Best ELD devices and fleet management tools 2025: Top picks for trucking companies

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and fleet management software have become the backbone of modern trucking. ELDs automatically record Hours of Service (HOS) by connecting to a vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM), ensuring compliance with FMCSA regulations. Fleet management systems extend this functionality, adding GPS tracking, maintenance reminders, driver safety monitoring, and fuel optimization.

In 2025, trucking companies face higher expectations: stricter compliance checks, rising operational costs, and pressure to run more efficiently. Failing to adopt reliable ELDs risks FMCSA fines and suspended operating authority. Meanwhile, ignoring fleet management tools leads to wasted fuel, unsafe practices, and competitive disadvantages.

This guide reviews the best ELD devices and fleet management tools of 2025, including trusted leaders like Samsara, budget-friendly picks like Matrack, and flexible newcomers like EzLogz. You’ll find product breakdowns, comparison tables, buying methodology, and answers to the most common compliance questions.

Best ELD devices of 2025

1. Samsara ELD

Best overall: Samsara ELD combines compliance with powerful telematics. Its ELD syncs seamlessly with GPS tracking, AI dashcams, and cloud-based analytics. Larger fleets choose Samsara for its scalability, though contracts are typically three years with pricing around $30–40 per vehicle monthly.

2. Motive (KeepTruckin) ELD

Best all-in-one: Motive remains popular among mid-sized fleets thanks to its clean interface, AI dashcams, and automated HOS tracking. It balances price ($25–35 per vehicle monthly) with strong compliance features.

3. Verizon Connect Reveal ELD

Best for full fleet management: Verizon Connect Reveal goes beyond ELD compliance. It provides advanced analytics, fuel tracking, and asset monitoring, making it ideal for enterprise fleets with complex operations.

4. Matrack ELD

Best for affordability: At $19.95 per month and no long-term contract, Matrack is the most affordable FMCSA-certified option. It suits small fleets and seasonal drivers who prioritize low cost and flexibility.

5. Gorilla Safety ELD

Best for document management: Gorilla Safety integrates document handling with compliance. Inspection forms, maintenance reports, and driver logs stay organized in one app. Safety-focused fleets appreciate its structured design.

6. BigRoad DashLink ELD

Best for ease of use: DashLink is plug-and-play, pairing quickly with smartphones or tablets. Drivers like its simple setup and seasonal fleets benefit from flexible activation.

7. GPS Trackit ELD

Best for flexible pricing: GPS Trackit offers month-to-month contracts, starting at $23 per vehicle. It covers compliance basics and GPS tracking without tying fleets to long-term agreements.

8. Teletrac Navman ELD

Best for customization: Teletrac Navman supports tailored dashboards, fatigue monitoring, and region-specific compliance needs. Larger fleets with custom requirements value its flexibility.

9. Geotab / Lytx Cloud ELD

Best for advanced features: Geotab and Lytx deliver advanced telematics with IoT integration and AI-driven driver safety tools. Enterprises that rely on predictive analytics prefer this platform.

10. EzLogz ELD

Best for small & mid-sized fleets: EzLogz offers a practical balance of price and features. With flexible monthly contracts ($25–30 per vehicle), multilingual support, and real-time HOS tracking, it appeals to small and mid-sized fleets that want compliance without complexity.

Best fleet management software in 2025

While ELD devices focus mainly on compliance with FMCSA rules and accurate tracking of Hours of Service, fleet management software covers a much wider scope. These platforms combine GPS tracking, route optimization, driver performance monitoring, maintenance alerts, and cost analytics into a single ecosystem. Unlike ELDs, which are mandatory for most carriers, fleet management solutions are optional — but in practice, they give trucking companies a decisive competitive edge. This ranking highlights the leading providers in 2025.

1. Geotab

Geotab integrates IoT tracking with advanced analytics, helping managers interpret real-time vehicle and driver performance data.

2. Samsara

Samsara extends its ELD ecosystem into full fleet management with cloud dashboards, AI-driven insights, and safety monitoring.

3. Fleet Complete

Fleet Complete supports compliance, routing, and asset tracking. Growing fleets choose it for scalability without excessive costs.

4. Teletrac Navman

Teletrac Navman emphasizes safety and compliance reporting, giving managers customizable fatigue monitoring tools.

5. Omnitracs

Omnitracs supports logistics-heavy fleets with optimized scheduling and multi-route planning.

6. Verizon Connect

Verizon Connect’s enterprise solution offers telematics, fuel management, and regulatory compliance at scale.

7. Trimble Transportation

Trimble connects fleet management with supply chain visibility, appealing to enterprise-level logistics providers.

8. Azuga

Azuga rewards safe driving while providing GPS tracking and compliance features.

9. AUTOsist

AUTOsist supports small businesses with document tracking and maintenance logging at $5 per vehicle monthly.

10. EzLogz fleet management

EzLogz integrates ELD compliance with broader fleet management. It offers flexible monthly plans, real-time monitoring, and multilingual tools for small and mid-sized carriers.

Quick comparison tables

Best ELD devices 2025

Best fleet management software 2025

Methodology

Selection criteria included FMCSA compliance, contract flexibility, transparent pricing, features, customer support quality, and user reviews. Data sources included the FMCSA registry, expert testing, and driver feedback across the U.S.

What is an ELD?

An ELD connects to a truck’s ECM to record driving hours automatically. It ensures compliance with FMCSA Hours of Service rules and replaces paper logbooks. Since 2019, nearly all U.S. commercial vehicles must use certified ELDs.

Benefits of ELDs

Electronic Logging Devices are more than compliance boxes bolted onto dashboards. They’ve transformed the way fleets operate and how drivers experience their daily routines. At first glance, ELDs may look like just another regulatory burden, but in practice, they deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, safety, and trust.

Accurate hours of service tracking

Paper logbooks were notorious for mistakes and inconsistencies. Drivers scribbled numbers at rest stops, inspectors often had to guess what was true, and dispatchers struggled to plan routes. ELDs remove that uncertainty. By connecting directly to the truck’s engine, they capture engine start times, idle periods, and driving hours automatically. This accuracy prevents drivers from accidentally going over the FMCSA’s maximum limits, which reduces fatigue-related risks and the likelihood of violations during inspections.

Reduced paperwork and administrative burden

One of the first things drivers notice with an ELD is the freedom from endless paperwork. A logbook that once took 15 minutes a day now updates in real time without lifting a pen. For fleet managers, this means fewer back-office staff hours spent checking for errors or fixing mismatched logs. Over the course of a year, a small fleet might save hundreds of hours simply by automating logs, freeing up people to focus on higher-value tasks.

Lower risk of fines and penalties

Non-compliance comes with a high price. Violations can reach thousands of dollars per driver, and repeat offenders may face suspended authority. Because ELDs are FMCSA-certified, they provide a compliance safety net. Inspectors can quickly review digital logs, reducing the time spent at weigh stations or roadside checks. A smoother inspection process means trucks spend more time moving freight and less time stuck on the shoulder.

Improved driver safety

Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of crashes involving commercial vehicles. By enforcing HOS limits, ELDs help ensure drivers rest when required. Some advanced systems even pair with dashcams or AI sensors that alert drivers if they appear drowsy or distracted. That kind of real-time coaching can prevent accidents before they happen. Fleets that adopt these features often report fewer safety incidents and lower insurance premiums.

Streamlined dispatch and operations

ELDs don’t just record hours; they integrate with dispatch software to show real-time driver availability. Dispatchers can assign loads based on who has hours left, reducing the risk of last-minute cancellations. This leads to better use of assets, improved on-time delivery rates, and happier customers. For fleets juggling tight schedules, this optimization is a competitive edge.

Benefits of fleet management software

If ELDs are the foundation, fleet management software is the skyscraper built on top. It transforms compliance data into actionable insights that cut costs, improve efficiency, and extend vehicle lifespans. In 2025, these tools are no longer “nice to have” — they’re what separate thriving fleets from those barely surviving.

GPS tracking and real-time visibility

Knowing where every vehicle is at any given moment is no longer a luxury. GPS tracking allows managers to see routes in real time, track delivery progress, and reroute trucks instantly if weather or traffic disrupts schedules. For customers, this visibility translates into more accurate delivery estimates. For managers, it means less time chasing down drivers for updates.

Route optimization and fuel savings

Fuel is one of the biggest costs for carriers, often second only to payroll. Fleet management software uses algorithms to plan the shortest, fastest, or most fuel-efficient routes. Imagine shaving just 10 miles a week off each truck’s route — across a fleet of 100 trucks, that’s over 50,000 miles a year. At current diesel prices, the savings are substantial. Route optimization also reduces idling time, further cutting fuel bills.

Maintenance reminders and vehicle health

Breakdowns don’t just cost money in repairs — they cause missed deliveries, angry customers, and lost revenue. Fleet management systems monitor vehicle diagnostics, from engine hours to tire pressure, and send automatic reminders for routine maintenance. This proactive approach extends vehicle lifespans and prevents costly roadside breakdowns. Fleets using predictive maintenance often see lower overall maintenance costs compared to those that only fix problems after they occur.

Safety and driver performance monitoring

Modern platforms track speeding, harsh braking, and even seatbelt usage. Managers can use this data to coach drivers, reward safe habits, or intervene before risky behavior causes an accident. Some software even gamifies safety, creating leaderboards that encourage drivers to compete for bonuses. The result? Safer roads, lower insurance premiums, and a stronger safety culture.

Data-driven decision making

Fleet management tools collect enormous amounts of data. Instead of drowning in spreadsheets, managers get clear dashboards that highlight key metrics: fuel usage per mile, cost per delivery, average downtime, and more. With these insights, companies can spot inefficiencies, renegotiate supplier contracts, or adjust staffing. Data that once sat unused now drives real operational improvements.

Cost control and ROI

The combination of fuel savings, reduced downtime, and fewer accidents creates a significant return on investment. Many fleets find that the cost of software — often just a few dollars per vehicle monthly — pays for itself within weeks. When you compare that to the thousands saved on fuel or avoided repairs, the business case is undeniable.

Customer satisfaction and competitive advantage

In a world where Amazon sets expectations for real-time tracking and guaranteed delivery windows, fleet management software helps trucking companies keep pace. Customers receive accurate updates, deliveries arrive on time, and service reliability improves. Fleets that embrace these tools win repeat business and stand out from competitors still running on outdated systems.

How to choose the right solution

Small fleets may prefer affordable, no-contract systems like EzLogz or Matrack. Large enterprises need integrated platforms like Samsara or Verizon Connect. Carriers should evaluate contract terms, integration potential, scalability, and customer support responsiveness. Hidden fees for hardware should also be checked before signing agreements.

Additional tools & trends 2025

• Load boards: DAT, TruckStop, and Trucker Path for freight matching.
• Dash cams: AI-powered monitoring for safety and liability protection.
• IoT sensors: Cargo monitoring, tire health, and fuel efficiency.
• AI predictive maintenance: Forecasts breakdowns before they occur.

FAQ

What is FMCSA and why comply?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates trucking safety. Compliance ensures legal operation and avoids penalties.

Can I use my phone as an ELD?
No. Phones can display logs, but only FMCSA-certified hardware counts as an ELD.

How much do ELDs cost?
Most range from $20–40 per vehicle monthly. Hardware may require upfront payment.

What happens if an ELD is revoked?
Carriers must replace it immediately to stay compliant.

What’s the difference between an ELD and fleet management software?
An ELD ensures compliance. Fleet management software adds GPS tracking, routing, safety monitoring, and reporting.

ELDs are mandatory, and fleet management software turns compliance data into operational improvements. Samsara, Motive, Verizon Connect, and Geotab dominate the enterprise market, while EzLogz and Matrack empower smaller carriers with affordable, flexible solutions. The best choice depends on fleet size, budget, and long-term strategy. Smart carriers test demos, review contracts, and invest in systems that secure compliance while driving efficiency.