Fleetio
#1Modern fleet maintenance and management platform for mixed fleets.
Per vehicleVehicle records, basic maintenance, fuel trackingCloudFree trial
ELD Compliance for Small Carriers — Stay DOT-Ready With 5-50 Trucks
ELD solutions sized for small carriers and businesses. Compare per-truck pricing, hardware costs, and compliance features for 5-50 truck fleets.
Small carriers pay $15-35/truck/month for ELD compliance — plus $100-300 per hardware device. At 5-50 trucks, the real cost driver is not the subscription but the hours spent on HOS violations, DVIR paperwork, and roadside inspection anxiety.
Last reviewed Mar 19, 2026
How to evaluate small business eld compliance
For small carriers, the ELD buying decision comes down to: bundled or standalone? Bundled ELD (part of a fleet management platform) costs more per month ($25-45/truck) but gives you GPS tracking, DVIR, IFTA, and maintenance in one system. Standalone ELD costs less ($15-25/truck) but you need separate tools for everything else. If you plan to add GPS tracking or fleet management within 12 months, start with a bundled platform — re-platforming your ELD is disruptive and costs you compliance continuity.
Driver experience matters more than back-office features. Your drivers are the ones using the ELD 10+ hours per day. If the interface is confusing, the app crashes, or the HOS countdown is hard to read while driving, your drivers will make logging errors that become violations. During your evaluation, have 2-3 of your actual drivers test each ELD for one week and collect their honest feedback. The cheapest ELD is expensive if it generates HOS violations.
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Pricing guidance
Small-carrier ELD costs $15-35/truck/month for subscription, plus $100-300 per truck for hardware (tablets, dash-mount units, or Bluetooth dongles). Most vendors offer hardware subsidies on 2-3 year contracts. For a 20-truck fleet, budget $300-700/month subscription plus $2,000-6,000 upfront hardware. IFTA reporting and DVIR are typically included in mid-tier plans — do not pay extra for them.
All small business eld compliance platforms
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
Small Business eld compliance software — side by side
Pricing, deployment, and trial availability for every platform reviewed. Click any row to read the full review.
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| 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 small business fleets
What ELD is best for small trucking companies?
For small trucking companies (1-50 trucks), Motive (formerly KeepTruckin) is the most popular choice — it is FMCSA-registered, includes GPS tracking with the ELD subscription, has an intuitive driver app, and costs $35-45/truck/month bundled. Samsara is stronger if you also need AI dashcams and safety analytics. For owner-operators focused purely on ELD compliance at minimum cost, Garmin eLog and RandMcNally are FMCSA-registered at $15-20/truck but lack GPS tracking. Avoid any ELD that is not on the FMCSA's registered device list — non-compliance fines start at $1,270/day.
How much does an ELD cost for a small trucking fleet?
ELD for small fleets costs $15-35/truck/month subscription plus $100-300/truck hardware. At the budget end: Garmin eLog ($150 hardware, $0/month if BYOD tablet) or Motive with a Bluetooth dongle ($50 hardware, $20/truck/month basic). Mid-tier: Motive or Samsara at $30-45/truck including GPS. For a 15-truck fleet: $225-675/month subscription plus $1,500-4,500 hardware. Most vendors offer hardware at no upfront cost on 2-3 year contracts — calculate the effective cost both ways before signing.
Do small trucking companies legally need an ELD?
Most do, yes. The FMCSA ELD mandate applies to commercial motor vehicles that require a CDL to operate and whose drivers must maintain records of duty status (RODS). That covers most carriers hauling freight interstate with vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR. Exemptions exist for vehicles model year 1999 or older, drivers using paper logs fewer than 8 days in a 30-day period, driveaway-towaway operations, and short-haul drivers using the 100-air-mile exemption. If you are unsure whether your operation qualifies for an exemption, contact a transportation attorney or FMCSA directly.
What happens if a small trucking company gets caught without an ELD?
A driver caught operating without a required ELD can be placed out of service immediately, meaning they cannot move the vehicle until the violation is corrected or a 10-hour off-duty period passes. Civil penalties start at $1,270 per violation and can reach $13,000 for egregious cases. Repeat violations increase your CSA score in the HOS BASIC, which is visible to shippers and brokers. For a small carrier, a string of ELD violations can result in Conditional or Unsatisfactory safety ratings that cost shipper contracts worth far more than the software subscription.
Can an ELD help small trucking companies with IFTA filing?
Yes — and it is one of the most time-saving features. FMCSA-registered ELDs record GPS location with every HOS log entry, enabling automatic calculation of miles driven in each state and province. Most ELD vendors (Motive, Samsara, Geotab) generate a complete IFTA mileage report from this data. For a 10-truck interstate carrier, ELD-automated IFTA filing reduces quarterly preparation from 4-8 hours of manual odometer reconciliation to 20-30 minutes of reviewing auto-generated reports.
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