Last updated on January 29th, 2025 at 10:16 am
Gone are the days when drivers manually calculated the number of hours and miles traveled on paper logs in order to determine how many hours they’ve spent on service.
Manual calculations on paper logs frequently lead to errors and violations and keep commercial drivers and their managers out of Hours of Service (HOS) compliance.
Electronic logging devices (ELDs) have made their life a whole lot easier, as they no longer need to track driving time by themselves and worry about compliance which they had to do with paper logs.
These devices directly connect to the vehicle engine and record driving hours and distance traveled in real time. Not only do e-logs keep fleets compliant with the Hours of Service (HOS) rules, they also increase safety on the road.
There is a huge selection of electronic logging devices on the market. So how to know which one would work best for your fleet?
Based on our experience, PeopleNet ELD is a safe bet. While using this device has many advantages, there are also a few shortcomings. In this review, we are going to break its pros and cons down for you and help you get the hang of this device.
Table of Contents
- PeopleNet ELD Review – A Little Bit About The Company
- Why Should You Opt For It?
- What is it about and How does it Work?
- Key Features
- Installation of the PeopleNet ELD Device
- PeopleNet Platform
- Driver App
- Ease of Use
- ELD Mandate Compliance
- Costs & Fees
- Benefits of PeopleNet ELD
- Possible Drawbacks of this ELD
- End of the Day Log – Quick Instructions
- User Reviews
- Our Final Review
PeopleNet ELD Review – A Little Bit About The Company
It’s a good idea to get familiar with the manufacturer first. Who is PeopleNet and what are they dealing with? PeopleNet is one of the first communications and tracking technology companies to provide logging devices back in 1994.
Since that time, the company has been in the telematics industry, developing a variety of fleet management systems including electronic logging devices which can remove the hassle that comes with paper logs and provide real time eDriver logs, thus ensuring compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) rules.
With about quarter-century of experience in this industry, PeopleNet helps customers stay compliant, efficient, and safe.
Why We Love PeopleNet’s ELD
They have spent the past few years providing ELD devices to fleets and owner-operators.
The functionality, reliability, and durability of the PeopleNet ELD devices are the most important differentiators from other e-log solutions out there, along with some unique features you can’t find anywhere else.
PeopleNet has put a lot of time and effort into getting their products right and they have really done so. Their ELD solutions are reliable and of high quality.
So it’s no surprise their network communications and mobility products are employed by many private, truckload, and LTL fleets throughout the United States.
Why Should You Opt For It?
Compared with the competitors, this full featured ELD offers the most durability, reliability, and connectivity along with great features.
This fleet management solution helps fleets comply with ELD regulations while improving safety and reducing costs at the same time.
Most electronic logging devices are designed to sync up engine data and displays in the cloud, whereas PeopleNet’s ELD connects data and displays locally.
This is a big advantage for drivers because they can always gain complete access to their eDriver logs no matter the network connectivity.
Fleet offices and drivers benefit a lot from Driver Vehicle Inspection Reporting (DVIR) functionality. They can access information and reports even in case of connectivity issues. It allows for improved performance on every occasion.
The following are PeopleNet’s reporting options:
- Daily log reports
- Violations reports
- Summary of annual log records
- Driver log
- Driver payroll
With regard to advanced functionality, the PeopleNet software tracks driver performance to ensure more efficient operation and maximize MPG.
The 4G LTE communication is considered to be one of the biggest benefits of this device. The list of benefits could go on and on. Yes, there are quite a lot of good reasons to opt for this easy to use solution.
What is it about and How does it Work?
There are a few hardware varieties available, including Android tablet options. The Display.4 tablet is PeopleNet’s flagship product, though.
Through messaging and locating, this logging device helps managers and drivers predict arrival times, keep track of the fleet, and much more.
Automated workflow is provided over the course of the delivery process — from drop-off to pick-up. That makes the delivery of reporting times more efficient.
More on How This Works
Drivers can control their routes by use of in-cab navigation and stay on the right route all the time. That helps them avoid excessive equipment and fuel expenses.
On the back-office side, a countless slew of tools and reports give a powerful way to manage a fleet and track performance.
It should be noted that this electronic logging device works in sync with the Android platform. This web-based platform allows you to connect multiple tablets and phones at a time and see the edriver logs in real time.
Key Features
If you are looking for a full-featured ELD, look no further. There are a few features coming standard on this ELD, including:
- Fuel consumption reports
- Engine status monitoring
- Tire pressure monitoring
- Real-time vehicle location
- Safety alerts for fault codes and speeding
- DVIR and HOS reporting
This device also comes with some advanced features, such as 4G LTE network, Line 4 Log Auditing, Weigh Station Bypass, automated workflow, OEM Embedded Display Integration, and advanced navigation.
Installation of the PeopleNet ELD Device
The installation process is quite lengthy and tedious. This may scare off many potential users and make them give up.
It’s very likely that you will have difficulty trying to configure this device on your own, so you are advised to call their customer service to get licensed technicians install the equipment.
PeopleNet Platform
PeopleNet has made this ELD device available for Android platform. This platform offers the latest network connectivity and technological innovations to fleets.
For example, they can use 4G LTE connectivity to their favor. This is the fastest connection for wireless networks today.
The connection is established via an onboard WiFi-enabled computer. It ensures consistent, reliable communication between the back office and drivers no matter where the trucks are in the country.
Present Your E-Log Easily
Drivers can present their e-logs to roadside inspections and get insights into remaining hours through the user interface of eDriver Logs.
Safety managers, on the other hand, can review logs in real time by accessing the reporting platform. They can also monitor HOS (Hours of Service) data and suggest edits across the fleet.
PeopleNet Platform also gives them the flexibility to pick and choose in-cab displays from a wide array of Android devices. This includes a few consumer- and commercial-grade tablet options as well.
There is also a messaging platform available. It allows the back office to communicate directly with drivers.
Driver App
The PeopleNet App is available on iOS and Android devices. This mobile application is very easy to use and gives drivers and managers more control, allowing them to stay on top of things.
Whether they are out or in the cab, they have all the essential information and data at their fingertips at any moment.
Ease of Use
Despite being loaded with a plethora of advanced features, this electronic logging device is still user-friendly and simple for the drivers.
Most users find it easy to navigate and use. The user interface is clear and simple. It enables drivers to easily recognize when they’re nearing their hourly limits.
The menus are very simple to understand, while the touchscreen is quite easy to use compared to other ELD devices on the market. By the way, the device boasts a low rate of failure.
ELD Mandate Compliance
Owner-operators and trucking carriers are forced to adhere to the FMCSA’s ELD mandate. The corresponding rules came into force from April 1.
While some groups still try to reverse these rules, many commercial vehicle fleets are in search of an ELD solution that provides compliance. This is where PeopleNet comes into play.
PeopleNet solution is self-certified and it complies with the FMCSA’s ELD mandate. With this electronic logging device, fleets and owner-operators can run their business with peace of mind.
By ensuring that no driver disobeys ELD-related laws, this smart device helps managers maintain the fleet operation.
Manage Your Hours Easily
Fleet managers can easily see how many hours of service every driver has logged. They can also see when a driver is reaching his limit as well as when somebody is in violation of Hours of Service (HOS) rules.
However, this comprehensive solution lets fleets go beyond compliance and take advantage of additional features to increase operational efficiencies. This eventually improves the return on investment (ROI) of each fleet.
Costs & Fees
PeopleNet is an advanced fleet management solution that comes with a high price tag. It has one of the highest hardware and installation and costs when it comes to ELD solutions.
The initial price is about $1,200 per vehicle, whereas the monthly cost is $43. While the majority of businesses won’t justify such a high initial cost, the PeopleNet is worth the money for large fleets in terms of functionality.
It is completely customizable and can meet your needs for sure. Aside from that, it can help you save time and money over time.
Nonetheless, fleet managers should consider the price before forking out cash on this solution. The question isn’t whether or not this device is good.
It’s whether the high upfront cost is really worth it for the customization and advanced features.
Benefits of PeopleNet ELD
- Reliable and comprehensive ELD solution
- Customizable; it can fit the specific business needs
- It comes with an advanced network
- A lot of advanced features included
- Familiar to many drivers
- Great customer service and support
Possible Drawbacks of this ELD
- Time-consuming and tedious installation process
- High installation cost
- High monthly service fee
End of the Day Log – Quick Instructions
- Click Inspections
- Click on New
- Click post (meaning end of day)
- Fill out all the fields like date, driver ID or employee number, the second driver (if any), truck number, trailer number
- Select off-duty in the next field
- For mechanical defects, put no (unless you’ve had breakdowns for the day, which will prompt more details to fill out)
Before you go ahead and certify your log, go back to the Hours of Service (HOS) screen and take a look at the graph. Make sure everything looks right. If it’s not correct, make adjustments. Once you’ve set your logs for the day as final, you can’t go back and adjust them.
At that stage, the only people who can change it is your company’s log department. If you are sure everything is correct, click on Certify Logs. It will prompt you with a question, whether you want to certify or not. If you’re sure everything is correct, click the Yes button.
When you click Yes, the Certify Logs icon will actually turn gray, to indicate that you’re certified. That’s all you have to do to end your day and log everything correctly.
User Reviews
Many drivers state that PeopleNet was around since the beginning of the ELD mandate. Companies like JB Hunt, Schneider, and other big freight companies were using this device early on.
One driver in particular was praising how easy this device was to use, mainly due to the big icons on the main menu. As he was pressing Duty Status, he could view driving time and other information.
The device also has a feature called Hot Keys, where you can set certain shortcuts and get to certain screens faster. Things like shipper approval, update ETA, confirmation of load at the shipper, and more.
The one thing that some drivers stated that is a major drawback is the GPS feature. In certain areas, the maps can be outdated. We believe this can be resolved by downloading an update from PeopleNet, if available.
The other complaint from a fleet owner was that the device loses signal at times. This has to do with the fact that the device is a bit older now, in comparison to other ELD devices.
Our Final Review
While the PeopleNet ELD may be expensive for many, you’re getting an advanced-featured, reliable electronic logging device that is backed by a renowned company and great support.
The enhanced cloud storage and network connectivity allow for real time tracking of eDriver logs, thereby making it stand out among the best ELD devices today.
With features like fuel consumption monitoring, engine monitoring, advanced navigation, and 4G LTE communication, this is an awesome option for fleets.
Track performance and hours of Service in real time and manage your drivers effectively. All of these features and benefits justify the hefty price tag.
16 Responses
My company has had Trimble (peoplenet) for the last 6 months and is the worst ELD I have seen yet. It doesn’t work well in the West Texas Oilfield and we have encountered many problems with this ELD and customer service is very poor. I would not recommend that a company purchase this product.
Stephanie, we are sorry you are having such difficulties. It could be that the connection/signal in your area is poor which is affecting your PeopleNet device. Trimble is a large company and I speak to their support team regularly. I wouldn’t hesitate to give them another call and see how they can resolve your connectivity issues.
It isn’t the connection! You have the worst eld on the market. Drivers hate it. Dispatchers hate it. Just the fact that you have to hit a button to get the location of a truck and it isn’t instant location. Most fleets that have it, want to get rid of it. For most the only reason they keep is because of your TMW software. There are even shippers (Major) that refuse the use of it. The the trucker has to install a 2nd device to track the truck, to meet the shipper’s requirement.
Funny part is, as one of the largest companies in this business, you are getting your clock cleaned by these small companies.
Here is a suggestion? Put out to all your companies that run peoplenet. If your unhappy with peoplenet, we will let you out of your contract for $0. Then see how many take you up on it.
If “The PeopleNet Display 4 does not have an ELD mode” as you are stating, why are you including it in an ELD review? Please review the products that will work in an ELD mode.
I am a dispatcher for a company that has been PeopleNet for approx 5 to 6 years. We were grandfathered in from the AOBRD to ELD with Peoplenet. ELD with PeopleNet is the worst! – There are “kinks” with the ELD and PeopleNet claim there are still trying to work the “kinks” out and when you call for support, support doesn’t even know how to resolve issues. DVIR pre and post trip inspections are not fully operating correctly and we can’t get the issue resolved with the support of Peoplenet. I would not recommend Peoplenet for ELD logs until they provide better service and understanding of their own system. The video shown in this is false and not accurate – the screens that I saw are from the AOBRD and not the ELD.
Renee, thank you for your feedback for PeopleNet here. As far as your comment on the video, I do not have a video on this page for PeopleNet, but I did see the one on my top 20 guide and you were right, so I updated the video. Thanks for the catch and letting me know!
My company just put this piece crap in our trucks, and I hate it.. it is confusing and not people friendly. The training video helps but to actually try to use it. It sucks. I am having issues with powering down when I am about to start my day
How do you tell if your people net devise is eld complaint?. The one in the company truck does not show drive until 5 minutes after moving forward?.
The first thing I would do is check that it is on the following list, https://eld.fmcsa.dot.gov/List and if it is not, you should bring it up with your company to dig further into it.
Peoplenet sucks.keep Trucking is 100x better your screen shows your drive time while your rolling with out putting in drive you click on on duty pretrip and when you take off it automatically goes into drive mode. You see your time count down 8 hrs to break but can take it at anytime. When you take a break you look at the screen and see your count down till your 30 min is up again take off not touching a thing screen changes to driving time left. So much easier!!
Very very confusing. If you don’t click on the right item it all gets messed up. Our company has 3 Generations of peoplenet and there all different. I logged in the sleeper berth and it continued to count down my 70. I couldn’t figure out how to fix the issue and the customer service was no help. The girl even contacted a tech and he advised her to tell me to take a 34 he restart. D.O.T Officer told us at our safety meeting that we Still have to have to have the card in the cab that shows how to operate the device. Peoplenet informed me as well as my boss that they don’t have them for the new update. Get with it peoplenet
I have been a company driver for nearly 20 years and now an owner operator for approaching 2 years, and I am convinced I would have gone bankrupt many times over if I operated as poorly as Trimble does with their PeopleNet system. Through the various companies I have worked for, mostly hauling Dangerous Goods (Hazmat US), I have been using AOBRD now updated to ELD system, since 2003. Among them but not limited to, Tremb, Qualcomm, as well as app based Big Road and KeepTruckin. I really have no complaints about these systems in general and the professional looking reports generated by them, all have some features that are nice and others that are not an improvement at all. I recently purchased a truck of my own (2001 Volvo N-14) and leased on with a smaller local carrier to southern British Columbia. They have been on AOBRD with PeopleNet for quite a few years, and this would be my first time experiencing the PeopleNet system and equipment. In two years I have never seen a report generated by PeopleNet (Trimble) as no matter how many times I have requested logs I have never received an emailed report. Neither, for that matter, has anyone else to my knowledge. Having come to have no trust or faith in the system or backing provided by Trimble I have always kept a log (unsigned) that mirrors exactly what should be showing on my PeopleNet. I was pulled in to the Kamloops Eastbound scale for an inspection, and spent 6 hours there as 10 times my logs were requested to be sent for review, including once by the officer inputting his own information directly into the dash mounted unit himself, no report was ever forwarded to the scale house. After an admonition from the officer about keeping two logs he was able compare my KeepTruckin with what he was able see from the overview screen on the Trimble system on the dash, I was finally able to continue on my way.
As bad as my experience was with their grandfathered AOBRD, I would go back to that in a heartbeat after experiencing Trimble’s rollout of the full ELD compliant update. Many times the system would not turn on at all with the key, or just randomly shutdown at mid point of the day and never restart or boot back up. Many other times with my tractor shutdown in my driveway for the weekend (Night Switch off) the ELD screen would stay booted up for up to 48 hours. Since the ‘update’ to ELD I have been experiencing low system voltage while driving, dead batteries in the morning after being in the sleeper, and every weekend needing to boost my truck to start it. I have had my truck in at 4 different shops and have had various repairs and replacements made on my truck. These include new wiring, new batteries, new alternator, new grounds and connections checked, cleaned and reassembled. the People net has been completely rewired twice, once by the carriers own shop and also by the local Volvo dealer shop. On the morning of the 10th of December I awoke to dead batteries and a truck that wouldn’t start yet again, I pulled the connections out of my fuse panel and took the fuse out of the PeopleNet’s power cable fusable link, and secured a local to give me a boost. Between the 10th and my last day of work for the 2019 on the 24th my voltage drop on the gauge in the dash has been minimal to non existent, and my truck has not required a boost, even when parked for the weekend without the night switch shut off. I have been given an ELD by our safety department to test and have fully pulled the PeopleNet unit from my truck altogether now. I have strong hopes that my testing will be successful with the GeoTab system, but in all honesty this new system would have to be spectacularly bad to be worse that Trimbl’e PeopleNet.
You have to set the ‘sleep delay’ and the ‘ignition coma delay’ on the back end in the Vehicle Settings or the OBC will drain the batteries. You have to do this when or the batteries will drain after about three days.
Companies need to go out to the trucks and actually show drivers how these work. Just handing them a piece of paper don’t help them to learn it. My husband is haveing a time with it. He does not do computers, laptops or tablets. He has barely learned his cell phone. I think doing elogs is crazy. Paper logs is the best
Worst ELD on the market
Owner Operator beware. They are the worst for service, support, and billing. They lock you in a contact that you have to pay to get out of. And, in the meantime, charge you for unused service
PPLNET is completely crap because is not compliant with latests FMCSA HOS and create safety threat by miscalculating HOS.
1, it is own PPLNET hybrid: Is counting break under 7 hours in sleeper into 14 hrs.
2, if use split break after 3rd break under 10 hrs gives to driver full 8/11/14 but it is violation. In office they have diferent log and they will count it as violation
3, after 4th break in split break cycle is throwing hours randomly
FMCSA should take it out of aproved ELD list