VDO RoadLog
$299 + $20 monthly fee
Pros
- Quick and easy operations
- Reliable logs
- Fast printer system
- Reasonable price
- Easy setup
Cons
- Some inputs are slow
- It’s difficult to sync keys with the program in case the driver key ceases to operate
- Fewer telematics features for the price
- Some users complain about customer support
Attention users of RoadLog ELD:
If you use RoadLog ELD or RoadLog Office, it is time for you to find a new provider. . Effective May 1, 2019, Continental has decided to discontinue selling its RoadLog ELD product line. They are also no longer offering RoadLog Office subscriptions. That also means no further technical support. Remember that Roadlog is no longer operational. You are required to responsibly recycle your RoadLog ELD. AND remember to download user information for compliance purposes!
RoadLog has offered to help its customers in making the switch to Motive (formerly KeepTrucking). They claim to have even negotiated special pricing for RoadLog switchers. Contact Motive (formerly Keep Truck) or RoadLog for additional information.Otherwise, fill out our questionnaire and a representative will contact you to help you with your ELD needs.
Earn up to $200 signing up here
Paperwork days are over, and whether you like it or not, you have to install an electronic logging device such as VDO ELD (review) in your commercial vehicle as soon as possible. The Hours of Service 2019 Mandate has made it compulsory for all commercial vehicles, passenger, and cargo carriers alike to have an elog to record their daily logs.
If you’re a fleet owner or a truck driver who is concerned about this mandate, then we have just the right product for you. The VDO RoadLog review is easy to use, convenient, and affordable. The best part is, it effectively complies with all FMCSA regulations and Hours of Service rules and exemptions.
You will find a long list of products that are compliant and have great features. This VDO ELD review will show you how the VDO RoadLog stands out as the ideal electronic logbook device, here is the review for you.
Read along to see if this logging device is the end of your exhausting search. So let’s go.
Company Overview
The VDO RoadLog ELD is manufactured by Continental AG, a well-known global brand dealing in automobile parts, mainly rubber tires, power trains, and brake systems. Apart from that, this Germany-based automobile company hosts a wide range of electronic logging devices, around six million of them, operating all over the world.
The VDO RoadLog journey started when Continental AG bought the unit of Siemens VDO, which caused an increase in their sales. In the last five years, the company became the third-ranking company in automobile parts sales. It’s evident from the fast-paced success rate that the company is worth your trust.
By releasing the VDO ELD device, the company aims to provide an affordable, easy-to-use, and accessible solution for truck drivers at all levels to maintain electronic logs. The target customers for their services are both commercial drivers and fleet owners to manage their everyday logs and record their Hours of Service.
Now that you know about the company, let’s get started with the VDO ELD review so you can make a well-informed decision.
VDO RoadLog – An Electronic Logging Device
If you’re a newbie, you probably need an introduction to the basic functions and uses of electronic logging devices, to fully appreciate how the VDO RoadLog ELD works. It’s a device that fleet owners and truck drivers are required to set up in their vehicles for efficient data management.
When you’re operating a fleet, there are many rules and regulations to follow and keep in your record in case of an investigation. For this reason, an electronic logging device, such as the VDO RoadLog ELD has fully automated fleet management software as well. This software deals with a huge amount of saved data maintains your everyday logs and prepares the required data for FMCSA, IRP, and IFTA reporting.
If you search for a stand-alone logging device in the market, you’ll find lots of brands offering such products at low prices. But that’s just a temporary solution. If you’re a fleet owner who wants to be at peace of mind about his compliance and investigations, then an all-in-one fleet management device is what you need.
Enter, the VDO RoadLog ELD. While stand-alone devices offer basic compliance and reporting, a fully automatic fleet management device acts as a tracking and communication device as well. Similarly, it also lets you keep e-logs and print required logs at the moment.
If your ELD is not capable of these actions, you will have to invest in an external data plan for your personal smartphone or tablet. This can be managed if you’re a single commercial driver, but with a whole fleet at hand, a fully-equipped ELD is the best option.
If you’re already convinced that you need the VDO RoadLog device, here’s a detailed list of features to give you further insight.
Main Features
The VDO RoadLog ELD has the ideal set of features to become your go-to product for all your electronic logging needs. It has a versatile range of accessible functions that not only make it easy to use but highly productive as well.
The primary features present in the VDO RoadLog ELD are listed as follows.
- The management software is fully compliant with the FMCSA mandate.
- The software automatically updates itself when new rules and specifications are released.
- Easy installation.
- On-the-spot log-printing system is available.
- VDO RoadLog Plus, the upgraded version, sports a cellular data connection as well.
Obviously, to make a purchase, you need to know how all these features are engineered and integrated to work collectively in this ELD. Here’s a detailed overview of all the features, so you have all the information at hand.
ELD Regulation Compliance
You’ll find many ELD providers that claim to be FMCSA compliant. However, not all of them are registered and proven to be compliant with all the regulations, of the FMCSA itself. With the VDO RoadLog ELD, this is not the case.
It’s been rigorously tested and certified by the FMCSA. This means it’s fully compliant with all the original regulations and all its updates and amendments as well. Also, the software is designed to accept updates as well. This way, you can easily update any compliance amendments to your ELD to make sure you stay up-to-date with the compliance requirements.
In addition, the VDO RoadLog is programmed to record mileage and fuel consumption automatically. It keeps guaranteed electronic logs so you can produce the required mileage and fuel reports mandated by IRP and IFTA whenever you need them. Besides that, you can customize these reports according to the regulations in your state.
Furthermore, with the VDO RoadLog ELD, it’s very easy to record DVIR reports as well. You can record your trip details and generate them on screen during inspections as well. Also, you can save these reports for future use and logs as well.
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Automatic Updates
If you’re concerned about your drivers or even your own lack of expertise when using an electronic gadget for everyday logging, there’s nothing to worry about with this ELD. That’s because its a fully automatic system that can detect your statuses and prepare updates accordingly.
This means, even if you forget to switch your status from Driving to Sleeper Berth, the VDO RoadLog ELD will do it for you.
Similarly, you can be concern free about the strict HOS mandates as well. You obviously cannot memorize them all but this electronic device can. It will provide automatic alerts if it detects a breach in the regulations.
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Data Management
With the constant advancements in regulations and data recording technologies for commercial vehicles, you should choose a brand that pays close attention to the recording capabilities of its devices. If you’re going for the VDO RoadLog, you’re in safe hands, keep reading this review to find out why.
- Firstly, it can record events related to the vehicle and the driver as well. This includes status allocation, fuel tracking, vehicle speed, and location as well.
- Secondly, it keeps a record of other commercial issues related to fleet management. Such as shipment documents, total odometer, inspection reports, and idling data.
- Thirdly, you can keep an eye on all your trucks with its efficient recording system. It can locate your vehicle easily if lost on a global basis. Also, you can generate a point-to-point map of your vehicle’s route to ensure scrutiny in your driving hours.
- Lastly, it gives off alerts when any electrical or mechanical defects are detected in its system. So you can be prepared beforehand and create a backup for such situations and avoid any disturbance to your fleet routine.
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Easy-to-use Interface
Most truck drivers are simple people who prefer driving to make a living. That’s why the VDO RoadLog ELD has an intuitive user-friendly interface. Once you turn it on, you’ll be able to operate the device like a pro through its suggestive flow of options and functions.
However, like any machine, you should take your time to get a hang of the basic functions, so you don’t make a mistake while recording your tedious working hours. For instance, when working with a co-driver, you should remember to change the status of ‘active driver’ from one driver to another.
Similarly, with the VDO RoadLog device, it’s better that you wait a few minutes before you begin driving after taking your mandatory break according to the regulations. This helps the device record the status properly before you begin driving again.
You can find some detailed, visual YouTube guides about the different setup and usage aspects of the VDO RoadLog ELD Device, right here.
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Printing Functions
If you’re a person who likes to keep backup records in hardcopy for use during inspections or just for personal reference, this device will work great for you. It has an inbuilt thermal printer. It allows you to generate instant printouts of your logs and DVIR details easily, on the spot.
Moreover, it doesn’t require constant maintenance like commercial printers. The ink provided with the device will last longer. Also, it is created with a non-fade formula to make sure your logs come out clear.
As far as the printer function is concerned, this system will probably exceed your expectations. The built-in thermal printer works like a charm! You will be able to print out your logs and DVIR without any issues. However, it has a standard paper roll size that you will have to reload every time you run out of paper. Also, you will have to keep in track of the paper roll in case it runs out.
As mentioned before, truck drivers have been accustomed to handwritten paper logs up till now. This means the printing feature will give them something to connect to and understand well, unlike on-screen logs.
We’re done with all the details you need to know about the features and technical aspects of the VDO RoadLog ELD. Below we’ve tried to answer some questions you may have.
If, after reading this full VDO Roadlog ELD review, you still have doubts if this device is adequate for your needs, you can fill out the questionnaire below and get advice and a free quote:
Why Do You Need To Install The VDO RoadLog Today?
While choosing an ELD device, what should you keep in mind? The best one for you isn’t the one with the most bells and whistles or the most expensive one. But, the best ELD device for you is the one that suits your needs and budget perfectly.
The VDO RoadLog ELD is designed for fleet owners and owner-operators. It has features and a pricing package that makes managing lots of drivers and vehicles accessible. If you want a solution to organize your fleet or stay on track of your owner-operated vehicles, this ELD is great for you.
However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go for this device if you own a relatively small fleet. It can help you manage large or small fleets. That’s because it can be easily customized according to your needs.
You must have noticed that this ELD device lacks a lot of fancy features that you might get with other large-scale devices. While such features do make life easier for fleet owners, sometimes they just hike up the price of the ELDs. Thus, if you’re someone who wants a reasonable ELD plan which does the basic functions perfectly, this is the one for you.
It has good compliance capabilities. It can generate both MTO and DOT inspection reports to improve your operational efficiency without going heavy on your pocket.
What Makes The VDO RoadLog ELD the Perfect Choice?
As we discussed, there’s a long list of ELD devices ranging from top brands to total rip-offs available for purchase. This means to choose the perfect one, you will have to weigh the benefits you get along with it. There are a number of such benefits that make the VDO RoadLog ELD a perfect choice, you can review them here.
- Firstly, you don’t have to continue paying for your device on a monthly basis. The upfront cost is the final cost. Also, you don’t have to worry about any data connection or cellular charges as well.
- Secondly, although it lacks fancy features like high-end brands, it does have some accessible features. These include the inbuilt printing function and automatic logbook maintenance.
- Thirdly, it improves all communication in the fleet. This means, your operational and management aspects will become more efficient when paired with the functions of this ELD.
- Fourthly, you can take up fast data and compliance transfers. Also, with automatic logging functions, you won’t have to go through the logs all over again to confirm the IFTA and IRP reports at all. You can be sure that the reports are correct to the last clause.
- Most importantly, it’s completely compliant with the official FMCSA mandates. This makes it certified and guaranteed to help you operate your fleet by the law.
Pricing Details
Lastly, the pricing system for this ELD is enough to amaze you. It is a $299 upfront cost plus a $20 monthly fee.
You can buy the VDO Roadlog without any monthly fees attached to it, become one of our best reviews. Also, if you don’t want to pay a high upfront cost, you can divide the amount into installments. Simply make the payments throughout a span of 36 months.
Pros
- Quick and easy operations
- Reliable logs
- Fast printer system
- Reasonable price
- Easy setup
Cons
- Some inputs and slow
- It’s difficult to sync keys with the program in case the driver key ceases to operate
Final Words for VDO ELD Review
The VDO RoadLog is a high-tech ELD device review for all fleet owners and owner-operators out there. It goes easy on your pocket, and it’s high on features and benefits. The best part is, it helps you abide by the law in the most accessible and professional way. So you can concentrate on other aspects of your business without frustrating yourself with log management.
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.
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