An ELD is an electronic logging device that is used by drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to automatically record driving time and Hours of Service (HOS) records, as well as capture data on the vehicle’s engine, movement and miles driven. The ELD keeps truck drivers and dispatchers informed of driver status in real-time to support fleet compliance, inspections and planning.
ELDs are made up of several parts, including a vehicle tracking device which connects to the truck, fleet management software and a mobile app.
An ELD integrates with the vehicle engine to record driving time for accurate Hours of Service (HOS.) How does an ELD work? The ELD communicates directly with a vehicle’s engine and automatically records driving activity and other information such as engine hours, ignition status, location and miles driven.
The telematics device then sends engine and GPS location data to a server, where Duty Status logs are created and pushed to the ELD mobile app for viewing. The information is continually updated.
Drivers can access their electronic logging information from an ELD mobile app on their smartphone or tablet. The mobile app is also synced with fleet management software so that fleet and compliance managers can monitor and analyze compliance with the help of ELD reports, maps and notifications.
If an individual has eight or more days worth of duty status logs, out of 30 days, they will require an ELD. The FMCSA does allow exemptions for drivers who are not required to keep Record of Duty Status (RODS), as well as:
To verify if your fleet is affected by the ELD Rule, consult the FMCSA website.
If an individual has eight or more days worth of duty status logs, out of 30 days, ELDs have many important benefits for carriers. Most importantly, electronic logging helps improve driver safety by enforcing stronger compliance to Hours of Service regulations, reducing driver fatigue. Eliminating paper logbooks also increases the accuracy of record-keeping and saves time.
ELD solutions are typically offered in two formats: A package including a device with a preloaded mobile app or a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) solution which the carrier can put on their existing hardware (depending on compatibility). A smartphone or tablet can be used as part of the ELD solution, provided that it meets FMCSA technical specifications and is certified and registered.
ELDs will help you stay compliant with regulations and are meant to improve roadway safety while preventing fatigue. They benefit the trucking industry in many ways, by saving time and costs associated with paper logs, increasing the efficiency of record-keeping and inspections, and most importantly, by preventing accidents and saving lives.
To ensure a smooth transition to full compliance, develop your strategy now, make sure ELD administrators are up to speed and start your driver training. All these measures support your compliance status, your fleet’s safety level and CSA scores.
Yes, if an ELD log has a mistake or information is missing, a driver or someone authorized at the carrier office can edit the record, provided they follow the guidelines.
For example, if a driver forgets to go Off Duty at lunchtime, or starts working in the yard at the beginning of the day and doesn’t change status to On Duty — a log edit would be required to avoid a violation.