Top 6 Best ELDs for Hotshot Truckers (2026)

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Rules, prices and device details on this page were checked October 2026 against the official sources listed at the bottom. Where a provider doesn't publish a number, we say so instead of guessing.

Hotshot trucking sits in a gray zone that trips up a lot of new drivers. You're in a pickup, maybe without a CDL, so it doesn't feel like "real" trucking. But once you hook up a loaded gooseneck and haul for hire across state lines, the federal rules almost certainly apply, and that usually means an ELD. This guide explains the rules first, then compares six ELDs that suit hotshot setups. Prices and rules were checked October 2026 on official sources.

Do Hotshot Drivers Need an ELD?

Here's the short version. Under 49 CFR 390.5, a vehicle used in interstate commerce is a commercial motor vehicle if its gross vehicle weight rating, gross combination weight rating, actual gross vehicle weight or actual gross combination weight is 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater. A one ton dually with a gooseneck trailer is almost always over that line, often by a lot, because the GCWR of the combination counts.

Once you're operating a CMV in interstate commerce, the hours of service rules in Part 395 apply. If you have to keep a record of duty status, you need an ELD, unless you qualify for an exception. The common exceptions are:

Short haul. If you stay within 150 air miles of your work reporting location and meet the other conditions, you don't need logs, so you don't need an ELD.
8 days in 30. If you only need a log on 8 or fewer days in any 30 day period, you can use paper logs.
Pre 2000 engines. Vehicles with engines older than model year 2000 are exempt. Not many hotshot pickups qualify.

Most hotshot drivers run regional or long haul loads that blow past the short haul radius, so most need an ELD.

Weight and CDL Rules

Two different weight lines matter, and drivers often mix them up.

Threshold	What it triggers
10,001 pounds or more (GVWR, GCWR or actual weight)	Federal CMV rules for interstate commerce: hours of service, ELD, medical card, DOT number
26,001 pounds or more GCWR, with a towed unit over 10,000 pounds	Class A CDL required

Under 26,001 lbs

Many hotshot drivers keep their combination rated under 26,001 pounds so they don't need a CDL. That's a legitimate strategy, but it doesn't get you out of the ELD rule. You're still over 10,001 pounds, so you're still a CMV in interstate commerce. You'll also need a DOT medical card and a USDOT number, and most for hire hotshot carriers also need operating authority.

Non CDL HOS

Non CDL drivers do get one break. Under 395.1(e)(2), drivers of property carrying vehicles that don't require a CDL can skip logs if they stay within 150 air miles of their work location, return there at the end of each duty tour, and don't drive after the 14th hour on duty on 5 days of any 7 day period, or after the 16th hour on 2 days of any 7. The carrier has to keep time records for 6 months. If you run local hotshot loads and come home every night, this exception may cover you. Our short haul exemption guide covers it in detail.

Pickup Trucks

A pickup by itself, say a 3500 dually with a GVWR around 14,000 pounds, is already over 10,001 pounds if used for business in interstate commerce. Hook up a trailer and the combination climbs even higher. On the hardware side, most hotshot pickups have a standard OBD II port, while heavy trucks use a 9 pin or 16 pin diagnostic connector. Make sure your ELD comes with the right cable. Most of the ELDs below sell an OBD II version.

Comparison Table

ELD	Price (checked October 2026)	Contract	Best for
HOS247	$19 to $25 per month; device free with annual billing, $79 otherwise	No contract	Best overall value
Garmin eLog	$249.99 one time	No subscription	No monthly fee
Matrack ELD	Basic plan $19.95 per month	Check plan terms	Low monthly price
BIT ELD	$40 per month or $400 per year	Check plan terms	Simple flat pricing
Motive	Quote only	12 month terms that renew	Owner operators who want an app drivers know
Samsara	Quote only	Multi year	Hotshot fleets growing past a few trucks

The 6 Best Hotshot ELDs

1. HOS247

HOS247 is our top pick for most hotshot drivers because the pricing is published and fair. Plans are $19, $22 and $25 per vehicle per month. With annual billing, the device is free, and if you pay monthly, it's $79. No contract, which matters when your business is new and you don't know where it'll be next year. You get a clean driver app and a web portal for managing logs. Read our HOS247 review.

Watch out for: IFTA tools are on the higher tiers, so pick the tier that includes them if you run multiple states.

2. Garmin eLog

If you hate monthly bills, Garmin eLog is the standout. It's a one time purchase at $249.99 with no subscription, and the logs live on your phone through the Garmin eLog app. For a single truck owner operator, it's the cheapest ELD over a few years.

Watch out for: it's a compliance tool and not much more. No GPS fleet tracking or dispatch features, and support is Garmin's general support channels rather than a dedicated fleet team. Check that it supports your truck's connector.

3. Matrack ELD

Matrack's Basic plan is $19.95 per month, which makes it one of the cheapest subscription options. It's a reasonable pick for budget minded drivers who want a monthly service with GPS features on top of logs.

Watch out for: compare the tiers carefully. Higher tiers exist, and we couldn't verify every tier's price, so get the details in writing.

4. BIT ELD

BIT ELD, from Blue Ink Tech, keeps pricing simple at $40 per month or $400 per year. Paying annually saves you a couple of months. It's a straightforward ELD with the core compliance tools.

Watch out for: it's more expensive month to month than HOS247 or Matrack, so the value is in the yearly plan.

5. Motive

Motive is the app a lot of drivers already know from previous jobs, and it's strong on usability and support. It also offers AI dash cams, which can help protect a hotshot driver in a crash dispute.

Watch out for: pricing is quote only, and Motive's terms renew for 12 months unless you give 30 days' notice. That's a real commitment for a one truck operation.

6. Samsara

Samsara makes sense if you're building a hotshot fleet, not just running one truck. Its dashboard, dash cams and maintenance tools are excellent.

Watch out for: Samsara's small business FAQ says fleets under 11 vehicles pay 3 years up front. For most single truck hotshot operators, that's too much.

Hotshot Startup Checklist

New to hotshot? Before your first load, line up the compliance basics: a USDOT number, operating authority if you haul for hire, insurance, a DOT medical card, a registered ELD with an OBD II cable, the in cab packet with 8 days of blank logs, and IFTA and IRP credentials if your combination needs them.

How to Choose a Hotshot ELD

Budget first. Owner operators on thin margins should start with HOS247, Garmin eLog or Matrack.
Connector. Make sure the device plugs into your pickup's OBD II port.
Short haul. If you mostly run local, check whether you need an ELD at all.
IFTA. If your combination crosses the IFTA threshold (more than 26,000 pounds, or three or more axles), choose an ELD with IFTA mileage reports. See our IFTA reporting guide.
Registered list. Confirm the device is on the FMCSA registered list.

For more budget options, see our cheapest ELD guide, our best ELDs for owner operators and our ELD exemptions guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do hotshot trucks need an ELD?

Usually, yes. A pickup and trailer combination of 10,001 pounds or more in interstate commerce is a CMV, and if the driver must keep logs, an ELD is required unless an exception applies.

Do I need an ELD if I do not have a CDL?

A CDL is a separate question. Non CDL drivers of CMVs still need an ELD when they must keep logs, though the non CDL short haul exception lets local drivers within 150 air miles skip logs.

What is the cheapest ELD for hotshot drivers?

Over several years, Garmin eLog at $249.99 one time with no subscription is the cheapest. For a monthly plan, Matrack Basic at $19.95 and HOS247 from $19 are among the lowest we found.

Does my pickup need a special ELD cable?

Most pickups use an OBD II port. Order the OBD II version of your ELD rather than the heavy truck connector.

Sources

All prices, terms and registration details were checked October 2026 on the pages below. Providers change pricing often, so confirm before you buy.