Dashcams have become an essential part of fleet management for semi-trucks. Trucker dash cams allow back-office management to track driver safety. They also track movement, ensuring load safety, even when drivers are parked. More importantly for most fleets, they reduce both accidents and accident claims. Why? Because having a sense of accountability in place pushes drivers to drive more safely. Plus, many commercial fleet dashcams come with integrated fleet safety technology. That means they flag unsafe driver behavior. You can deliver coaching to improve driver safety.
Plus, with real-time video of any incidents, insurance companies are more likely to offer cheaper rates. In addition, with actual evidence of what happened, even owner-operator drivers are protected in case of an insurance claim. Overall, dash cams, whether forward or dual facing, make sense for anyone who owns a fleet.
The table below gives a quick price comparison of the top commercial truck dash cameras.
| Model | Recording Quality | Night Vision | GPS | Facing | Wide Angle Lens? | Price |
| Samsara CM32 Dual-facing Dash Cam | 1080p | Y | N | Dual | N | $100+ |
| Lytx Drivecam | 1200×800 | Y | Y | Dual | Y | NA |
| Netradyne Driveri 360 | HD | Y | N | Quad | N | NA |
| JJ Keller Dash Cam Pro | 1080P | N | N | Dual | N | $199+ |
| Verizon Connect Integrated Video | 720P HD | Y | N | Dual | N | $20 per month + |
| Garmin 65 W | 1080P HD | Y | Y | Dual | Y | $250+ |
| Rexing S1 Pro | 1080P | Y | Y | Tri | N | $249 |
| Omnitracs SmartDrive 360-On Demand | NA | Y | Y | Single to Quad | N | NA |
| KeepTruckin Smart Dashcam | 1080p | N | N | Single | N | $100+ |
| Zonar Coach | 1080P | Y | N | Dual | N | NA |
| Trimble Video Intelligence | 720P | N | Y | Single to Quad | N | NA |
| Teletrac Navmac AI Quad Cam | 1080P | N | N | Dual | N | $30+ per month |
Below we profile each of the companies’ product benefits and features in a bit more detail.
Note: products are ranked in no particular order and the order in no way indicates one solution is better than another.
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Samsara CM32 Dual-facing Dash Cam
Samsara’s CM32 dual-facing dashcam pairs with one of the most popular fleet tracking systems in the U.S. In addition, this dashboard camera for trucks offers considerable benefits to mid-to-large-size fleets.
- Dual-facing camera (front/driver)
- Records in HD at 1080p/30 frames per second
- Links to Samsara Cloud for real-time viewing over mobile internet
- Infrared LED for driver-facing night-time recording
- Harsh event recording (Camera kicks in on trigger, or on sudden braking or turning event)
- Stores up to 60 hours of footage onboard
- Daisy-chains to Samsara’s VG ELD unit for power
- From $100 per camera + $30 per month for the software subscription
Lytx Drivecam SF300
Lytx is one of the few telematics companies specifically dedicated to video products. That means this semi truck dash cam is one of the most industry-specific solutions on the market.
- Integrates into Onboard Diagnostics to offer real-time driver feedback
- Driver ID solutions built in
- Wide angle dual lens
- Records in 1200×800 at 10FPS
- Built-in GPS, gyroscope, magnetometer, & accelerometer
- Records in a passive loop & either saves all video or only saves video when an incident occurs
- Cloud streaming capable
- Pricing available on request only
Lytx Drivecam SF300 Product Link
Netradyne Driveri D-410
Netradyne specializes in commercial truck dash cameras. In fact, the company has been leading the video telematics industry since it launched in 2015.
- Four-way camera for 280-degree vision
- Onboard accelerometer, magnetometer, & gyroscope
- Real-time streaming available over 4LTE, Wi-Fi, & Bluetooth
- Connects to onboard diagnostics
- Links to apps, telematics systems, & ELD via an API
- Up to 100 hours of onboard data storage
- Driver notifications & coaching built-in
- Integrated AI to flag driver behavior and unsafe driving
Netradyne Driver D-410 Product Link
J.J. Keller Dash Cam Pro
J.J. Keller is one of America’s most popular ELD providers. They also deliver a budget semi truck dash cam that fully integrates into their telematics solution.
- Front-facing dashcam
- Records in 1080p
- Contains 3-axis accelerometer
- 3MP camera
- Continuous loop recording with event-trigger saves
- All video saves to the cloud
- Supports SD cards for up to 128GB of onboard storage
- Budget model costs from $199 per month
J.J. Keller Dash Cam Pro Product Link
Verizon Connect Integrated Video
Verizon Connect is Verizon’s telematics brand. It serves telematics and fleet tracking to some of the largest truck companies in the world. Additionally, its Integrated Video is a top trucker’s dash cam for big fleets.
- Records in 720P HD
- Continuous loop recording, saved when an event is triggered
- Only works with Verizon Connect platform
- Cloud video streaming and storage
- Infrared LED for night vision
- Customizable alerts & notifications
- Email video clips to insurance or police
- Pricing from $20 per month
Verizon Connect Integrated Video
Garmin Dash Cam 65W
The Garmin Dash Cam 65 W is one of the most popular dash cameras for truck drivers. In fact, this model is delivered with some of the most popular video fleet tracking telematics solutions.
- Records in 1080P HD with a 2.1mp camera
- Integrated GPS and gyroscope
- Voice commands and panic button
- Integrates with Garmin GPS to send alerts when drivers are passing red lights or speed cameras
- 180-degree wide-angle lens
- SD Card supported (up to 64GB)
- Integrated driver coaching
- Costs from $250
Garmin Dash Cam 65W Product Link
Rexing S1 Pro
Rexing S1 Pro is a budget camera for Truck Drivers. It does not offer an ELD solution like many competitors. However, it does deliver a quality, budget solution for small fleets and owner-operators.
- Records in continuous loop with saves triggered by harsh driving events
- 3-directional camera
- Records in 1080P HD with a 3” driver facing display
- 4 infrared lights for cabin night vision
- Integrated gyroscope & GPS
- Parking monitor function
- Streams to an app
- Costs $249
Omnitracs SmartDrive 360-On Demand
Omnitracs SmartDrive blends one of the most popular trucker dash cam brands (SmartDrive) with one of the largest telematics companies. Today, Omnitracs sells both as an integrated solution with safety and driver coaching.
- Modular camera and sensors
- Streams video in real-time
- Records in continuous loop
- Harsh driving events trigger video saves
- 360-degree system supports up to four cameras
- Links to numerous idling, speeding, fuel usage, etc., sensors
- Integrates GPS, microphone, accelerometer, and driver-facing LEDS for night-vision
- Comes with wireless panic button
KeepTruckin Smart Dashcam
KeepTruckin is perhaps the most popular ELD solution in the country. Anyone with an existing Vehicle Gateway can also get a camera for truck drivers.
- Integrates with KeepTruckin ELD to utilize onboard diagnostics
- Driver coaching
- Records in 1980×1080 at 30FPS
- Records in a continuous loop, with saves triggered by harsh driving events or potential collisions
- Saves data to the cloud over a 4G network via the Vehicle Gateway
- Only useable with a Vehicle Gateway/4G connection
- Onboard AI to predict accidents and poor driving
- Costs from $100
KeepTruckin Smart DashCam product page.
Zonar Coach
Zonar is a popular telematics solution and ELD. It’s also delivers an extremely popular dash cam for truck drivers. The Zonar Coach focuses on accident prevention and mitigation.
- Dual-Facing Camera with 1080P
- Infrared cab-facing camera for night vision
- Incident or manually triggered recording
- Integrated accelerometer
- Integrates into Zonar ELD
- Streams to the cloud in real-time, with alerts for event incidents
- Designed for driver coaching
- Pricing available based on fleet size
Trimble Video Intelligence
Trimble’s Video Intelligence solution is a modular dash cam for truck drivers. This comprises a DVR + additional cameras which you can face in any direction.
- Modular system
- DVRs are fully cloud capable
- Records in 720P / 1280×720 at 12FPS
- Custom solutions for heavy duty and light duty fleets
- Loop video streams with traffic event triggers
- Integrated GPS on the DVR
- 4G/LTE supported
- Up to 4 SD card slots
- Pricing scaled to the fleet
Trimble Video Intelligence Product link
Teletrac Navman AI Quad Cam
Teletrac Navman tops the list for telematics. It makes sense they have one of the top dash cams for truckers as well.
- Records in 1080p
- 9-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer
- Stores up to 70-hours of footage
- Records in a continuous loop, harsh driving events are flagged
- Onboard AI with built-in processor
- Integrated driver coaching
- Driver recognition for security
- Pricing from $30 per month
Teletrac Navman AI Quad Cam product link
Where Do You Mount a Dash Cam?
In most cases, a truck driver dash cam will mount to the windshield, normally just under the mirror. In some cases, dashcams replace the rear-view mirror. However, multi-facing cameras for truck drivers also exist. This means you may mount cameras to the doors. In other case, you even attach them to the back of the truck for 360-degree vision.
Will a Dashcam Drain my Battery
Hardwired dashcams are always programmed to turn off when the battery is off. If you have a dashcam that functions as a parking monitor, it normally has an onboard battery. That’s why most “parking monitor” dashcams offer limited parking monitoring. For example, most cover 12-18 hours at most. That’s because the onboard battery runs out. It does, however, normally recharge while the vehicle is running.
In addition, many trucking dashboard cameras don’t connect to the vehicle’s battery. Instead, they charge via USB or similar while the vehicle is running. Others are hardwired directly for full engine diagnostics. However, most assume that you already have an onboard OBD connection to the ELD.
Why Install a Truck Dash Cam?
Dash cameras for truck drivers are increasingly popular for fleets of all sizes. For owner-operators, they offer access to cheaper insurance. You’ll also get some protection from fraud, and clearer settlements after accidents. Many also offer additional security functions such as driver recognition, flagging dangerous driving. Finally, some act as parking lot monitors.
For larger fleets, dashcams often also take on roles in driver training. This can include monitoring drivers for dangerous behavior. It can also mean delivering driving coaching. Most will offer screenshots of the vehicle’s location. This means you get visuals even when not uploading a continuous stream of video. That makes it easier for back office to track and manage vehicles, no matter where they are.
Should I Hardwire My Dashcam?
That depends. If you already have an ELD, you’re likely better off getting a compatible dashcam. That allows you to track camera footage and ELD data through one app. On the other hand, if you don’t have an ELD or don’t need one, there’s no reason not to hardwire the dashcam. Doing so means you don’t have to worry about charging the camera. It also normally means getting added engine diagnostics and information, such as extra info on hard brakes or turns.
Should I Unplug my Dash Cam at Night?
Likely, no. If you’re an owner-operator, it’s your choice. However, this does mean you’ll have to go through some setup again in the morning. Your dashcam won’t drain your battery overnight. Additionally, any dash cam with a motion sensor built in can actually help to secure your truck at night.
If you’re driving a fleet-operated vehicle, the answer is definitely no. You’ll have to set up your dashcam and possibly log into the fleet system again in the morning. In addition, most dashcams are set up to send alerts to the back office when unplugged. This means you could be flagged for violation of company policy if you do so.
Which Features Should Truckers Dash Cameras Have?
That depends on what you’re doing with the camera. If you want basic protection in case of a road accident, you likely want at least a front-facing camera. Tri and quad-facing cameras are also increasingly common. These film the road so that insurance companies can see what happened in case of an accident.
- HD Video – Video is mostly useless if you can’t easily see what’s going on. Lower resolution cameras are cheaper. However, they rarely deliver their money’s worth in case of a collision.
- Accelerometer – Accelerometers are normally used to detect traffic incidents such as hard braking, and hard turns. These are essential for most driver coaching and safety features. In many cases, they’re replaced and supplemented with magnetometers and gyroscopes as well.
- GPS – GPS tis necessary if you don’t have an existing ELD. This allows you to see better indications of vehicle speed, distance, and route.
- Motion Sensor – Motion sensors allow the camera to kick in when someone triggers the sensor during parked mode. This allows you to more easily detect tampering or attempted theft when vehicles are left alone.
- 4G/LTE – It’s often inconvenient to wait for a WIFI connection or a manual upload. That’s why many modern dashcams synchronize over 4G or via Bluetooth to a phone.
- Onboard Storage – Storing data on the device means you can track how drivers are doing, even when connections are bad. Many cameras offer up to 100 hours of onboard storage.
- Multi-Direction – Older cameras and most budget cameras only point in one direction. However, most new ones offer two or even four directions. This allows you to see more of what’s going on. Plus, you can track and see potential collisions and accidents from every relevant direction.
- Night Vision – Night vision is normally achieved with infrared LED. However, it’s also normally only important for driver-facing cameras. In some cases, you’ll also get side-facing cameras with night-vision. Otherwise, the road should be lit by the truck.
- Wide-Angle – A wide-angle lens captures more of the road. Additionally, some driver-facing wide-angle lenses capture the full truck cabin.
Next Steps
There are plenty of great dashcams on the market. However, the best option depends on your needs, fleet size, and budget. This list of the best dash cams for truckers covers everything. That includes budget models to high-end quad-direction cameras with onboard processors and AI. If you don’t already know which features you want and need, it’s always a good idea to research what could save your fleet money.