Compare HOS workflow, hardware fit, administrative controls, integrations, support, contract terms, and total rollout effort using current vendor documentation and a live pilot.
What this means for your fleet
Use a weighted scorecard and require every vendor to demonstrate the same driver, roadside-transfer, unassigned-driving, edit-approval, and administrator tasks. Request current quotes because packaging and pricing can change.
Build a shortlist of ELD providers
Factor ELD, Samsara, and Geotab describe ELD or fleet-management products on their official websites. Compare the exact plans and hardware that meet your requirements; the providers’ product ranges and included features differ.
| Candidate | Publicly described scope | Evidence required before selection |
|---|---|---|
| Factor ELD | ELD-centered fleet tools including GPS, dispatch, IFTA, tracking, and communication | Dated Factor plan, hardware, integration, support, export, and cancellation terms |
| Samsara | Connected-operations platform with ELD compliance in a broader telematics portfolio | Exact plan, gateway/cable fit, driver workflow, data ownership, and rollout cost |
| Geotab | Fleet-management and telematics platform with ELD capabilities | Exact device, marketplace/integration scope, support model, and implementation ownership |
Score Motive and every alternative with the same fleet scenario: one driver day, one roadside transfer, one unassigned-driving case, one administrator correction, and one complete export.
What to check
| Check | How to verify |
|---|---|
| 1. Define must-have workflows | Keep the fleet's mandatory driver, administrator, vehicle, transfer, integration, export, support, contract, and disqualifying requirements. |
| 2. Request current written pricing | Retain current itemized quotes for the same truck count and term, with inclusions, add-ons, implementation, renewal, cancellation, and assumptions. |
| 3. Test driver and admin tasks | Keep identical completed driver/admin scenarios for each candidate, exact versions, expected and observed results, defects, coaching, and retests. |
| 4. Verify hardware and integrations | Save vehicle/VIN and cable acceptance plus integration field maps, permissions, test payloads, retry/conflict behavior, and reconciliation outcomes. |
| 5. Review exit and data-export terms | Retain contract clauses and an opened export for a named range, ownership and retention controls, cancellation steps, and post-exit access result. |
Common failure modes
- Comparing headline prices only.
- Using stale feature tables.
- Assuming every fleet needs an enterprise platform.
Limits and exceptions
Use this guide to plan your checks; it does not determine whether a legal exception applies, certify a record, or guarantee compliance, safety, savings, or audit results. Preserve original ELD records and edit history. Use the current rules to determine applicability and the manual for your installed device for operating instructions.
Sources and review date
Reviewed August 10, 2026. Check the latest rules and product information before changing your procedures or signing a contract.
- Motive ELD compliance features — Motive.
- Factor ELD products, plans, and support — Factor ELD.
- Factor ELD apps and manuals — Factor ELD.
- FMCSA registered ELD list and self-certification guidance — Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- Samsara ELD features — Samsara.
- Geotab ELD features — Geotab.