Three of the biggest names in GPS vehicle tracking and electronic logging devices (ELDs) provide some of the most useful features to fleet owners and operators that give complete oversight and visibility into fleet operations. These integrated platforms can help collect and document a variety of fleet activities in addition to ELD including driver behaviour, vehicle inspections, asset tracking, theft prevention, and more.
This article will highlight the pros and cons of each platform’s ELD compliance capabilities while comparing their ancillary features for potential users looking for a digital solution for tracking Hours of Service and compliance and reducing driver fatigue. We’ll also dive into some of the standout perks of incorporating fleet tracking software with an intuitive ELD to keep every aspect of fleet operations in one place. Let’s take a look at these three certified ELD providers, starting with the best HoS logging device for fleets of all sizes.
1. Introduction to Titan GPS:
Titan GPS provides a vehicle tracking and ELD solution that serves North American vehicle fleets that need to maintain visibility on all assets and employees, moving or stationary. Our industry-encompassing system provides users with modern hardware and software for vehicle monitoring, diagnostics tracking, DVIR, and more. FieldDocs, our intuitive data collection app, keeps fleet managers, dispatchers, drivers, and field service technicians in harmony with both mobile and desktop interfaces for fleet communication.
This on-demand communication tightens up driver schedules, enables swift route confirmation, and automates document transfers within one place that’s accessible from almost any smartphone or computer. Teams in-office can connect instantly to coworkers in the field through the synchronized desktop dashboard that shows GPS location (optional) to oversee current driver job statuses and routes. The dispatching feature enables real-time updates to currently deployed drivers without having to connect via phone call, and in-app messaging the need to navigate away from FieldDocs. For fleets that don’t provide drivers with a dedicated vehicle, optional Driver ID fobs can quickly sync the current occupant with the asset via the in-cab tag reader. Hit the road even faster by reducing login and startup times.
Titan’s streamlined setup can quickly prepare users for the upcoming ELD mandate in Canada while providing time-saving features for connecting drivers and logging data. With paper out of the picture, our system can help manage Record of Duty Status (RODS) to eliminate costly errors and provide faster inspections or audits. It even supports provincial HoS rule sets for compliance across Canada and the U.S. Great for fleets of all sizes, Titan GPS has no minimum number of required vehicles to start service. From one to one thousand, all fleet sizes can be accommodated.
Titan GPS Best Field Service Features
- Requires only 1 vehicle to start service
- Has an open API to integrate with third-party software
- Two-way messaging between the driver and back office drastically reduces call and response times
- Offers tiered packages for incorporating dash cams, dispatching, and custom forms
- Ability to schedule a free product demo available
- Stores data out of service and uploads upon return
- Two Electronic Logging Device options certified by the CSA Group
Titan GPS Platform Cons
- Currently only available in the U.S. and Canada (with tracking services available in South America and the Caribbean)
- May load slowly in very remote areas
- Doesn’t currently have free software trial (exception for large fleets)
- User responsible for connectivity cable charges for packages below a 4-year contract
2. Introduction to Samsara:
Samsara is another leading brand in the telematics industry market that also includes an ELD, HoS reporting, fuel costs/usage history, and other essential aspects of a fleet management solution apart from vehicle tracking. They’ve also expanded into the European market as of 2019 and have a dedicated team that caters to customers in countries like the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands. This branch is also responsible for developing unique solutions, like tachograph analysis, reserved specifically for users in Europe.
The Samsara Driver app provides functionality for smartphones and tablets while offering in-app alerts, or push notifications when outside of the app. They also provide driver ID tokens (fob) that wirelessly link the user to the installed gateway within the vehicle as soon as they enter so there’s no need to manually connect via the app.
Samsara’s ELD is a straightforward system for calculating Hours of Service that simplifies operations and provides alerts for upcoming overages. By offering second-by-second updates and notifications, its intuitive platform helps small businesses scale as they expand into the wider array of features that cater to larger fleet operations.
Samsara Platform Tracking Pros
- Premier real-time asset tracking
- Available in North American and European countries
- Offers rewards through a customer referral program
- Clean, user-friendly ELD platform and app
Samsara Platform Cons
- Customers frequently quote delays in customer service response
- Hardware installations put trucks out of commission for days
- The dashboard lacks creative design and colour
- Must equip at least 3 vehicles to qualify for service
3. Introduction to Motive (formerly KeepTruckin):
Motive, formerly KeepTruckin but still answering to the old moniker, has solutions for larger fleets from a variety of industries such as construction, food & beverage, and agriculture. Their automated compliance management system helps to reduce violations, augment drive time, and increase CSA scores. This company caters to the trucking industry, so its robust, yet specific features, might be a handful for other business models. Driver logs and stored data can also be accessed by team members on the job in addition to the desktop computer dashboard.
For team members on-site, the Driver App offers handheld fleet connectivity to Android and iOS users. The app is a straight connection to the Motive ELD, and can even identify the driver via facial recognition for simple login, pulled from stored images from the dashcam. Pre-violation alerts will notify drivers who are approaching an HoS violation.
In addition to the value that Motive brings to fleet management, they’re also one of the only telematics providers to offer a free trial to new users with actual hardware implementation. These important features and more are available to fleet owners and managers searching for a certified electronic logging device in the United States and Canada.
Motive (formerly KeepTruckin’) Platform Pros
- Free Trial w/ Hardware Included (limited time only)
- Responsive customer support
- Fairly simple hardware and software integration
- Identify drivers with AI
Motive (formerly KeepTruckin’) Cons
- Too expensive for small fleets to manage
- Predominantly geared toward the trucking industry
- Dispatch teams cannot edit logs after the initial entry
- Customers claim frequent inaccuracy of logs and hardware failure
- Recent name change and restructuring has impacted current customers
After a brief overview hitting some of the harder points of each ELD provider, it should be a bit easier to narrow down a favorite. Throughout the remainder of this article, we’ll touch on some personalities that might align with each service, additional product features, and more things to consider when weighing these three platforms against each other. So, let’s start with different users and what they want from an ELD; it can vary based on personality types and individual expectations.
Best For – Fleet Manager Personalities:
One size doesn’t always fit all. People have different personalities and tend to look at life or business in contrasting ways. The same can be said for vehicle fleets of various sizes, serving different industries with diverse needs. We’ve narrowed down three archetypes that are best served by the three ELD providers in this article while taking into consideration their other capabilities apart from electronic logging.
Titan GPS – The Overseer
For fleet managers who like to have visibility into every aspect of operations, Titan GPS provides the overwatch that you’re looking for. Our tiered service plan system allows users to customize the features they need, incorporating tons of partner integrations. Whether it’s just an ELD or a sophisticated package including interior/exterior cameras and digital inspections, our platform provides a wealth of information to fleets of various sizes and intents. Not to mention, Titan GPS’ ELD stays actively engaged with mandate guidelines and maintains daily compliance with the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in the United States. It also possesses two certified ELDs on Transport Canada’s list of certified electronic logging devices.
Samsara – The Tech Novice
By offering a basic ELD system with painless navigation and implementation, Samsara’s ELD and additional fleet services grant less tech-savvy users a manageable way to track their fleet effectiveness. Through a quick connection to each vehicle’s OBD port, their system will record the much-needed engine diagnostics and driving hours to comply with the mandate. Samsara’s ELD is both FMCSA and DOT compliant, so users can breathe easy knowing they’re safe from those governing bodies. If your current employees aren’t exactly ecstatic at the thought of learning how to digitize these processes, Samsara keeps things simple for those with technology apprehension.
Motive – The Skeptic
Those keen on the concept of “try before you buy” will be comforted by the free trial offered by Motive. Having the bandwidth to offer free trials for an ELD service is great, but integrating a hardware installation within the free trial is impressive. Parts have to be programmed, accounts have to be created, and the beginning stages of a full-fledged ELD need to be established before moving forward. While this makes it great for those who choose to stick with Motive for their ELD solution, it can be pesky to have to deactivate, uninstall, and return any reusable hardware for those who’d like to sample a competitor’s system.
EASE OF USE / INSTALLATION & SETUP:
To briefly describe how most ELDs work, the gateway, or data transmitting device, is installed by plugging directly into the ECU, which pulls odometer readings and diagnostic data. The data is then sent to the complementary app via a Bluetooth signal coming from the gateway. This allows users to access and transmit the data quickly while providing a system of checks and balances for compliance officers who are checking log books for inconsistencies and HoS tampering.
When out of service, data is stored within the cloud server for safekeeping until the driver returns to a viable service area. However, if the device’s battery is drained, it can no longer receive data from the ELD, creating a lapse in the daily log. The driver is legally responsible for consistently maintaining enough battery life on phones or tablets to keep this line of communication open. To prevent battery depletion, consider finding a hard-wired mounting kit with built-in charging pins that will ensure your battery life is always at 100%. Mounting devices, as well as ELD tablets, are often offered by ELD providers and can be added to monthly price plans for manageable payments.
PRICING:
ELD pricing is difficult to present because it depends on a variety of factors, most of which require a product demonstration or direct contact with the provider to negotiate. Some providers, like Titan GPS, offer an option for monthly services without needing to sign a contract. Like all plan-based services, pricing can fluctuate depending on the number of units or the optional features selected on each plan. Here are the approximate monthly fees for an ELD for each provider based on a single unit.
| Best Pricing for Any Sized Fleet | Best Pricing for Small Businesses | Best for Mid-Market Fleets | |
| ELD Provider: | | | |
| Monthly fees (USD): | $27 – $39 / unit | $30 – $45 / unit | $25 – $50 / unit |
| Monthly fees (CAD): | $32 – $43 / unit | $40 – $60 / unit | $30 – $65 / unit |
*Hardware installation and activation pricing may vary depending on the selected package or term
Apart from pricing, there are some other things worth considering when deciding on the perfect ELD provider. Customer service is huge since that team will be responsible for getting your fleet equipped and troubleshooting any important issues with the ELD pre- and post-installation. Remember, if there is a lapse in reporting due to a hardware failure, the driver and the carrier are responsible to account for that unrecorded time. Reviews are another great way to narrow your search and formulate a well-rounded understanding of what your potential provider offers. Try to find and read both positive and negative reviews from current users. Keep an eye out for references to things like customer service response times, ease of use, and company benefits after implementation, and apply them to your business goals and personal needs.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS:
Video testimonials have a way of presenting personal opinions in a more engaging way than text reviews. Each of these fleet management companies has a variety of user reviews posted across popular review sites like Capterra, Google, G2, and TrustPilot. Each user experience is unique, and to truly vet a new platform, it helps to consider both the negatives and the positives. For the sake of staying impartial, we’ve located the most popular fleet management software reviews for each platform. Hear what these three customers have to say about Titan GPS, Samsara, and Motive below:
Titan GPS: Semerra Testimonial
Samsara: Samsara Customer Voices
KeepTruckin: KeepTruckin Review
Can I drive a truck without an ELD?
Since most commercial drivers are federally regulated, RODS requirements must be met by using an electronic logging device that complies with the Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations as well as the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. There are very few instances in which commercial vehicles do not need an ELD, so it’s best to do some research before moving forward.
You can drive a commercial vehicle without an ELD if:
- A motor carrier has issued a permit for you to work
- A motor carrier was awarded an exemption through the Motor Vehicle Transport Act
- The vehicle being used was rented for 30 days or less, the vehicle rental may not be renewed
- The vehicle was manufactured before the year 2000
- Record of Duty Status logging is not required for your driving purposes
Drivers who take contracting jobs must present a Record of Duty when prompted for a roadside inspection. To make things easier, find an ELD provider who works with multiple motor carriers so data can be transferred back and forth depending on whom you’re currently driving for.
Stay Compliant with ELD Mandates
Fleet owners and operators wear a lot of hats, which can make it difficult to manage the finite details of each vehicle and employee within their company. Regardless of the industry, dealing with a daily mix of vehicle navigation, operational compliance, driver safety, and the occasional dose of the unforeseen becomes a burden that’s difficult to bear alone. By researching and investing in an ELD provider that encourages overall fleet organization and compliance, while providing personalized benefits specific to your fleet, the opportunity for expansion and growth becomes broader with every business day. After comparing Motive, Samsara, and Titan GPS, the latter shows its fleet management prowess with a wealth of optimization tools at your disposal. By including a fully certified ELD for Canada and the United States, digital documents, a user-friendly mobile field service app, location tracking, and hardware options, they provide the most effective system for monitoring fleet vehicles and drivers.
Catering to a variety of industries such as construction, transportation, forestry, delivery, and public works, the Titan GPS fleet operations platform also offers:
-Interior and exterior AI dash cams that record live video
–Bluetooth asset tracking for smaller, high-value tools and equipment
–GPS equipment tracking built to improve utilization and automate maintenance
-The ability to electronically send and receive digital vehicle inspection forms and more
