GPS asset tracker vs ELD — different jobs, both matter
Fleets often ask whether they need "another GPS" if they already pay for Samsara, Motive, or Geotab. Short answer: your ELD is for driver Hours-of-Service. Asset GPS is for trailers, equipment, and anything that sits without a cab.
Side-by-side comparison
| Capability | ELD (HOS) | GPS asset tracker |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Hours-of-Service | Yes — core job | No — intentionally out of scope |
| Tractor / cab location | Usually yes | Yes (hardwired TP056) |
| Dropped trailer location | Often none when unhooked | Yes — wireless battery TP057 |
| Equipment / containers | Not designed for it | Yes |
| Geofence theft alerts | Varies by plan | Built for yards & drop lots |
| Install without vehicle power | Needs powered cab install | TP057 magnetic / battery |
| Works with Samsara / Motive / Geotab | — | Yes — complementary, not a replacement |
Why trailers fall through the ELD gap
Your tractor's ELD is excellent while the truck is moving with a driver logged in. The moment that dry van or reefer is spotted at a customer dock for five days, the ELD feed for that trailer is gone. That is exactly when trailers get misplaced, stolen, or rack up detention you cannot prove. A wireless trailer GPS tracker keeps reporting with its own battery and LTE-M radio — no tractor required.
What TruckerPro is (and is not)
- Is: Rugged LTE-M GPS for assets — live map, geofences, theft alerts, mileage/activity reports. FCC + IC certified, IP67, first year of service included.
- Is not: An Hours-of-Service ELD, a J1939 engine bus replacement, or a mandate to rip out Samsara/Motive/Geotab.
Channel position is intentional: stay in the asset lane, work with the ELD you already trust. Read how trailer GPS tracking works for the radio/GNSS path in plain English.
When fleets buy both
- Drop-and-hook or yard storage fleets
- More trailers than tractors (common in truckload)
- High-theft corridors or outdoor equipment yards
- Need IFTA-style mileage breadcrumbs on power units plus trailer visibility
Typical kit: TP056 in the cab where you want always-on hardwired reporting, TP057 on every trailer. Compare models on TP056 vs TP057.
Frequently asked questions
Is a GPS tracker the same as an ELD?
No. An ELD records driver Hours-of-Service for compliance. A GPS asset tracker reports location of vehicles, trailers, and equipment. Different jobs.
Does my Samsara or Motive ELD track trailers?
Cab ELDs track the power unit when installed and powered. Dropped trailers often have no feed. Wireless battery GPS fills that gap.
Can I use TruckerPro with my existing ELD?
Yes. TruckerPro is asset tracking only and is designed to run alongside Samsara, Motive, Geotab, and similar systems.
When do I need both?
When trailers or equipment spend time without a powered cab — drop lots, customer docks, construction sites, and seasonal storage.
Keep your ELD. Cover the assets it can't.
First year of tracking included · no long-term contract · quote in about 1 business day.