Fleetio
#1Modern fleet maintenance and management platform for mixed fleets.
Per vehicleVehicle records, basic maintenance, fuel trackingCloudFree trial
ELD Compliance for Landscaping — Which Trucks Need ELD and What the Agricultural Exemption Actually Covers
Most landscaping trucks are below ELD thresholds, but heavy haulers are not. Compare GVWR rules, agricultural exemptions, and ELD options for landscaping fleets.
Most landscaping companies assume their trucks are ELD-exempt. In many cases that is correct — but not always. Crews hauling mulch in heavy-duty dump trucks and equipment transporters running landscape machinery across state lines may fall under the mandate. The agricultural exemption that sounds relevant to landscaping companies almost never applies to them.
Last reviewed Mar 19, 2026
How to evaluate eld compliance for landscaping companies
The GVWR threshold is the first test. Most landscaping trucks — crew cab pickups, F-250s, F-350s, light-duty flatbeds — have GVWRs under 10,001 lbs and are not subject to the ELD mandate. The landscape vehicles most likely to cross the threshold are heavy-duty dump trucks used for mulch and bulk material delivery (often 16,000-26,000 lb GVWR), large equipment transporters hauling excavators or skid steers, and tractor-trailer combinations with GCWR over 26,001 lbs.
The agricultural exemption does not apply to most landscaping companies. FMCSA's agricultural exemption covers vehicles transporting agricultural commodities from the farm within a 150 air-mile radius. Landscaping work — installing mulch, sod, plants, and hardscape — is not agricultural hauling in the FMCSA sense. The exemption is for grain haulers moving crops from farm to first point of processing, not for landscape contractors. Do not assume this exemption protects you without verifying with an FMCSA compliance specialist.
For landscaping companies with vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR that operate interstate, the short-haul exemption is the most likely path to avoiding ELD. If drivers report to the same location daily, stay within 100 air miles, and return within 12 hours, they are exempt from HOS recording. Most residential and commercial landscaping operations meet these criteria — crews leave the shop, work a route, and return by end of day.
If you do have regulated vehicles, look for ELD platforms that accommodate seasonal workforce patterns. Landscaping operations typically hire additional crew in spring and summer, reducing significantly in winter. ELD vendors that allow easy vehicle additions and removals without annual contract penalties are a better fit than platforms with 3-year minimum commitments that persist through your slow season.
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Pricing guidance
Landscaping trucks under 10,001 lbs GVWR need only GPS tracking at $14-20/vehicle/month — no ELD required. For heavy-duty dump trucks or equipment haulers that do require ELD: $15-30/vehicle/month standalone ELD. For a landscaping fleet with 25 exempt light trucks and 5 regulated heavy haulers: $350-500/month GPS-only plus $75-150/month ELD. Month-to-month plans are available from Motive and GPS Trackit — important for fleets with seasonal staffing changes.
How each platform serves landscaping fleets
Here's how each leading platform performs specifically for landscaping fleet operations.
Samsara
Samsara is the strongest ELD platform for landscaping companies operating commercial vehicles that cross into FMCSA compliance requirements — typically dump trucks, flatbeds over 10,001 lbs, and any vehicle towing a trailer that brings the combined weight over the CDL threshold. The integrated GPS + ELD dashboard allows operations managers to see HOS availability alongside real-time vehicle location, so dispatch can confirm a driver has hours available before assigning a remote job. The DVIR mobile app streamlines morning inspection checks on dump trucks and trailers. For landscaping companies that run a mix of ELD-required and exempt vehicles, Samsara's unified platform manages both in one account. Pricing around $27–$45/vehicle/month. Best for landscaping companies with 5+ CDL-required vehicles.
Motive
Motive is widely used by landscaping companies that operate commercial trucks requiring ELD compliance alongside non-CDL service vehicles. Its HOS dashboard shows remaining drive time per driver alongside vehicle GPS location — enabling dispatchers to assign jobs based on available hours without calling drivers individually. The mobile app is driver-friendly for crews who are not technology-forward, with a straightforward interface for pre-trip DVIR and HOS log management. Motive's competitive pricing — $35–$55/vehicle/month bundling ELD and GPS — makes compliance manageable for seasonal landscaping businesses that need to minimize fixed operating costs. The Safety Score and dashcam add-on provide driver accountability beyond ELD compliance. Best for landscaping companies with 3-100 CDL-required trucks needing an affordable, user-friendly ELD solution.
Geotab
Geotab is an appropriate ELD choice for larger landscaping companies (30+ vehicles) that want deep telematics analytics alongside HOS compliance. Its custom report builder generates DVIR history, driver HOS utilization by week, and vehicle utilization by route — data useful for managing seasonal fleet efficiency. For landscaping companies with CDL drivers operating dump trucks and equipment haulers on defined commercial routes, Geotab's IFTA mileage reporting covers fuel tax filing. The Geotab Marketplace includes specialized integrations for non-powered equipment tracking (trailers, attachments) that can be managed alongside CDL vehicle ELD data. Reseller pricing typically runs $20–$35/vehicle. Best for larger or multi-branch landscaping operations with technical resources and complex reporting needs.
Verizon Connect
Verizon Connect provides landscaping companies with ELD compliance for CDL-required commercial vehicles alongside GPS fleet tracking, suitable for companies that value platform stability and enterprise-grade support over price optimization. Its HOS management module handles the core ELD requirements for dump trucks, flatbeds, and equipment haulers. Driver behavior scoring covers the aggressive driving patterns common when crews rush between commercial accounts or construction site deliveries. DVIR digital inspection checklists replace paper records on trucks and trailers. For landscaping companies already using Verizon Wireless services, bundling Verizon Connect can simplify vendor management. Pricing at $45–$70/vehicle/month fully loaded is at the higher end of the landscaping market; best for companies with 20+ vehicles that prioritize support quality.
Teletrac Navman
Teletrac Navman covers ELD compliance for landscaping companies with CDL-required commercial vehicles including dump trucks, equipment haulers, and tractor-trailer combinations used for large-scale landscape construction projects. The TN360 platform integrates HOS management with GPS tracking and maintenance scheduling — relevant for landscaping companies running long dump truck routes or commercial sod and material delivery operations. For landscaping companies with operations in both the US and Canada — common for regional lawn care and landscape management firms — Teletrac's multi-country HOS rule support handles both FMCSA and Transport Canada requirements. Driver behavior scoring helps fleet managers address the speeding and harsh braking common when drivers rush between commercial accounts. Pricing runs $30–$50/vehicle/month.
Fleet Complete
Fleet Complete is a practical ELD and GPS choice for landscaping companies with commercial vehicle fleets spanning both FMCSA-regulated and non-regulated vehicles. Its unified platform tracks CDL drivers on ELD alongside non-CDL crew vehicles on GPS-only subscriptions — giving operations managers a single view of all assets without paying ELD subscription costs for every vehicle. Asset tracking for trailers and non-powered equipment rounds out the platform. For landscaping companies operating in both the US and Canada, Fleet Complete's dual-jurisdiction HOS handling is a practical differentiator. Digital DVIR forms streamline daily truck inspections for drivers operating dump trucks and equipment trailers. Pricing runs $22–$38/vehicle. Best for landscaping companies with mixed CDL and non-CDL vehicle populations needing one vendor for all fleet tracking.
Azuga
Azuga provides small to mid-size landscaping companies with ELD compliance for CDL-required commercial vehicles at a price point that works for seasonal businesses with variable operating margins. Its ELD module covers FMCSA HOS requirements for dump trucks, flatbeds, and commercial vehicles over the weight thresholds that trigger compliance requirements. Driver behavior scoring across all vehicle types supports insurance discount programs. For landscaping companies still evaluating whether ELD technology delivers ROI beyond compliance, Azuga's bundled GPS + ELD pricing at $25–$40/vehicle/month keeps the entry cost manageable. The platform's QuickBooks integration helps small landscaping businesses connect fleet data to accounting. Best for landscaping companies with 5–50 vehicles where cost management and compliance coverage are both priorities.
GPS Insight
GPS Insight is a solid mid-market ELD and GPS platform for landscaping companies that need HOS compliance for dump trucks and commercial vehicles without enterprise system complexity. Its ELD module manages FMCSA-required electronic logging, DVIR, and driver inspection records for CDL-required landscape trucks. GPS tracking for the broader mixed fleet — crew trucks, material delivery vehicles, and equipment haulers — shares the same platform. Driver scorecards and safety reports are straightforward to run weekly, which matters for landscaping operations managers who are also handling dispatch and customer communication. GPS Insight's U.S.-based support is responsive and frequently cited by mid-market fleets as a reason for loyalty. Pricing at $25–$45/vehicle/month is competitive for landscaping fleets of 10–100 vehicles.
Spireon
Spireon's FleetLocate platform is relevant to landscaping fleets primarily for its asset tracking capability for the trailers, equipment haulers, and non-powered assets that landscaping companies struggle to track alongside CDL-required vehicles. While Spireon does offer ELD functionality for regulated vehicles, its primary differentiation in landscaping fleet management is the per-trailer tracking at $10–$15/month — covering the landscaping trailers, skid steer haulers, and flatbeds that move between properties and job sites without a dedicated tracking subscription. For landscaping companies where knowing where every trailer is at the end of the day is as important as HOS compliance for a small number of CDL drivers, Spireon's flexible asset tracking provides the visibility gap filler at a cost that makes sense.
BigRoad
BigRoad (by Trimble) is the most practical ELD solution for small landscaping companies with only a few CDL-required commercial vehicles. If a landscaping company operates 2-5 dump trucks that cross FMCSA weight thresholds while the rest of the fleet is non-CDL pickup trucks and crew vans, BigRoad's standalone mobile ELD app provides FMCSA-compliant electronic HOS logging without requiring a full fleet management platform. The per-driver subscription model is significantly cheaper than full fleet telematics platforms for small CDL driver populations. DVIR inspection logs and HOS records store in the cloud for DOT audit access. Best for small landscaping businesses with 1–8 CDL drivers that need ELD compliance without investing in enterprise fleet management. Driver app is straightforward for crews not accustomed to fleet software.
All eld compliance platforms for landscaping companies
21 platforms reviewed with pricing, deployment details, and editorial verdicts. Each profile includes a full review.
Samsara
#2Connected operations platform for fleet tracking, safety, and compliance.
Per vehicleGPS tracking, basic reporting, geofencingCloudFree trial
Fleet management with strong compliance and safety features for commercial fleets.
Per vehicleGPS tracking and basic fleet managementCloudFree trial
Azuga
#4Simple, affordable GPS fleet tracking with driver rewards and safety features.
Per vehicleGPS tracking, geofencing, trip history, basic reportingCloudFree trial
CalAmp
#5CalAmp is a telematics hardware manufacturer and fleet management software provider known for its LMU and TTU device families and the CalAmp iOn cloud platform. With roots in OEM telematics hardware, CalAmp serves fleet operators, construction companies, and asset-heavy industries. We tested the iOn platform, analyzed real user feedback from G2 and Capterra, evaluated their hardware lineup, and compared CalAmp against leading competitors to deliver this comprehensive review.
~$25–$45/vehicle/mo (custom quotes)Varies by features and fleet size
ClearPathGPS is an 8.1/10-rated GPS fleet tracking platform best suited for small-to-mid-size field service, construction, and trade fleets that want reliable tracking with transparent pricing and exceptional customer support. At ~$20/vehicle/month with no contracts and a 14-day free trial, it offers real-time GPS tracking, geofencing, driver behavior monitoring, and maintenance alerts — making it the top choice for service-based businesses that value simplicity and responsive US-based support o
~$20/vehicle/mo; no setup feesReal-time tracking, geofencing, alerts, driver behavior, reportingFree trial
Fleet Complete (now Powerfleet) is a Canadian-born fleet management platform serving 30,000+ customers across North America. We tested its GPS tracking, AI dash cameras, ELD compliance tools, and asset tracking for 90 days to see how it stacks up against Geotab, Samsara, and other top players.
From $10/vehicle/moGPS tracking, geofences, basic reporting. 36-month contract. Best for basic location tracking.
Motive
#8AI-powered fleet management with ELD, dashcams, and spend management.
Per vehicleELD, GPS tracking, basic reportingCloudFree trial
Geotab
#9Open-platform telematics with advanced data analytics for fleet optimization.
Per vehicleGPS tracking, basic reporting, geofencingCloudFree trial
GPS Trackit
#10Budget-friendly fleet tracking with flexible hardware options.
Per vehicleReal-time tracking, trip history, basic geofencingCloudFree trial
IntelliShift
#11IntelliShift is a 7.9/10-rated fleet intelligence platform best suited for mid-to-large mixed fleets in construction, utilities, and field service that need to unify data from multiple vehicle types and telematics sources. The platform aggregates connected vehicle data, AI safety scoring, compliance management, and maintenance insights into a single dashboard — making it the top choice for complex operations with diverse asset types, though its custom pricing and steeper learning curve favor lar
~$25–$45/vehicle/mo (custom quotes)Connected vehicle data, GPS tracking, basic safety scoring, reportingFree trial
Lytx
#12AI-powered video safety platform with the largest driving behavior database.
Per vehicleDual-facing camera, MV+AI, self-managed video reviewCloud
Netradyne
#13Netradyne is an 8.6/10-rated AI dash cam platform best suited for fleets that prioritize driver safety, video telematics, and positive behavior coaching. The Driveri camera uses four lenses and edge AI to provide 360-degree vision, real-time alerts, and GreenZone scoring that rewards safe driving — making it the top choice for safety-focused fleets, though it requires integration with a separate fleet management platform for GPS tracking and ELD compliance.
~$30–$50/vehicle/mo + hardwareAI alerts, GreenZone scoring, video cloud storage, driver coaching, analytics dashboard
Omnitracs
#14Omnitracs is a veteran fleet management platform now owned by Solera, built for long-haul trucking and enterprise carriers. With the Omnitracs One unified platform, it combines ELD compliance, route optimization, driver safety, and critical event video in a single ecosystem. We tested the platform, analyzed hundreds of user reviews, and compared it against modern competitors to determine whether Omnitracs still delivers value in 2026.
From $23/vehicle/mo (quote-based)EOBR ($23), Compliance ($32), Premium ($46)
One Step GPS
#15One Step GPS is an 8.0/10-rated GPS fleet tracker best suited for small businesses and budget-conscious fleets that need reliable real-time tracking at the industry’s lowest price point. At ~$13.95/vehicle/month with no contracts, it delivers solid GPS tracking, geofencing, and driver behavior monitoring — making it the top choice for cost-conscious fleets that need visibility without paying for features they won’t use.
~$13.95/vehicle/mo (no contract)Real-time tracking, geofencing, alerts, trip history, driver reports
Rastrac
#16Rastrac is a 7.5/10-rated GPS fleet tracking and asset management platform best suited for small to mid-size fleets that need affordable real-time vehicle tracking, geofencing, driver behavior monitoring, fuel management, and maintenance alerts. Founded in 1993, Rastrac is one of the longest-running GPS tracking providers in the industry, offering solid core tracking features at competitive pricing — though it trails newer platforms like Samsara and Motive in advanced analytics, AI capabilities,
Contact for pricingReal-time tracking, geofencing, basic alerts
Simply Fleet
#17Simply Fleet is a 7.6/10-rated fleet maintenance app best suited for very small fleets, owner-operators, and individual vehicle owners who need basic maintenance tracking, fuel logging, and expense management without paying enterprise prices. With a free plan for one vehicle and Pro plans starting at ~$3/vehicle/month, it delivers solid maintenance reminders and fuel tracking — but lacks GPS tracking, telematics, and the advanced features that growing fleets eventually need.
Free plan; Pro from ~$3/vehicle/mo1 vehicle, maintenance tracking, fuel logging, service reminders, basic reportingFree trial
GPS fleet tracking and fleet management for businesses of all sizes.
Per vehicleGPS tracking, geofencing, basic alertsCloudFree trial
Zonar Systems is a commercial fleet telematics provider known for its dominance in school bus and public transit fleet management. Now merged with GPS Trackit to form Zonar Ignition, the platform offers GPS tracking, EVIR electronic inspections, ELD compliance, and AI-powered dash cams. We tested the platform, analyzed 300+ user reviews, and compared it against market leaders to deliver this independent assessment.
From ~$26/vehicle/moIncludes Zonar Logs, DVIR, Ground Traffic Control, HOS
Rhino Fleet Tracking is a 7.8/10-rated budget GPS fleet tracking platform best suited for small to mid-size fleets that need affordable real-time vehicle tracking, geofencing, maintenance alerts, and basic reporting without long-term contracts. It delivers solid core GPS tracking at low cost but lacks advanced telematics, dash cams, and ELD compliance features offered by larger platforms.
Contact for pricingStandard rate; all core features included
Trimble
#21Trimble Transportation is one of the most established names in enterprise fleet and transportation management. Born from acquisitions of TMW Systems, PeopleNet, and others, the platform now offers a cloud-native, AI-powered TMS alongside fleet maintenance, driver mobility, and real-time visibility tools. We evaluated the full Trimble Transportation ecosystem — testing its new AI-powered Trimble TMS, analyzing hundreds of user reviews, and comparing it against Omnitracs, Samsara, Motive, and Geot
Contact for pricing
eld compliance software for landscaping — side by side
Pricing, deployment, and trial availability for every platform reviewed. Click any row to read the full review.
Scroll horizontally to see all columns →
| Software | Pricing model | Starting price | Deployment | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fleetio | Per vehicle | Vehicle records, basic maintenance, fuel tracking | Cloud | Yes |
| Samsara | Per vehicle | GPS tracking, basic reporting, geofencing | Cloud | Yes |
| Teletrac Navman | Per vehicle | GPS tracking and basic fleet management | Cloud | Yes |
| Azuga | Per vehicle | GPS tracking, geofencing, trip history, basic reporting | Cloud | Yes |
| CalAmp | ~$25–$45/vehicle/mo (custom quotes) | Varies by features and fleet size | — | — |
| ClearPathGPS | ~$20/vehicle/mo; no setup fees | Real-time tracking, geofencing, alerts, driver behavior, reporting | — | Yes |
| Fleet Complete | From $10/vehicle/mo | GPS tracking, geofences, basic reporting. 36-month contract. Best for basic location tracking. | — | — |
| Motive | Per vehicle | ELD, GPS tracking, basic reporting | Cloud | Yes |
| Geotab | Per vehicle | GPS tracking, basic reporting, geofencing | Cloud | Yes |
| GPS Trackit | Per vehicle | Real-time tracking, trip history, basic geofencing | Cloud | Yes |
| IntelliShift | ~$25–$45/vehicle/mo (custom quotes) | Connected vehicle data, GPS tracking, basic safety scoring, reporting | — | Yes |
| Lytx | Per vehicle | Dual-facing camera, MV+AI, self-managed video review | Cloud | — |
| Netradyne | ~$30–$50/vehicle/mo + hardware | AI alerts, GreenZone scoring, video cloud storage, driver coaching, analytics dashboard | — | — |
| Omnitracs | From $23/vehicle/mo (quote-based) | EOBR ($23), Compliance ($32), Premium ($46) | — | — |
| One Step GPS | ~$13.95/vehicle/mo (no contract) | Real-time tracking, geofencing, alerts, trip history, driver reports | — | — |
| Rastrac | Contact for pricing | Real-time tracking, geofencing, basic alerts | — | — |
| Simply Fleet | Free plan; Pro from ~$3/vehicle/mo | 1 vehicle, maintenance tracking, fuel logging, service reminders, basic reporting | — | Yes |
| Verizon Connect | Per vehicle | GPS tracking, geofencing, basic alerts | Cloud | Yes |
| Zonar Systems | From ~$26/vehicle/mo | Includes Zonar Logs, DVIR, Ground Traffic Control, HOS | — | — |
| Rhino Fleet Tracking | Contact for pricing | Standard rate; all core features included | — | — |
| Trimble | Contact for pricing | Custom quote | — | — |
Frequently asked questions about eld compliance for landscaping fleets
Do landscaping trucks need an ELD?
Most do not. Standard landscaping trucks — pickup trucks, F-250s, F-350s, and light-duty flatbeds — typically have GVWRs under 10,001 lbs and are not subject to the FMCSA ELD mandate. Heavy-duty dump trucks, large equipment transporters, and tractor-trailer combinations used for landscaping that exceed GVWR thresholds and operate interstate may require ELD. Check the GVWR on each vehicle's door placard against the 10,001 lb threshold.
Does the agricultural exemption protect landscaping companies from ELD?
Almost never. The FMCSA agricultural exemption covers hauling agricultural commodities from farms within 150 air miles — it is designed for grain haulers and farm-to-market transport. Landscaping companies installing plants, mulch, sod, and hardscape are not engaged in agricultural hauling under FMCSA's definition. Assuming this exemption applies without verification from an FMCSA compliance specialist creates exposure to enforcement action.
Can landscaping companies use the short-haul exemption instead of ELD?
Yes, if their operations qualify. The 100 air-mile short-haul exemption is typically available for landscaping crews that report to the same home base daily, complete all work within 100 air miles, and return within 12 consecutive hours. Most residential and commercial landscaping operations meet these criteria. Verify it applies to each vehicle and driver combination — a single day exceeding 100 air miles or 12 hours invalidates the exemption for that day.
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