ELD Service Review: The one thing that we hear constantly over the years as admin and creator of Hotshot-USA Resource Network is the constant complaints about Motive, or the question, what is the best ELD for Hotshot Trucking? As an owner operator of a growing fleet, I also was tired of the costs and contracts of Motive. Having to pay a year in advance or two year contracts. I saw so many in my groups that had gotten in and then wanted to get out but they had already paid for their service in advance.
I decided to equip my new trucks and drivers with the BIT ELD and Dashcam. So I wanted to share our journey with our readers, the Pros and Cons of switching from the Industry leader to a new ELD telematic system.
So, we got our shipment of two units. They were small and lightweight. We had gone with the ELD with Dashcam model. It was all self contained with a front and separate rear facing camera. I have always assumed that the rear or inside facing camera was to show that the driver was alert and not distracted by being on the phone. In this day of Nuclear verdicts and cars purposely slamming on their brakes in order to sue for big money, you need to protect yourself and your business.
I gave the first unit to my driver to install. I watched as he looked at the manual, looked up a YouTube video, but had it figured out within 20 minutes. It was a very simple, plug and play installation. Everything was provided to install.
I watched as he mounted it on his Ford’s windshield, ran his wire down the molding and behind his dash. Then plug into his OBD port. He had it up and running in no time.
We repeated the process with our Ram 3500. Easy-Peasy. Even a caveman could do it.
So for the next week, we went over the operation from Pre-Trip and Post-Trip inspection. BIT did not have the long detailed process that Motive has and gives you the option to go on a one-by-one check list or just do your inspection and sign off as completed.
As far as day-to-day operation, this system was simpler. It has every feature you need to comply with IFTA, Documents, Fuel receipts, and not overkill like Motive does. For instance, to log in a Fuel Receipt, Motive puts you through the wringer. It takes a couple minutes. BIT is much easier, to the point, and no need to add useless data.
We have been running now for a few months with virtually no problems to date. There are the once in awhile operator errors where the driver forgets to go off duty before sleeping in the truck or moves after he has logged off duty. This system is easy to edit. It has the same rules as all ELDs. You can’t change or edit logs that occurred while the vehicle was driving .
Lets talk customer service. My driver performed one of the before mentioned boo-boos, did not log into off duty. We called Customer service and she walked us through editing. No problems since.
Lets list the Pros:
• BIT’s headquarters are located in Huntington, West Virginia, where they build, program, and package their ELD adapters. Good American technology, and you talk with American Customer support reps. No offshore CSR reps.
• The BIT Dashcam plugs directly into your vehicle’s diagnostic port connecting your truck directly to the cloud.
• Alerts for unsafe driving events
• Remotely access videos from the web
• Real-time GPS tracking
• Optional secondary camera for in-cab video
• Works as an FMCSA approved electronic logbook
• Value : Competitively priced. BIT blows Motive out of the water. You would pay around $85 and up for the same deal we received with the Hotshot-USA promo price of $50 mth.
• The biggest advantage and savings especially if you are just starting out, is no two year contract. No year upfront payment for your equipment. We opted for the refurbished equipment in order to save buying new equipment. You couldn’t convince me that this was ever used.
Yes. Blue Ink Tech’s ELDs are FMCSA registered. See https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/ELD/List and search for BIT
I want to add this to our ELD Service Review, as creator and administrator of Hotshot-USA Resource Network, I often see and read posts of members asking for other ELD products other than Motive. Many feel trapped with the price and the product, not being able to talk to American customer service reps. It is a recurring theme.
ELD Service Review: Lets list the Cons:
Overall, the only con was that Motive does have good access to customer service, whether it be through chat, email or phone. I give them that but we often needed to reach them because of repeat problems. I have had my one unit for 6 years and it goes in and out. They are finally sending a new unit. BIT has daily customer service hours, so you can’t call them in the night. Though let me make this clear. We have yet to need them at any other hours. They open early and there is no wait to contact them. Very knowledgeable and friendly service.
In conclusion, I am glad we found Blue Ink Tech. We are a lifetime client. I have tried others, there are plenty on the market. Many Indian Telematic companies that get blackballed off of the FMCSA approved list. You won’t ever have to worry about that with BIT.
When our contract expires with Motive, we will be changing all our vehicles to BIT. You should too.
Looking for just ELD and no Dashcam ? — For an ELD only solution, these run $140 for the OBD-II ELD device plus $240 service for the year. To get started new users will be paying $380 and the service charge will renew annually
Call and ask for Rob. His number is 304-381-1512 ext: 107. He can answer all your questions and will help you set up service. I also want to call attention to the fact that they also manufacture and market BIT AIR SCALES— Get instant gross and axle weights on our phone app. Nothing like it.
