J. J. Keller Encompass
$199 + $40.50 monthly fee
Pros
- Stored in the cloud for up to 6 months
- User-friendly
- Suitable for fleets
Cons
- It present issues when AORBD upgrade in 2019 to ELD
- Connection issues
- Poor customer service
JJ Keller Encompass was the pioneer of paper logs, and they made about 80% of paper logbooks.
Now that those paper logs are gone. JJ Keller’s ELD solutions are joining other leaders in the electronic logging market.
Our jj keller elogs review will examine the pros, the cons, the costs, and ease of installation.
Company History
JJ Keller is one of the most respected names in the ELD business, due to their long history.
J.J Keller’s graphic display of a logbook is still used in today’s electronic logging application. Therefore, JJ Keller specializes in trucking compliance.
It will not be an exaggeration to say that J. J. Keller is the pioneer of truck logging, as the company invented the paper logbook back in the 1950s.
Now, over seventy years later, they are still among the leading producers of Electronic Logging Devices, commonly known as ELDs, in the USA.
J.J Keller Encompass
If you are thinking of making a move from paper logs to electronic logs, consider that migration is a lot easier with J. J. Keller’s Encompass.
Cloud-Based Integration
JJ Keller encompass is a cloud-based system that captures data from the J. J. Keller ELD device. The data is then displayed through the JJ Keller mobile app.
The JJ Keller mobile app can be installed on your phone or tablet without any additional charge.
Using the app, your drivers can:
- Update duty status
- Check and certify HOS
- View GPS coordinates
- Perform vehicle inspections
- Browse engine data and vehicle records
The JJ Keller encompass system is based on an online dashboard of file cabinets.
And it helps fleets manage their day-to-day business tasks and at the same time, stay compliant with all state and federal regulatory requirements.
All data is stored in the cloud for instant accessibility when required by the management.
JJ Keller’s ELD delivers compliance and engine data to JJ Keller encompass. Management can then use the information to make improvements in operations and safety.
For instance, they can launch JJ Keller encompass training for the driver to reduce unnecessary speeding and idle time.
Roadside Inspections
The JJ Keller e log solution makes roadside inspections less time-consuming and more effective.
It also improves CSA score, offers you best-practice time management, and maximize fuel use effective. It will also improve your CSA score, offer you best-practice time management, and will maximize fuel use efficiency.
Also, JJ Keller encompass provides complete protection from DOT audits and interventions.
The user is assured that all of J. J. Keller’s electronic logging devices (ELDs) are fully compliant with the ELD mandate at all times.
You will not have to worry about any stressful and costly hardware swap, because their E-Log solution will only require software updates.
JJ keller encompass is a versatile compliance management tool. It handles basically everything from logs to preventive maintenance and drivers’ qualification.
Record Keeping and Reporting
The system also provides various Improvements in everyday business operations such as automation of the IFTA, plus record-keeping and reporting.
All customers who use JJ Keller e logs system automatically become encompass users, with the compliance and all of the great tools that come along with it.
The E-log device looks like a black box, which is to be plugged into a truck’s diagnostic port.
It communicates with the other devices in the back office via Bluetooth and shows all of the relevant info on the display of your tablet or smartphone.
The J.J. Keller E-log is also able to provide an all-in-one solution for your fleet, as the company also offers its tablet.
J.J. Keller ELD Basic Cost
When purchasing this device, the upfront JJ Keller encompass pricing for the black box which plugs into the truck is quite affordable – just $199 per unit.
If the trucking company provides the device or the driver uses his own, then it will likely be much cheaper to get the hardware with a 2-year contract.
The J.J. Keller’s official tablet sells for $349, but there also is a one-time implementation and training fee of $199 that you have to keep in mind when preparing to integrate this ELD solution into your truck fleet.
Also, equipping all of your vehicles with the company’s tablet may cost thousands of dollars.
However, the best option is to ask your drivers to use Encompass on their smart device.
As to the monthly subscription fee, it is $25.50 per month per vehicle.
And you pay a rough estimate of $15 per month for the cell data plan if you provide your device.
In the case you use the official J.J. Keller tablet, you will be paying $59 per month per vehicle.
And this, however, includes the additional $33.50 per month for the data plan.
Additional JJ Keller encompass costs Per Vehicle
If you have more drivers than the number of vehicles that you have, then jJJ Keller encompass cost an extra fee of $3.50 per month.
Also, tracking of the DVIR records and the compliance information of your trailers will cost you $3.50 per month for each truck. The ALK Co-Pilot GPS for drivers’ navigation is $10 per month.
When it comes to the J.J. Keller E-log, the cheapest option you can take advantage of would be if your drivers agree to use their smartphones.
And this means you will have to pay an upfront sum of $199 for the E-log box and a monthly cost of $25.50. In three years, this will give you a total cost of $1,117 per device.
On the more expensive side of the jj keller e logs would be using the J.J. Keller tablet plus the Co-Pilot navigation.
You will end up paying an upfront sum of $548 and a monthly fee of $59. When you sum this up for three years, it gives you a total cost of $3,032 per vehicle.
The E-log provides a device that has a data plan, with an upfront of $199, $25.50 per month, and a $15 for the data plan.
Your total cost for three years would be$1,657. This sum is very affordable when compared to the offers of some other providers.
The actual cost of the JJ Keller e logs can be rather high.
We advise you to ensure that you have done the math carefully before integrating their solutions into your truck fleet.
On the bright side, their plans do not require you to sign any contract – You pay as you go.
Basic Features of J. J. Keller E-Logs
Speaking of the basic features of this JJ Keller e logs, we should begin by saying that the device is effortless to use, and it is designed to guarantee full compliance at all times.
However, this is not a surprise, considering that J. J. Keller is an industry leader when it comes to DOT compliance.
With this E-log provider, you will always be on the right side of the law and will meet all DOT requirements.
The JJ Keller encompass back office system provides a wide variety of excellent compliance tools.
The list includes logs and DVIR plus a navigation add-on and a GPS tracking through the back office.
In regards to the back office, part of the JJ Keller encompass back office system is dedicated to compliance management.
It is thus able to integrate with a lot of different mobile devices to automate electronic logging, in-cab performance, and the electronic DVIRs reporting with the EOBRs.
Improvement Areas
Although J. J. Keller is among the leading eLog providers in the USA, we have noticed some areas where improvement is needed.
To start with, the telematics features of their ELD are still somehow limited.
When you buy something, the first thing you ask is how much it costs. From what we shared above, the most obvious conclusion is that J. J. Keller’s pricing policy is a bit baffling.
On the technical side, many users have reported issues with the device’s usability, as well as some hardware issues.
And while this is more or less true about just any ELD device out there, the more concerning fact is that drivers are still not able to email logs from their device to the back office or the inspecting authorities.
Reasons for Choosing J. J. Keller E-Log
We highlighted the areas where the company can seek further improvement.
Now, let focus on the reasons why you should actually choose J.J. Keller as your trusted E-Log provider.
First and foremost, with their device, you can access all of the data that is stored in the cloud for up to 6 months.
Second, J.J. Keller e logs are highly adaptable and very easy to integrate, regardless of your truck fleet’s size or composition.
Next, the device will optimize the fleet manager’s performance and will thus increase the fleet’s profitability. And make regulatory compliance simple.
To achieve gradual and flawless implementation and compliance, we advise you to allow a break-in period, wherein your drivers will use both ELDs and paper logs.
Thus, you will get a fully mixed view of performance and compliance.
The seamless integration of the eLog system is guaranteed by the name of J. J. Keller. And this is a company that has been focused on helping fleets improve their compliance and safety for over six decades.
Suitable for All Vehicles
The best news about this ELD is that it is compatible with virtually all types and classes of vehicles, and it thus provides for the successful management of mixed fleets.
When you are getting started with J.J. Keller, all you need is J.J. Keller’s EOBR plus a jj keller mobile app for Windows phone.
The J.J. Keller EOBR is available at an upfront cost of $199.
Installation Of The EOBR
The EOBRs and all of the appropriate cables will be shipped to your location upon ordering J. J. Keller’s start-up bundle.
The package also includes an installation guide and a J.J. Keller training videos located at jj keller online training portal
Even you have little or no experience with electronic device installation, the setup process takes about 10 to 30 minutes on average.
Make sure to plug in the 6 or 9-pin Deutsch connector then mount it anywhere in the cab.
The startup package includes an adapter for connecting the ELD to a vehicle and an ELD cable for connection.
When you order it, ensure that you specify which kind of adapter you need.
As mentioned above, the software only runs on Windows mobile devices using versions 5.0 and above with a data plan or Wi-Fi connectivity.
We encourage you to confirm your drivers’ mobile devices’ compatibility with your local J.J. Keller representative.
In case your drivers’ mobile devices are incompatible, replace them with ones that are Windows-based.
If your drivers do not have smartphones, PDAs, or laptops, you will need to purchase the devices from J. J. Keller, or other suitable providers.
Purchasing such devices without a data plan is very costly. Therefore, we recommend that you purchase Wi-Fi enabled phones, laptops or PDAs for
your drivers.
Installation Of The Software
To begin with, you will get a hyperlink sent to you to install the J.J. Keller mobile app on your drivers’ PDAs, laptops, or phones.
When the J.J. Keller mobile app is installed, each driver will have their unique username and password that they can use to access the system at the J.J. Keller login page.
The password and the username are set up and managed on the J.J. Keller e logs web portal.
Guides and Support
The electronic logging device comes with several essential documents, support instructions, and user manuals. Of these, the Driver’s Quick-start Guide is perhaps the most important.
Next is the Technical Support Guide that you can refer to whenever you encounter any issues with the hardware or the app.
If the info in the guide cannot help you fix these, pick up the warranty card, and arrange a repair or replacement.
You can also rely on the company’s dedicated 24/7 technical support for the ELD and J.J. Keller encompass users.
To facilitate your fleet’s transition from paper to electronic logs, J. J. Keller has also included a Backup JJ Keller logbook in their startup bundle.
If you have some not so experienced drivers in your fleet, make sure that they get familiar with the Roadside Inspection Guide, where all steps and procedures that they should follow are explained in detail.
They can also take advantage of the E-log Welcome Kit, which guides new users through the set-up of the J.J. Keller encompass system and the installation of the J.J. Keller ELD unit to the truck.
It also guides you through the process of installation of the jJ.J. Keller mobile app on your mobile device.
The Welcome Kit also includes additional resources and tips that will make the E-logs and the Keller mobile app on devices running smoothly.
How To Order?
A J.J. Keller encompass E-log Edition is tied with the Driver Vehicle Inspection Reporting (DVIR) management.
After placing your ELD order, you will then receive an email that will contain your J.J. Keller login information.
At a later stage, the standard implementation package, J.J. Keller forklift training, workplace safety training videos, and other webcasts will be delivered to you by the J.J. Keller subject matter expert.
Each of the webcasts will have unlimited uses to accommodate the entire team of your company.
And you will be able to explore all the features of the J.J. Keller encompass system at a time that is most convenient to you.
- Comprehensive regulatory compliance management
- Speedy setup with no downtime
- No contract, pay-as-you-go billing
- Some Users report connectivity issues
- Limited telematics features
Our Final Word On J. J. Keller E-Logs
The industry leader J. J. Keller provides E-logs and the Encompass system that guarantee a solid place at the FMCSA compliance checklist.
The decades of providing paper logs have earned J. J. Keller some outstanding reputation.
For fleets that are looking to improve their compliance and go beyond the paper logs, J.J. Keller encompass, will be the perfect versatile and user-friendly solution.
Last but not least, it will maximize their efficiency and boost their profits.
The J.J. Keller encompass, and ELD is a complete organizational, compliance and safety solution.
It is available right now, but the company also provides free J.J. Keller online training for those of your drivers who have little experience with eLogs.
Using J.J. Keller encompass Fleet Management portal, you’ll be able to check in on data including:
- HOS
- Unit tracking and maintenance
- Alcohol and drug tests
- Driver qualification
- Accident recording
- Fuel tax reporting
- Driver performance
When you become their customer, J. J. Keller takes the responsibility to keep you updated regarding any amendments to the state or federal compliance requirements.
Depending on which J. J. Keller E-log solution you choose, the system can standardize functions that are critical to your business.
The J.J. Keller encompass benefits includes driver qualification, Hours of Service, licensing, driver hiring, tracking driver performance and truck maintenance, and so much more!
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One Response
In November of 2018 we called JJ Keller & Associates company and we explained them that we are a delivery service company and that we are looking into how to track our trucks. We were told that with their ELD devices and their services we will be able to track our trucks, usage of the trucks, manage drivers and so on ….BUT after we purchased almost 20 devices, paid for the installation and did the whole setup on the computer and spend all together in the amount of over $7000.00, tracking of the trucks was not working and it is not even posible with this device to track your vehicles. We called and complained and they have the nerve to try to sell us yet another device to accomplish what their device could not do, a GPS location for which we would have to establish the service agreement with yet another company. ABSURD! We called and complained and try to cancel the deal and they just played dumb and keep charging us for monthly services which we never even used. Even after numerous calls to cancel the services they were still charging us. Now finally after more than 6 months of complaining we got the cancelation email and credit for only one month of services. We are now stuck with the loss of $7K and useless devices from JJ Keller. STAY AWAY! We will seek court help