In the U.S., after the ELD mandate was introduced, fleet owners and drivers rushed to install a reliable ELD device. An Electronic Logging Device is used to monitor a driver’s on-road hours while enhancing the productivity and efficiency of your operations.

What is an ELD?

An ELD is a device specifically designed for trucks and logistic vehicles to accurately record driving hours and other variables. This new technology is very precise and accurate in the recordkeeping of electronic data related to vehicles. The device helps in tracking engine movement and precisely provides data on active hours as well as on-duty and off-duty hours of the driving crew.

Choosing the best ELD device can be taxing but you don’t need to worry as we’re here to help you. We’ve compiled the ultimate guide to choosing the best ELD device for your truck.

Choosing an Experienced brand name:

Make sure you select a company that has experience in manufacturing top-quality ELD devices. Look for older companies established 10-11 years ago. These companies are more likely to bring specifically designed solutions for drivers.

Price point:

As truck or fleet owners, your bottom line is of the utmost importance for you. So adding expensive hardware is not feasible for you. You need a simple and economical solution to comply with federal regulations. Look for devices that are available on monthly subscriptions rather than upfront bulk payments. Compliance doesn’t need to make a dent in your bank account.

Ease of Use:

As an operations manager, you already have enough on your plate. So opt for an ELD device that is easy to use and manage. You need an easy-to-use device that people will learn to operate quickly so that you can create a clean and compliant logging system for your company. An easy-to-use device will also help you during your DOT inspection and save you time.

Company with tech support:

Choose a company that can readily provide you with technical support in case of any difficulties. Providers that are located in far-off locations can mean a delay in technical support and we don’t want that.

Compatibility:

When you own an entire fleet, you will have different models of vehicles so you must choose a universal solution that works for all your trucks. Therefore, compatibility is an important consideration.

Off-Grid logging:

Some ELD devices don’t work in limited coverage so an ELD device that functions offline as well is ideal. This ensures that your ELD works even when you move out of cellular coverage.

• Be sure to check company and product reviews as they provide valuable insight into products. You will know all the positives and negatives of any given product before making a decision. You’ll know what kind of experience you can expect with a company’s product.
• Get a free trial. If a company has a free app, you can utilize this option to familiarize yourself with the product. Some companies also let customers use their management tools for brief periods to help finalize their decisions.
• Look for a company that offers fleet management services with their devices. This will make your operations more productive and efficient.

So, there you have it! A complete roundup of all the important qualities you need to keep in mind before choosing the right ELD device. Hopefully, this article will make your decision a little easier.

Also Read: Heavy Duty Truck Driving