Quick Answer
The main Geotab alternatives for owner-operators and small fleets in 2026 are Lucid ELD, Blue Ink Tech, Rand ELD, Garmin eLog, Motive and Samsara. All are on FMCSA's registered ELD list as of November 2026. Geotab posts no public price list on geotab.com, so you get a quote from Geotab or a partner. If you want a posted per-truck price, compare the options below.
Key Takeaways
- Geotab's own ELD is listed by FMCSA as Geotab Drive Cloud ELD, ELD ID GEOTAB, on GO6 through GO10 hardware, software 11.119+ (as of November 2026).
- Drivers use the Geotab Drive app; managers use MyGeotab. Geotab Drive also runs on factory telematics in some Ford, Freightliner, International, Mack and Volvo trucks, each with its own FMCSA listing.
- geotab.com shows a demo request, a sales-inquiry form and a "Become a reseller" partner program. We found no public prices as of November 2026.
- Several other companies sell their own ELDs built on Geotab hardware or Geotab Drive. Check the exact company, model and ELD ID you were sold on FMCSA's list.
- When you switch, keep at least 6 months of records of duty status (49 CFR 395.8(k)) and unidentified driving records (49 CFR 395.32).
“Geotab is a large telematics platform with no public price list on geotab.com as of November 2026; quotes come through a sales form or a Geotab partner. Owner-operators who want posted prices often compare Lucid ELD, Blue Ink Tech, Rand ELD, Garmin eLog, Motive and Samsara, all on FMCSA's registered list.”
How is Geotab sold, and is Geotab ELD cost public?
Geotab calls itself "one platform for optimal fleet performance," covering GPS, AI dash cams, routing, fuel, maintenance and EV tools. Its ELD page lists 100+ HOS rulesets for the U.S. and Canada, unassigned-log management, DVIRs, team driving and English, French, Spanish and Portuguese options. It works with GO7, GO8, GO9 and GO9+ devices.
On price, the ELD page ends in a "get a demo" form that asks for fleet size. The contact page offers a sales-inquiry form, and a separate page invites companies to become a Geotab reseller through its Global Partner Program. As of November 2026 we found no Geotab price list on geotab.com, so treat Geotab ELD cost as quote-only.
What does Geotab reseller pricing mean for a small fleet?
Because Geotab runs a partner program, the company quoting you may be Geotab or one of its partners. Your price, contract length, hardware terms and support all come from whoever signs your agreement, not from a public Geotab rate card. Ask for these in writing:
- Who is the contracting company, and who answers support calls at a roadside inspection?
- Monthly or multi-year term? Does it auto-renew, and how much notice does cancelling take?
- Is the GO device bought, leased or bundled? What happens to it when you leave?
- Which exact FMCSA listing (company, model, ELD ID) are you being sold?
That last question matters. Geotab hardware also shows up under other companies' names on FMCSA's list, such as J. J. Keller (Geotab GO device, ELD ID G7A003), Lytx ELD (GO9B and GO10 among its models, ELD ID LYTX01) and Blue Dot Solutions' MilesAhead DRIVE (ELD ID MAELD1), all registered as of November 2026.
Is every Geotab ELD listing still registered?
Geotab's own listings are registered as of November 13, 2026. On FMCSA's revoked list, the entry "Keystone by Irdeto with Geotab Drive App" (GO9, GO9B, ELD ID IRDKST) shows as revoked on November 12, 2026. That is Keystone by Irdeto's listing, not Geotab's own. A few older partner listings on Geotab hardware also show as self-revoked by their companies.
If your device came from a partner, look up its ELD ID before you assume it's fine. Our guide to checking an FMCSA-registered ELD shows how.
What are the best Geotab alternatives for owner-operators?
Each option below is on FMCSA's registered ELD list as of November 2026 (company, model, ELD ID). Pricing details for Motive, Samsara, Blue Ink Tech, Rand and Garmin are covered in our Samsara alternatives and Motive alternatives guides; confirm current prices on each vendor's site.
Lucid ELD
Lucid ELD (model RB139K, ELD ID L12NJ8) is built for owner-operators and fleets of 1 to 20 trucks. The Standard plan includes automatic HOS, IFTA reporting, DVIR, real-time GPS tracking, a fleet dashboard and a driver app with one-tap DOT inspection mode. Listed price as of November 2026: $60 per truck per month on the monthly plan (cancel anytime, hardware rental) or $50 on a 12-month plan, with the hardware free and yours to keep. Premium adds dual-facing AI dash cams for $89 monthly or $70 on 12 months. See pricing.
Motive
Motive ELD (model LBB-1 and higher, ELD ID MOTIVE) is a full platform with dash cams, maintenance and fuel-card tools. Like Geotab, it prices by quote.
Samsara
Samsara ELD (model VG, ELD ID SAMELD) is an enterprise connected-operations platform, also sold by quote under order-form terms.
Blue Ink Tech
Blue Ink Tech (BIT ELD Gen2, ELD ID BITEG2; BIT ELD Dashcam, ELD ID B1TCAM) advertises month-to-month plans with no contract and publishes its prices.
Rand ELD
Rand McNally's RAND ELD (models VL21 and GX6, ELD ID RMVL21) sells an owner-operator package paid upfront with no monthly fee, and quote-based fleet tracking.
Garmin eLog
Garmin eLog (model GE1I01) is a one-time purchase with local USB or Bluetooth transfer. Records live on your phone, so it suits one truck better than a fleet office.
Geotab vs. the alternatives: who does each option fit?
Option | How you pay (Nov 2026) | Fleet GPS | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
Geotab | Quote from Geotab or a partner | Yes | Mixed or large fleets that want one open telematics platform, SDK and Canada coverage |
Lucid ELD | $60/mo monthly or $50/mo on 12 months; Premium $89 or $70 | Yes | Owner-operators and 2-20 truck fleets that want ELD, GPS, IFTA and optional AI dash cams at a listed price |
Motive | Quote | Yes | Fleets that want a broad platform and accept a term commitment |
Samsara | Quote, order-form terms | Yes | Large operations running vehicles, equipment and sites together |
Blue Ink Tech | Published monthly or yearly, no contract | Yes | Small operators who want month-to-month billing |
Rand ELD | Upfront package, no monthly fee | Fleet tracking by quote | A single truck that wants logs only |
Garmin eLog | One-time purchase | No cloud dashboard | One owner-operator who wants to buy once |
Is there a Geotab Drive alternative for owner-operators?
Yes. Geotab Drive is the driver app, but it only works as an ELD when paired with a registered Geotab device or a supported factory telematics unit. A one-truck operator replacing it needs a full kit: an app and an ELD device from the same FMCSA listing.
Look for three things. The app should have a one-tap inspection mode with telematic (web service and email) transfer. The device should fit your truck's port (9-pin, 16-pin or OBD-II). And the billing should match how often your truck runs. Lucid's ELD plugs into OBD-II, 9-pin or 16-pin ports in under 5 minutes and supports J1939 and J1708, with hardware shipping in 2 to 4 business days.
How do you switch from Geotab to another ELD?
Federal rules don't lock you to a provider. The new device must be on FMCSA's registered list (49 CFR 395.22(a)), and your old records still have to be kept.
- Read your Geotab or partner agreement for the end date, renewal clause, cancellation notice and hardware return terms.
- Export at least 6 months of records of duty status and supporting documents from MyGeotab. Carriers must keep them for not less than 6 months from receipt (49 CFR 395.8(k)(1)).
- Review every unidentified driving record. Assign it to the right driver or annotate why it's unassigned, and keep those records for 6 months (49 CFR 395.32(c)).
- Confirm the new ELD's company, model and ELD ID on FMCSA's registered list.
- Install the new device before the old service ends, and have each driver log in and run a test inspection transfer.
- Keep the last 7 days of logs available for drivers on the first trips; drivers must have the previous 7 consecutive days available for inspection (49 CFR 395.8(k)(2)).
- Remove or return the Geotab GO device on the date your agreement requires.
Our step-by-step guide on how to switch ELD providers covers the timing in more detail. Lucid offers a free trial; see pricing for current plans.
Want an ELD without a long contract? See Lucid ELD plans
Educational content, not legal advice. Confirm requirements against current FMCSA regulations and your state's rules.
FAQ
How much does Geotab ELD cost?
Geotab doesn't publish ELD prices on geotab.com as of November 2026. You request a demo or a quote, either from Geotab or one of its partners, and the price depends on your agreement.
Does Geotab sell through resellers?
Geotab's site runs a Global Partner Program with a "Become a reseller" page, plus a direct sales-inquiry form. Ask who your contracting company is and who handles support.
Is Geotab Drive an FMCSA-registered ELD?
Yes. FMCSA lists Geotab Drive Cloud ELD, ELD ID GEOTAB, on GO6 to GO10 hardware, plus OEM versions for Ford, Freightliner, International, Mack and Volvo trucks, as of November 2026.
Was Geotab's ELD revoked?
Geotab's own listings are registered as of November 13, 2026. The revoked entry "Keystone by Irdeto with Geotab Drive App" belongs to Keystone by Irdeto, revoked November 12, 2026.
What do I need to keep after leaving Geotab?
Keep records of duty status and supporting documents for at least 6 months, and unidentified driving records for at least 6 months, under 49 CFR 395.8(k) and 395.32(c).
