Melher Transport (US)
Hexnode MDM on Android ELD tablets with kiosk‑mode; eliminated uncontrolled data usage and restricted devices to approved apps.
Transport • Logistics • Warehousing
ELD compliance and VDI/SASE/MDM security implications
A mobile‑first playbook for securing driver ELD tablets, handhelds, and office/warehouse workstations with SASE, VDI/RDS/AVD, and MDM/UEM—complete with real deployments and measurable outcomes.
Why secure device management is non‑negotiable
Ransomware & safety risks
ELDs and in‑cab tablets connect to logistics systems and vehicle data. Compromise can enable lateral movement into back‑office apps and planning systems. FBI/CISA have warned operators to harden connected devices.
Regulatory & compliance gaps
The FMCSA ELD mandate emphasizes logging, not cybersecurity. Fleets must apply best‑practice controls (policy enforcement, validation, monitoring) to meet internal and customer security requirements.
End‑to‑end control & visibility
SASE consolidates Zero Trust access, secure web gateway, and threat inspection—improving performance and reducing brittle VPN dependencies and hardware sprawl.
Reduce risk via centralization
VDI/RDS/AVD keeps sensitive data off endpoints, speeds patching, and standardizes policy enforcement. If a kiosk is compromised, core systems remain insulated.
Who's already doing it: Driver‑facing MDM + SASE
Examples of fleets using kiosk‑mode lockdown, UEM/MDM, and SASE to secure ELD tablets and handhelds.
Melton Truck Lines (US)
1,500 Samsung tablets provisioned with SOTI MobiControl for centralized lockdown and configuration.
Schneider (US)
Samsung tablets + Knox Configure + PlatformScience; company‑owned devices removed BYOD reliance and reduced costs ~25%.
Werner Enterprises (US)
8,000+ rugged Samsung Tab Active devices via Knox + PlatformScience RPM; instant access to apps, no boot delays.
Autamarocchi (IT)
Scalefusion MDM to enroll and lock Android tablets to work apps—saving IT effort and boosting driver productivity.
Spedition Bork (DE)
Cortado MDM configured ~450 devices in one day; kiosk‑mode phones allow only logistics apps.
PlatformScience RPM (multi‑fleet)
Transportation‑specific platform pairs Samsung rugged tablets with RPM for app delivery and sensor integration; managed >1B distraction‑free miles.
XPO Logistics (US)
Zscaler SASE across 300+ centers and ~20k handhelds; eliminated VPN failures and blocked threats in real time while cutting hardware costs.
Desktop virtualization in logistics offices and warehouses
Citrix / VMware Horizon / Microsoft RDS & AVD deployments that centralize IT, cut login times, and improve security.
Dachser Group (DE)
Citrix for 20k+ employees; centrally managed access at scale.
H.Essers (BE)
Citrix thin‑client model managed from HQ across 40+ sites.
MBS Logistics (DE)
Citrix XenApp; halved server footprint and ~30% energy savings.
Neovia Logistics (US)
Citrix VDI + FSLogix; ~15s logins, ~125k user‑hours saved/year; ~25% server reduction.
Verhoek Europe (NL)
RDS + small VMware pool with Liquit; logins cut to seconds.
Abakus Logistics (PL)
AVD with MFA; cloud‑scale without new on‑prem servers.
BCA Logistics (UK)
RDS + Parallels RAS; HTML5 desktops, lower TCO, and BYOD flexibility.
Denholm Group (UK)
Migrated to AVD; Azure MFA, auto‑scaling; ~$900/month savings and major admin time recovered.
Technical ROI: what you gain
MDM / UEM
- Enforce kiosk‑mode, app allow‑lists, remote wipe, posture controls.
- Block unauthorized installs; apply geofencing and usage monitoring.
- Stop data burn; ensure only required apps run.
SASE / Zero Trust
- Inline inspection and SWG for mobile endpoints; remove brittle VPNs.
- Least‑privilege access with continuous verification.
- Threat blocking and consistent policy on road and in office.
VDI / RDS / AVD
- Data stays in the DC/cloud; minimal endpoint risk.
- Fast onboarding; standardized images and patching.
- Measured outcomes: faster logins, reduced infra costs.
FAQ
Do fleets deploy full VDI on in‑cab tablets?
We found no documented cases of VDI on driver tablets; fleets standardize on mobile apps with MDM/UEM and SASE for network security. VDI is common for office/warehouse users.
Will this replace our VPN?
Many fleets reduce or retire legacy VPNs as SASE/SWG + Zero Trust app access come online—improving reliability and removing hardware sprawl.