Hub takes the stage. This comprehensive platform extends beyond the capabilities of 3MD ELD, becoming an all-encompassing ecosystem for the trucking industry. It integrates advanced software, hardware, data management, financial tools, and enterprise communication, providing a holistic solution.

Key Features of Trucking Hub Include

• Fleet management tools for scheduling, dispatching, and driver tracking.
• Advanced navigation and routing systems.
• Secure cloud storage for documents and records.
• Integrated fuel card and financial management tools.
• Communication channels for drivers and dispatchers.

3MD ELD within Trucking Hub: The Crucial Component

While 3MD ELD continues to exist as a distinct product within the Trucking Hub platform, it is no longer a standalone entity. 3MD ELD has seamlessly integrated into Trucking Hub, becoming an indispensable element of a more robust and comprehensive system. This system aims to bring a transformative approach to the entire trucking industry.

If you are a small fleet or owner-operator looking for a basic ELD solution, 3MD ELD may be a good option. However, if you are a larger fleet looking for more comprehensive features and services, Trucking Hub may be a better choice.

3MD ELD Review

Still not convinced? Read through this detailed 3MD ELD Review to look further into its features and details before you conclude. So let’s get started!

3MD ELD – About the Brand

To trust the product, you need to know where it comes from. The reliability of the company you choose to invest in for your electronic logging needs is essential, as you’ll be in contact with them throughout your trucking career. 3MD is a reputable and innovative company based in the US, aiming to serve its customers with the most accessible ELD services at the best rates. 

Founded only recently, this company makes the FMCSA compliance list. This is the main attribute you should look for in your ELD service provider. While most claim to be fully compliant, there are a few certified ones that the FMCSA itself approves as well. 

Moreover, the company has impeccable fleet management software, along with an easy-to-use device that you can install in your vehicle. So, if you’re a fleet owner who is constantly hustling with documentation and logs, the company provides the best solution to your everyday hassle. 

Besides that, it has a list of great features that will end your search for a reliable and affordable ELD. Let’s check out what the 3MD ELD has got for you. 

3MD ELD Features

When it comes to choosing functionality over affordability, most customers tend to get confused. Luckily, the 3DM ELD offers both. It has a versatile set of functions that let you operate your fleet without any extra external charges. The software combined with the easy-to-use device is a great option for those of you who want a hassle-free ELD. 

HOS Compliance

The 3MD ELD is completely FMCSA compliant. Unlike the other self-acclaimed brands which boast to be compliant but are not, the 3MD ELD is certified and proven according to FMCSA standards. 

The device has gone through rigorous third-party testing as well. This means that in the situation of an investigation or reporting, your logs will be properly compiled according to federal regulations. 

Similarly, the compliance makes sure there’s no confusion while making payments and calculating expenditure. That’s because of all the statuses and exemptions are logged in according to the federal law. 

Safety Features

The 3MD ELD notifies you immediately if a driver has faced an accident or is unable to proceed further. The efficient monitoring system keeps track of your vehicles and drivers, which ensures their safety along the road.

Besides that, these notifications help you schedule other drivers or dispatch further information about any mishap at once. You can make prompt and calculated decisions according to the situation. 

Real-Time Tracking

This 3MD electronic logging device tracks all your vehicles for you in real-time. If you’re a fleet owner, then you can keep an eye on all your trucks from the backend. This way, even if the driver is unable to alert the main office in case of a mishap, you can be informed before the situation gets serious. 

Besides that, you can track if a driver steps out of line, or shows any signs of misbehavior. Also, you can keep your customers informed about the whereabouts of your vehicle. This will, in turn, increase the overall effectiveness and productivity of your fleet.

Accessible Data Collection

The most important function of each electronic logging device is to collect data in an organized and simplified manner. Without a doubt, the 3MD ELD does a great job at collecting and presenting your data when you need it. 

Furthermore, the device has a cloud-based infrastructure. This means, that once you’ve saved your data onto the software, you can do anything from anywhere. This includes your BOLs, statuses, and fuel receipts as well. 

This feature comes in handy during on-road investigations. You can pull out an on-screen copy of any document you need without having to rummage through a pile of paperwork. If you’re operating a whole fleet, the impeccable data organization on the software makes your management and reporting tasks easier. 

IFTA Reporting

Along with the FMCSA regulations, the International Fuel Tax Agreement or IFTA is another organization your vehicle will have to answer to. The IFTA fuel taxations require reports four times a year. The system is created to ease the paperwork in every state, so the fuel taxation system is different for each state. 

Besides that, it doesn’t matter if your vehicle has been dormant most of the time in that particular period, the report has to be turned in. That’s where the 3MD ELD comes in. It has a versatile system to generate the IFTA reports according to their regulations, on a timely basis. It records fuel consumption regardless of the vehicle’s status, which means the report will be on point and ready for submission. 

Moreover, the fuel records help you keep track of the overall consumption in your fleet. This way, you can monitor the annual or monthly expenditure for fuel. It also helps you take a step toward sustainable fuel usage in your fleet, so you can do your part for the environment.  

Fleet Management

As we mentioned before, the 3MD ELD is best suited for owners who manage large fleets with multiple vehicles and their drivers. Keeping track of a huge fleet manually is impossible. Therefore, along with flawless backend monitoring, this electronic logging device offers automatic alerts. 

These automatically generated notifications alert the main office in case a vehicle breaks down along the road or requires immediate repair. You can easily replace the vehicle or call for help at once. This diminishes the chances of extra expenses and mishaps to ensure your fleet runs smoothly. 

Besides that, the drivers can stay in constant touch with the main office, through the device. They can send alerts to the office or the maintenance department themselves in case the alerts don’t reach them for prompt vehicle repairs. This means the device ensures that there’s minimal disturbance throughout your fleet. 

Local Support

We know that for most truck drivers, operating an electronic logging device is quite a task. That’s why it is important that the ELD service you go for has a responsive support system, in case your drivers get stuck in a mishap. 

Luckily, the people here at the 3MD Inc. customer service are reachable at any hour. Whether you’re an owner-operator or a fleet owner operating lots of data on the software, these experts have the solutions to all your problems. 

Besides that, they are helpful and friendly so you can put your concerns forward, and they’ll be glad to help. You can also open up a ticket through the website and submit any feedback or queries, and their dedicated team will surely give you satisfactory responses.  

Multiple Languages

Another good news for fleet owners. If you have the 3MD electronic logging device, you don’t have to worry about the social background or ethnicity of any driver you hire. The device interface can be operated in multiple languages, including Spanish and Serbian as well. 

The drivers can switch the operating system of the devices in their respective vehicles to their native language, and enter their logs accordingly. Similarly, when it’s time to present the logs during an investigation or reporting, the driver can easily switch the language according to the investigator’s comfort. 

The multilingual interface lets you access your data in multiple languages.  Also, you can monitor the logs recorded in various languages through the backend in one common, native language, which is easier to manage for one person. 

Fuel Efficiency

The 3MD electronic devices run on 4G LTE connection systems. This provides a flawless connection so you can keep in track of lots of vehicles at once. This impeccable tracking system has lots of advantages when it comes to operating a fleet. Most importantly, it promotes fuel efficiency throughout your fleet. 

You can track the speed and working hours of each vehicle. Thus, you can work on the unproductivity and inefficiency of your fleet drivers easily. Also, you can point out idle times and regulate the loading and dispatch routes as well. 

Consequently, by keeping an eye on all these important pieces of information, you can regulate the speeds, and reroute inefficient routes to make your fleet more productive. Also, the tracking system helps you optimize the fuel your drivers use on an everyday basis, increasing fuel efficiency. 

Now that you have gone through everything the 3MD ELD has to offer, it is time to talk business. Let’s check how the pricing works for this ELD system. 

Pricing

The 3MD ELD is quite affordable as compared to the high-quality, compliant ELDs of its league. You can choose from three different plans offered by the company according to your needs and affordability. 

• Basic Plan. This plan requires an upfront payment of USD 175. After that, you’ll have to pay only USD 30 per month. The basic plan includes all the basic features of an electronic logging device only. This means you won’t get the fancy fleet management features such as GPS tracking, 4G data package, and prompt customer support. Apart from that, the package is good for you if you’re an owner-operator. 
• Standard Plan. This plan doesn’t require any upfront payment, but the monthly payment is USD 50. You’ll get almost all the features with this package except for the 3MD TMS system. This plan is great and affordable for a fleet owner with basic needs. 
• Premium Plan. The most expensive plan costs USD 75 monthly. This plan includes complete customer support, GPS tracking, 4G data, Samsung tablet, and 3MD TMS as well. This is for the fleet owners who need a complete solution for their electronic logging needs but is quite heavy on the pocket. 

Free Custom Quote

Let’s take an overall look at the advantages and disadvantages of the product to give you fair representation. 

FAQs

What is the HOS Mandate?

The Hours of Service (HOS) Mandate is a set of rules ensuring the safety of commercial drivers by regulating work and rest hours.

How does 3MD ELD ensure compliance with HOS?

3MD ELD is FMCSA-approved and IFTA-compliant, ensuring accurate, real-time tracking of driver hours, making it compliant with HOS rules.

Are there any upfront costs with 3MD ELD plans?

The Basic Plan has an upfront cost of USD 175, while the Standard and Premium plans don’t require any initial payment.

Is 3MD ELD suitable for individual owner-operators?

Yes, the Basic Plan is tailored for owner-operators, making it a perfect fit for their needs.

Can I access my logs from anywhere?

Yes, 3MD ELD offers cloud-based data management, allowing you to access logs and other data anytime, anywhere.

What is the relationship between 3MD ELD and Trucking Hub?

3MD ELD and Trucking Hub are intimately connected. 3MD ELD served as the foundation, focusing on HOS compliance, while Trucking Hub is an evolved platform that integrates 3MD ELD’s strengths into a comprehensive solution for the entire trucking ecosystem.

What additional features does Trucking Hub offer beyond 3MD ELD?

Trucking Hub goes beyond HOS compliance and includes features such as fleet management tools, advanced navigation, secure cloud storage, integrated fuel card, financial management, and communication channels for drivers and dispatchers.

Final Words

Concluding our 3MD ELD review, we’d say that this is a product worth your consideration. 3MD ELD, now integrated into the Trucking Hub platform, offers a comprehensive solution for the trucking industry.

While 3MD ELD laid the foundation for HOS compliance, Trucking Hub represents its evolution into a powerful and extensive ecosystem. Whether you’re an owner-operator or managing a large fleet, the Trucking Hub platform provides a streamlined and efficient solution for all your trucking needs.

In essence, while 3MD ELD was initially focused on HOS compliance and was a standalone ELD provider, Trucking Hub is an expansive platform that incorporates and builds upon the strengths of 3MD ELD.

Trucking Hub aims to be a complete solution for the trucking industry, offering a broader array of features to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and simplify various aspects of trucking management.

The transition from 3MD ELD to Trucking Hub represents a shift from a specialized compliance tool to a versatile and integrated trucking management platform.

We all understand that one size does not fit all. If that is the case, kindly fill out our consultation form and see where we can assist you.

Please leave a review below and share your experience with other truckers!