J.J. Keller is a very respected name in the field of freight regulations. They invented the paper logbook in the 1950s. It makes sense for them to have an ELD product on the market. Their ELog is an optional addition to Encompass, their larger compliance system. Encompass is a comprehensive compliance management tool that manages everything from logbooks to driver qualification records, preventive maintenance and more. Customers using their ELog ELD system automatically become Encompass users with all the associated compliance tools.
The ELog ELD itself is a simple “black box” that connects to the vehicle’s diagnostic port and communicates via Bluetooth with the device’s display. The display can be any Android or Apple smartphone or tablet. The device can be provided by the operator, or the drivers can use their own device. Or for fleets that need a complete solution, J.J. Keller can provide you with your own tablet, which you can use with the system. With all these options, pricing can be a little confusing, so we’ll talk about it later. A warning, although ELog at first glance seems quite cheap, there are other costs that can significantly raise the price. It is therefore important to really hack into the numbers and get an official offer from J.J. Keller.
The History of J.J. Keller
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Thanks to its long history, JJ Keller is one of the most respected names in the ELD world.
Graphic display of J.J. Keller’s logbook is still used in the electronic logging application these days. This is why J.J. Keller specializes in trucking compliance.
It is no exaggeration to say that J.J. Keller is a pioneer of truck logging, as the company invented the paper logbook in the 1950s.
Today, more than seventy years later, they are still among the leading manufacturers of Electronic Logging Devices, widely known in the United States as ELDs.
Why Would You Choose J.J. Keller E-Log?
There are many reasons to choose J.J. Keller ELog.
Here are some of the most important advantages of this system:
- JJ Keller ELog is very easy to adapt and implementing solutions with this device is very easy, regardless of the size and composition of the fleet. This makes it suitable for different fleets.
- Economical, simple and flexible way to work with ELogs.
- With this device, you can maximize the power of your fleet and eliminate risks in time before they become a liability.
- This can help you improve your fleet’s regulatory compliance, performance management, and profitability.
- Because it uses both paper protocols and ELDs, users can implement them gradually.
- The device works with virtually all classes of vehicles, allowing you to control a mixed fleet of vehicles of different types.
- It offers a completely mixed view of compliance and performance.
- Simplified compliance with Hours of Service requirements.
- It is capable of managing compliance with Electric On-board Recorders or Electronic Logging Devices.
- Finally, the product is sponsored by a company that has been doing business for over 60 years, so you can be sure that it will not disappoint you.
J.J. Keller ELD Basic Costs
When you buy this device, the price including the the black box connecting to the truck is very affordable – only $199 per unit.
If the transport company provides the equipment or if the driver uses it himself, the purchase of the equipment under the 2-year contract will probably be much cheaper.
The official price of J.J. Keller tablet is at $349, but when you are preparing to integrate an ELD solution into your fleet, you should also consider a one-time fee of $199 for implementation and training.
Equipping all your vehicles with an enterprise platform can cost thousands of dollars.
However, the best option would be to ask your drivers to use Encompass on their smartphones.
The monthly subscription fee is $25.50 per month per vehicle.
You pay about $15 per month for a cell phone plan when you provide a mobile device.
If you use official J.J. Keller tablet, you pay $59 a month for the vehicle.
However, this includes an additional $33.50 per month for the data plan.
JJ Keller Encompass Additional Cost Per Vehicle
If you have more drivers than the number of cars, JJ Keller costs an extra fee of $3.50 more per month.
In addition, tracking DVIR recordings and compliance information for your trailers costs you $3.50 per month for each truck. An ALK Co-pilot GPS for driver’s navigation costs $10 per month.
Is J.J. Keller E-Log the Most Suitable ELD for my Company?
J.J. Keller E-Log is designed for fleets looking to improve overall compliance.
In addition, Elog, with Encompass, is particularly attractive for fleets that want to go beyond logs.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a solution that, as you know, will make your business fully ELD compatible, we believe that J.J. Keller ELD system deserves investigation.
It is intuitive and easy to use, both for you and your drivers, very fast to install and has the power of an experienced brand and leader in its sector. In addition, instead of being immersed in a long contract, it allows you to pay as you go. Oh, and its customer service is responsive, friendly and very competent.
On the other hand, several users reported connectivity problems that can lead to issues when it comes to the importance of duty status and HOS reporting. And if you are looking for sophisticated telematics, J.J. Keller is not a supplier from whom you can get it.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what is best for your business. But no matter what you choose, you must first compare as many options as possible. We are here to facilitate this process. Depending on your company’s needs, we can coordinate your actions with fleet management and tracking supplier that can help you achieve ELD compliance on time.
