What are electronic logging devices?

An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is a hardware device that connects to a vehicle’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) port. The ELD definition refers to the device’s primary function. It records a driver’s hours of service (HOS) to ensure compliance with federal regulations for commercial vehicles.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) introduced the ELD mandate in 2015. The mandate requires most electronic logging devices for commercial drivers to track Record of Duty Status (RODs). It aims to reduce driver fatigue and improve road safety.

With ELD systems, drivers and fleet managers can maintain accurate, tamper-proof records. It simplifies compliance and reduces the administrative burden of managing paper logs.

What does an ELD do?

An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) connects to the vehicle’s engine. It tracks driving time and records Hours of Service (HOS), capturing data such as engine hours, ignition status, location and miles driven, helping ensure compliance with HOS regulations.

The ELD communicates with the vehicle’s engine and sends data to a secure server. The system creates and updates Duty Status logs and sends this information to the ELD mobile app in real time.

Drivers can access their logs through the mobile app on their smartphone or tablet. The app syncs with fleet management software. Fleet managers can monitor compliance, generate reports and receive alerts for HOS data, location and other key metrics.

How does an electronic logging device work?

ELD services record key information, including driving time, engine hours, miles driven and location. The device captures this information using the vehicle’s engine and GPS technology data.

These devices connect to the vehicle’s diagnostic port or use a wireless connection to collect data.

An ELD integrates with the vehicle’s engine to track driving time and record HOS. It collects data, including engine hours, ignition status, location and miles driven, to ensure compliance with HOS regulations.

The ELD sends data to a secure server, updating Duty Status logs. Drivers can access data through a mobile app synced with fleet management software. This system allows fleet managers to monitor compliance, generate reports and receive notifications about key metrics.

What data does an ELD record?

ELDs track HOS and collect other data to ensure compliance and improve safety. Key information includes:

• Date
• Time
• Location
• Engine power status
• Miles driven
• User verification

ELDs also track changes in the driver’s duty status, like switching between driving, on-duty, off-duty, or sleeper berth. These features simplify compliance reporting and ensure safety by providing a detailed overview of the driver’s activities.

Who needs to use an ELD?

Drivers who log a Record of Duty Status (RODS) for eight or more days in 30 days must use an ELD. However, certain drivers may be exempt from the ELD mandate, including:

• Drivers who use RODS for fewer than eight days in any 30 days.
• Drivers of vehicles manufactured before the year 2000.
• Driveaway-towaway drivers must use an ELD if the car is part of the shipment.

Check the FMCSA website to see if the ELD mandate affects your fleet.

FMCSA ELD compliance and regulations

The FMCSA requires most commercial vehicles to use ELDs to track HOS and RODS.

Electronic logging device regulations aim to reduce driver fatigue and improve road safety. By replacing manual logs, ELDs help fleets comply with rules, reduce the risk of errors and streamline the process.

ELD rules for drivers also avoid penalties during roadside inspections because ELDs record and store data.

How ELDs simplify compliance

ELD devices make compliance easier in several ways:

• Reducing paper logbooks: Eliminate the need for paper logs. They track and record driving hours, reducing administrative work for drivers and fleet managers.
• Simplifying HOS tracking: Track driving hours to ensure accurate compliance with HOS regulations. This tracking reduces human error and keeps all data up to date.
• Real-time monitoring: Fleet managers can monitor compliance, ensuring drivers prevent violations.
• Easy roadside inspections: Data is instantly available during inspections. Drivers can quickly share their logs, making the process more efficient and reducing delays.

ELD with vehicle tracking

Our FMCSA-approved electronic logging device (ELD) solution simplifies Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance by integrating seamlessly with your fleet management system.

Drivers log into the mobile e-log app to start their driving session. The app tracks driving time and off-duty hours, helping prevent violations and penalties during roadside inspections.