Garmin International announced a telematics tracking API and a software update for the Dezl 560 to comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations for automatic on-board recording devices.


The API allows Garmin's licensed partners to incorporate the company's tracking functionalities into their own applications. Garmin provides a Software Development Kit in the form of a Web API that works in conjunction with the company's GTU 10 tracking device. Developers can use Garmin's SDK to develop applications that, for example, track containers, trailers or heavy-duty equipment.

Garmin's updated Dezl 560LMT is an AOBRD-compliant digital replacement for paper logs, and it meets FMCSA requirements.

The Dezl 560LMT has a large 5-inch display, an extra-loud speaker, and external video input for backup cameras. Features include trucking speed limits, truck-specific route highlighting and trucking points of interest. The maps feature provides turn-by-turn directions and spoken street name. It also features specialized routing to support truck-related restrictions in the U.S. and Canada. It's customizable by height, weight, length, width and hazardous materials.

Garmin plans to support the FMCSA rules regarding EOBRs once they are established. The company has taken steps along this path already including storing data on the unit in the specific file format that was called out in the 395.16 proposed EOBR rule. Garmin also implemented tools via its FMI to receive engine odometer metrics from its partners black box.