Understanding the VT100: Vehicle Tracker vs ELD
The VT100 is a single piece of hardware that can serve 2 different purposes depending on how it is configured in the Encompass platform:
- As a Vehicle Tracker, or
- As an Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
While the physical device installed in the vehicle is the same in both cases, the software configuration, features, and compliance requirements are very different. This article explains those differences and helps clarify how each configuration is used.
VT100 Configuration Comparison
The chart below highlights the key differences between using the VT100 as a Vehicle Tracker vs an ELD.
| Category | VT100 as a Vehicle Tracker | VT100 as an ELD |
| Primary Purpose | Vehicle visibility and fleet performance monitoring | FMCSA compliance and Hours of Service (HOS) tracking |
| Hardware | VT100 device | VT100 device (same hardware) |
| Software Configuration | Vehicle Tracking configuration in Encompass | ELD (Gen 3 ELD) configuration in Encompass |
| Regulatory Compliance | Not ELD-compliant | FMCSA ELD-mandate compliant |
| Hours of Service (HOS) | Not tracked | Automatically tracked when connected to the ELD App |
| Driver Duty Status | Not recorded | Recorded (Driving, On Duty, Off Duty, Sleeper Berth) |
| Driver Login Required | No | Yes |
| Mobile App Required | No | Yes – Encompass ELD App |
| Bluetooth Pairing | Not required | Required for HOS tracking |
| GPS Location Tracking | Yes – 24/7 vehicle tracking | Yes – Included |
| Trip History | Yes | Yes |
| Speed & Idling Data | Yes | Yes |
| Harsh Driving Events | Yes | Yes |
| Engine & Diagnostic Data (DTCs) | Yes | Yes |
| DVIR (Inspections) | Not available | Available through the ELD App |
| Personal Conveyance/Yard Moves | Not applicable | Supported |
| Team Driving Support | Not applicable | Supported |
| Mapping Behavior | Updates independent of Driver login | Updates independent of Driver login |
| Driver Association | Vehicle-only | Vehicle-only |
| Typical Use Case | Fleets needing asset visibility without compliance requirements | Fleets required to meet ELD regulations |
| Upgradeable to ELD | Yes – Can be converted in Encompass | Already configured as ELD |
VT100 as a vehicle tracker
When the VT100 is configured as a Vehicle Tracker, its primary role is to provide visibility into vehicle activity and performance without Driver Log or Hours of Service (HOS) compliance requirements.
In this configuration, the VT100 focuses on:
- GPS-based vehicle location tracking
- Trip history and movement data
- Speed, Idling, and Harsh Driving Events
- Engine and Diagnostic data
Vehicle Tracking data updates independently of Driver interaction, allowing fleets to view vehicle movement even when no Driver is logged into a mobile app.
This configuration is ideal for fleets that need asset visibility and operational insights but are not required to use an ELD.
VT100 as an eld
When the VT100 is configured as an ELD, it becomes a compliance-focused device designed to meet the FMCSA ELD mandate.
As an ELD, the VT100 supports:
- Automatic Hours of Service (HOS) tracking
- Driver Duty Status changes based on vehicle movement
- FMCSA‑compliant data capture
- Personal Conveyance, Yard Moves, Exempt Driving, and Team Driving
- Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs)
In this configuration, the VT100 works together with the Encompass ELD mobile app. Drivers must log in and connect to the device via Bluetooth to ensure accurate HOS tracking and compliance.
Same Hardware, Different Software
A key thing to understand is that the VT100 hardware does not change between configurations. The difference between a Vehicle Tracker and an ELD is the software configuration in Encompass, not the physical device. Because of this, Administrators can convert a VT100 from a Vehicle Tracker to an ELD within Encompass without replacing the hardware. This flexibility allows fleets to start with Vehicle Tracking and later move into full ELD compliance as their needs change.
*For more information on how to convert a VT100 from a Vehicle Tracker to an ELD, click here.
Important Note: Once a VT100 Vehicle Tracker is converted to an ELD, the change is permanent and cannot be reversed. Please ensure this is the right choice for your business needs before continuing.
Choosing the Right Configuration
- Choose VT100 as a Vehicle Tracker if your goal is vehicle visibility and performance monitoring without HOS compliance requirements.
- Choose VT100 as an ELD if your fleet is required to track Hours of Service and comply with FMCSA regulations.
*It’s important to mention that while the ELD configuration includes Vehicle Tracking features, the Vehicle Tracker configuration does not include ELD or HOS functionality.