How to pick the best ELD for owner-operators

What is an electronic logging device?

An electronic logging device (ELD) is a piece of hardware used to record driving time for commercial motor vehicles. An ELD works by plugging into a vehicle’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) port and automatically turning on to pull data directly from the engine, including whether the engine is on or off, how much fuel has been used, and how far it has traveled. Under the ELD mandate, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that most commercial vehicles have an ELD.

What the ELD mandate means for owner-operators

The ELD mandate ensures CMV drivers maintain accurate Hours of Service (HOS) logs to create a safer work environment. While exemptions exist for specific use cases (e.g., short-haul drivers, older vehicles), most owner-operators require an FMCSA-registered ELD to stay compliant with DOT regulations.

Selecting the best ELD: Eight things owner-operators should consider

There are lots of ELD solutions on the market. At minimum, owner-operators want an ELD that’s reliable, easy to use, and has lower upfront costs. But what else should they look for? Keep the following in mind as you review options:

• Dedicated device vs. bring your own device (BYOD)?

Will a dedicated device or a “bring your own device” (BYOD) work better for your business? While all ELDs connect to engine control modules (ECMs) via connectors and adapters, how you read and access the devices’ data varies.

Dedicated or hardwired devices are an older form of ELD that offers logging functionality in a single package. In some models, logging data is stored on a drive and later transferred to a computer or laptop. Other ELD systems have two pieces of hardware: the ELD and a display or tablet. The device will usually come preloaded with the software needed for logging HOS.

BYOD systems allow drivers to use their own mobile devices to log HOS via Bluetooth or WiFi. Solutions like Samsara’s Driver App integrate seamlessly with Android and iOS devices, offering features like automatic duty status updates, real-time alerts, and HOS log certification, ensuring compliance with minimal effort.

2. The full cost and value of the ELD

For many owner-operators, balancing affordability and compliance is key when choosing an ELD. While upfront costs vary, modern ELD solutions are designed to be cost-effective, easy to maintain, and valuable beyond just compliance.

Of course, for an independent owner-operator, profit margins can be tight. Reducing costs and finding value is top of mind. Here are questions to ask yourself:

• Are there hardware costs, or is hardware included in a subscription?

• If licensing, what are the subscriptions’ terms? Are there monthly or annual fees?

• If the ELD connects to a cellular plan, is it included in license terms? Or is there an extra cost incurred?

• What’s included in the ELD solution? Do extra features cost more?

• Is there a fee incurred for breaking the contract?

When evaluating cost, consider the total value the ELD brings, including included features (e.g., GPS tracking, safety tools) and long-term reliability. Samsara’s solution provides competitive pricing without hidden fees, offering advanced functionality for both compliance and business efficiency.

3. Ease of installation

Implementing new technology can sometimes be intimidating, especially if there’s little onboarding support and documentation. When evaluating the best ELD devices, look for one that’s easy to install so you can get up and running quickly. Certain ELDs need to get installed by a mechanic for proper implementation. Other ELDs are more user-friendly; they don’t require added tools or help to install and can be up and running in minutes. 

Samsara’s ELD is designed for quick, tool-free installation, letting owner-operators get started in minutes. The intuitive interface makes it easy to set duty status, review logs, and display HOS data during DOT inspections, ensuring compliance is straightforward.

4. Ease of use

Technology is at its best when it makes life easier. An ELD solution is not useful if you’re struggling to interact with it or using it is too complex. For instance, the ELD’s purpose is to automate tracking HOS and make keeping RODS simpler. Yet, not all software systems and user interfaces are made equal. Here’s what to look for in an easy-to-use ELD.

For truck drivers, is it easy to:

• Edit, review, and certify hours of service logs?

• Set duty status? And will driving statuses update automatically?

• View countdown clocks and track hours left on shifts?

• Set up alerts and reminders to help stay in compliance?

• Display and transfer electronic logs during DOT inspections?

For small fleet managers, is it easy to:

• Edit and review logbooks and communicate issues with drivers?

• View every driver’s e-log so you can dispatch and plan better routes?

• Set up rulesets based on where your drivers are to minimize violations? (i.e., border crossings to Canada)

• Check your fleet’s status at a glance to quickly assess what’s happening?

• See driver status and location so you can keep customers updated?

5. Multifunctional

Modern ELDs do more than just track Hours of Service (HOS)—they can serve as a central hub for fleet management, integrating with vehicle systems to improve safety, efficiency, and cost control. 

For instance, a telematics solution can help with:

• Real-time fleet tracking. GPS built into the hardware gives you precise location data using satellite systems, even in challenging geographical environments. 

• Engine diagnostics. Find out why engine lights are on and troubleshoot diagnostic trouble codes (DTC).

• Fuel management and efficiency. Fuel data gives you insight into how fuel is being consumed, allowing you to make adjustments to improve fuel economy. ELDs can also be used to track International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) compliance.

• Driver safety. Engine data can reveal unsafe driving behaviors such as cornering or braking too hard.

• Driver productivity. ELDs already help with paperless HOS reporting. Some ELDs may include mobile apps that help drivers simplify pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections (DVIRs). 

6. Ancillary devices and accessories

When owners combine the usefulness of an ELD with other solutions, they can achieve goals beyond compliance. Look for an ELD solution that pairs with other devices or sensors. They can include tools such as dash cams, asset or trailer trackers, environmental monitors, power monitors, and more. For example, when a Samsara AI Dash Cam pairs with the Vehicle Gateway, owners can mitigate risk and review incidents by analyzing footage and data. You can also protect yourself in the event of  false claims or insurance fraud.

7. Cloud platform

When an ELD is part of a cloud-based platform, there’s even more flexibility and ways to improve productivity. Drivers and fleet managers receive data in real time. Dispatchers can notify customers of ETAs without calling drivers. And there’s less administrative work for everyone since everything is already stored in the cloud. Whether your fleet issues devices to your drivers or has implemented a BYOD policy, you’ll want a mobile app compatible with both iOS or Android operating systems.

A cloud-based ELD solution like Samsara allows real-time data sharing between drivers, fleet managers, and dispatchers. This reduces administrative work, ensures instant log access, and helps provide accurate ETAs to customers without needing additional calls or paperwork.

8. Customer service and support

As a customer, you want assurance your device is reliable and that the provider will stand by their product and offer support if something goes wrong. Evaluate a provider on the quality of support they offer.

Excellent service can be difficult to gauge before you become a customer. But some signals indicate support quality:

• Does the ELD provider have an onboarding program, training, or documents to help you get started? 

• Do they have a knowledge portal where you can get answers to questions? 

• Do they keep you informed of updates or known issues so you can plan accordingly?

• Check the provider’s site for customer service instructions. Is it easy to get in contact with the company? 

• Trucking hours are not 9-5, so can the provider offer support when you need it? 

• Does the provider offer service on the channels you’re on, whether it’s by phone, social media, or email? 

• Reading provider reviews on independent sites can give you a sense of service quality.

The best ELD for owner-operators and small fleet managers

Owner-operators and small fleet managers need an ELD solution that is:

• Easy to install

• Reliable

• Simple for drivers and fleet managers to use

• Offers additional features beyond compliance without charging you more

If those factors are important to your business, consider the Samsara ELD compliance solution—a reliable FMCSA-registered system that installs in minutes. With the Samsara Driver App, you have the flexibility to customize your ELD solution to fit your needs, whether you’re issuing devices to employees, or choose to implement a BYOD policy. 

Aside from offering real-time GPS tracking and engine diagnostics, Samsara is a partner that offers a single unified platform for compliance, efficiency, and safety—without paying extra. Owner-operators get access to the same functions and tools large fleets have, helping them compete in the trucking industry. It can help with dispatch, routing, maintenance, safety, fuel management, and more. And as your business grows, Samsara also offers other devices—such as dash cams, asset trackers, and temperature monitors—that can help you achieve goals beyond compliance.

Want to learn more about the benefits of ELDs? Learn how Dohrn Transfer Company streamlined ELD compliance and optimized their 600+ asset fleet with Samsara’s integrated solution for real-time data and connected operations.

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To learn more about how Samsara can help you remain compliant, explore Samsara’s ELD compliance system and get in touch with our team today.