Understanding ELDs

Understanding Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) have revolutionized Hours of Service (HOS) compliance in the trucking industry. Mandated by FMCSA since December 2017, ELDs automatically record driving time and duty status, eliminating paper logbooks and reducing HOS violations. For dispatchers, understanding how ELDs work is essential for legal compliance, efficient operations, and driver management.

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What is an Electronic Logging Device (ELD)?

Definition:

ELD:

• Electronic device that automatically records driving time
• Synchronizes with vehicle's engine
• Tracks Hours of Service compliance
• Required by federal mandate (49 CFR Part 395, Subpart B)

Purpose:

• Prevent HOS violations - Automatic recording eliminates falsification
• Improve safety - Reduce fatigued driving
• Simplify compliance - Easier than paper logs
• Standardize enforcement - Law enforcement can easily verify HOS

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ELD vs. AOBRD:

AOBRD (Automatic On-Board Recording Device):

• Older technology installed before Dec 18, 2017
• Grandfathered until Dec 16, 2019
• After that date, must upgrade to compliant ELD

ELD (Electronic Logging Device):

• Current standard since Dec 16, 2019
• FMCSA-compliant device from registered manufacturer
• All new installations must be ELD

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ELD Mandate: Who Must Use ELDs?

Required For:

Commercial Drivers Who:

• Operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce
• Are currently required to maintain Records of Duty Status (RODS) / logbooks
• Drive vehicles manufactured 2000 or later

Interstate Commerce:

• Crossing state lines for business
• Most for-hire trucking operations

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Exemptions:

Drivers Who Do NOT Need ELDs:

1. Short-Haul Exception (100/150 Air-Mile Radius):

• Operates within 100 air-mile radius (non-CDL) or 150 air-mile (CDL)
• Returns to work reporting location every day
• Released from duty within 12 hours
• Can use time cards instead

2. Driveaway-Towaway:

• Delivering vehicles for sale/lease
• The vehicle being delivered is the commodity

3. Pre-2000 Model Year Vehicles:

• Vehicles manufactured before 2000
• Can continue using paper logs

4. Using Paper Logs 8 Days or Less in 30-Day Period:

• Drivers who use paper logs no more than 8 days per 30-day rolling period
• Example: Occasional drivers, farm equipment haulers

5. Rental Trucks (Under 30 Days):

• Commercial truck rental (under 30 days)

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How ELDs Work

Automatic Data Recording:

Directly From Engine:

• Engine hours - Total time engine running
• Vehicle movement - When truck is in motion
• Miles driven - Odometer reading
• Engine power status - On or off
• Location - GPS coordinates at specific intervals

Cannot Be Tampered:

• Driver cannot delete or alter automatically recorded data
• System logs all edits and changes
• Maintains original data even when edited

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Driver Input Required:

Duty Status:

• Driver selects current status:
  • Off Duty - Not working, free time
  • Sleeper Berth - Resting in truck's sleeper
  • Driving - Operating vehicle (usually auto-detected)
  • On-Duty Not Driving - Working but not driving (loading, inspections, waiting)

Annotations:

• Driver can add notes to explain events
• Example: "Detained at shipper for 3 hours"

Special Driving Categories:

• Personal Conveyance - Using truck for personal reasons (off-duty)
• Yard Moves - Moving truck on private property (on-duty not driving)

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Driver Certifications:

Daily:

• Driver must review and certify ELD logs daily
• Confirms accuracy of automatically recorded data
• Acknowledges any edits or corrections

Process:

1. Review the day's log
2. Make necessary corrections (with annotations)
3. Certify as accurate
4. Submit electronically

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ELD Components and Features

Hardware:

In-Cab Device:

• Display screen - Shows HOS status, hours remaining
• Input controls - Buttons or touchscreen for driver input
• Connection to engine - Via diagnostic port (usually OBD-II)
• GPS receiver - For location tracking

Engine Connection:

• Plugs into vehicle's ECM (Engine Control Module)
• Reads engine data directly
• Cannot be disconnected without triggering malfunction

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Required Display Information:

ELD Must Show:

• Current duty status
• Hours remaining (11-hour driving, 14-hour on-duty, 70-hour weekly)
• Odometer reading
• Engine hours
• Vehicle location
• Date and time

Alerts:

• Malfunction - ELD hardware/software problem
• Data diagnostic - Missing or incomplete data
• Violation warnings - Approaching or exceeding HOS limits

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Data Transfer:

To Law Enforcement:

• Driver must be able to transfer 8 days of logs to officer
• Transfer methods:
  • Bluetooth (most common)
  • Web services
  • USB
  • Email

To Carrier:

• Logs transmitted electronically to back-office system
• Real-time or scheduled intervals
• Allows dispatcher to monitor HOS remotely

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ELD Compliance Requirements

FMCSA-Registered Devices:

Self-Certification:

• Manufacturers self-certify their ELDs meet FMCSA standards
• Listed on FMCSA's registered devices list

Check Before Purchasing:

• Verify device is on FMCSA list at fmcsa.dot.gov/eld
• Non-compliant devices = Violation

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Technical Specifications:

Required Functions:

• Automatically record engine power-on/off
• Automatically record vehicle motion
• Record total miles driven
• Record total engine hours
• Capture location data
• Synchronize with engine ECM

Data Recording:

• 60-second intervals when vehicle in motion
• When duty status changes
• When engine power on/off
• At certain intervals for location

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User Account Requirements:

Unique Login:

• Each driver must have unique login credentials
• Tracks which driver logged what time

Multi-Driver Support:

• Team drivers - Both can log into same ELD
• System tracks each driver's time separately
• Can switch driver status electronically

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Dispatcher's Role with ELDs

Before Dispatching:

Check Driver Availability:

1. ✅ Review ELD for driver's current status
2. ✅ Check hours remaining:
   • Driving hours left (11-hour limit)
   • On-duty hours left (14-hour window)
   • Weekly hours (60/70-hour limit)
3. ✅ Verify last rest period - Has driver had required 10-hour break?
4. ✅ Check for violations - Any current or pending HOS violations?

Access:

• Most ELD systems have dispatcher portal
• Web-based or mobile app
• Real-time view of all drivers

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Load Planning:

Calculate If Load is Feasible:

Example:

• Load: 450 miles, pickup in 2 hours, delivery in 12 hours
• Driver has: 9 hours driving time available, 12 hours in 14-hour window
• Calculation:
  • 450 miles ÷ 50 mph = 9 hours driving
  • • 2 hours pickup = 11 hours total
  • Verdict: ✅ Doable (with tight margin)

ELD Shows:

• Hours available in real-time
• Projected violations if dispatch load
• Alerts if approaching limits

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Real-Time Monitoring:

During Load:

• ✅ Monitor driver's progress via ELD
• ✅ Check for delays affecting HOS
• ✅ Watch for approaching HOS limits
• ✅ Communicate with driver if adjustments needed

Alerts:

• ELD can send alerts to dispatcher when:
  • Driver approaching HOS limits (1 hour warning)
  • Driver entering violation status
  • Driver has been on duty 14 hours

Proactive Management:

• If driver running low on hours, arrange for:
  • Earlier pickup/delivery time
  • Relay with another driver
  • Adjust schedule to avoid violation

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Compliance Monitoring:

Daily:

• Review uncertified logs - Drivers who haven't certified daily logs
• Check for violations - Address immediately
• Verify edits are appropriate and annotated

Weekly:

• Review drivers approaching 60/70-hour limit
• Plan 34-hour restarts if needed

Monthly:

• Audit ELD data for patterns
• Identify drivers with frequent violations
• Coaching and training as needed

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Driver's Responsibilities with ELD

Daily Duties:

1. Log In:

• Start each shift by logging into ELD
• Select duty status (Off Duty → On Duty)

2. Change Duty Status:

• Manually select duty status when changing activities
• Off Duty → On-Duty Not Driving (pre-trip)
• On-Duty Not Driving → Driving
• Driving → On-Duty Not Driving (loading)
• On-Duty Not Driving → Off Duty or Sleeper Berth (rest)

3. Driving Status:

• ELD automatically switches to Driving when vehicle moves
• Driver should verify it switched correctly

4. Add Annotations:

• Explain unusual events:
  • "Detained at shipper 2 hours - loading delay"
  • "Adverse conditions - snow storm on I-80"
  • "Personal conveyance - driving to hotel"

5. Review and Certify:

• End of each 24-hour period, review log
• Make corrections if needed (with annotations)
• Certify accuracy

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Edits and Corrections:

Allowed Edits:

• Duty status changes (if ELD didn't detect correctly)
• Location corrections
• Adding missing entries

Process:

1. Driver initiates edit
2. Driver adds annotation explaining why
3. ELD records original data + edit
4. Cannot delete original data

Prohibited:

• Deleting driving time
• Falsifying records
• Tampering with device

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Special Statuses:

Personal Conveyance:

• Using truck for personal reasons while off duty
• Example: Driving to restaurant, hotel, repair shop
• Must be off-duty status
• Not for company business

Yard Moves:

• Moving truck on private property
• Not on public roads
• Typically On-Duty Not Driving

Adverse Driving Conditions:

• Unexpected weather or traffic
• Allows extension of 11-hour and 14-hour limits by 2 hours
• Must annotate in ELD

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ELD Malfunctions and Data Diagnostics

Malfunction:

Definition:

• ELD hardware or software failure
• Device not functioning properly

Examples:

• Device won't power on
• Cannot connect to engine ECM
• Screen not displaying
• GPS not functioning

Driver Action:

1. Note malfunction within 24 hours
2. Reconstruct logs on paper until repaired
3. Notify carrier immediately
4. Carrier must repair within 8 days

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Data Diagnostic Event:

Definition:

• Missing or incomplete data
• Indicates data may not be accurate

Examples:

• Engine synchronization data not available
• Missing location data
• Time/date discrepancy

Same Process:

• Note event
• Reconstruct if necessary
• Carrier repairs within 8 days

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Paper Logs as Backup:

When Required:

• ELD malfunction lasting more than 24 hours
• Until ELD repaired (max 8 days)

Process:

• Driver recreates past 7 days on paper
• Continues on paper logs until ELD fixed
• Carrier must repair within 8 days or face violations

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ELD Benefits for Dispatchers

Improved Compliance:

Before ELDs:

• Paper logbooks easily falsified
• "Two logbooks" common
• Difficult to track violations
• Enforcement challenging

With ELDs:

• ✅ Automatic recording = No falsification
• ✅ Real-time data = Catch violations before they happen
• ✅ Accurate records = Less risk in audits
• ✅ CSA score improvements = Fewer HOS violations

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Better Dispatch Planning:

Real-Time Hours:

• See exactly how many hours each driver has available
• No guessing or trusting driver estimates
• Data-driven dispatching

Predictive Alerts:

• Know when driver will run out of hours
• Plan loads that fit within available time
• Avoid last-minute scrambles

Historical Data:

• Analyze driver productivity
• Identify efficiency improvements
• Better forecasting

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Reduced Administrative Burden:

No Paper:

• No collecting, organizing, filing paper logs
• No manual entry of log data
• Electronic storage and retrieval

Easier Audits:

• Pull reports instantly
• Send logs electronically to FMCSA
• No hunting for missing logs

IFTA Simplified:

• ELD tracks miles by state automatically
• Fuel tax reporting easier
• Reduced errors

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Popular ELD Providers

Top ELD Systems:

KeepTruckin (Motive):

• Popular among small-mid size fleets
• User-friendly interface
• Mobile app for drivers
• Cost: ~$20-$35/month per vehicle

Samsara:

• Enterprise-level features
• Excellent dashcam integration
• Real-time tracking
• Cost: ~$30-$40/month per vehicle

Omnitracs:

• Large fleet solution
• Comprehensive fleet management
• Cost: ~$35-$50/month per vehicle

Geotab:

• Strong telematics platform
• Customizable
• Cost: ~$25-$40/month per vehicle

Rand McNally:

• Integrated with TND GPS units
• Good for owner-operators
• Cost: ~$20-$30/month per vehicle

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Choosing an ELD:

Considerations:

1. ✅ FMCSA registered (verify on list)
2. ✅ User-friendly for drivers
3. ✅ Dispatcher portal features
4. ✅ Customer support quality
5. ✅ Integration with your TMS
6. ✅ Cost (monthly fees, hardware)
7. ✅ Mobile app availability
8. ✅ Data transfer methods for roadside
9. ✅ Reviews from other carriers

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ELD Violations and Penalties

Common Violations:

1. Not Using ELD:

• Required driver not using compliant ELD
• Penalty: $1,000-$11,000
• Driver: Out-of-service

2. Non-Compliant Device:

• Using device not on FMCSA registered list
• Penalty: $1,000-$11,000

3. ELD Malfunction (Over 8 Days):

• Failed to repair ELD within 8 days
• Penalty: $1,000-$5,000

4. Failure to Certify Logs:

• Driver didn't certify daily logs
• Penalty: $500-$5,000

5. Tampering with ELD:

• Disconnecting device
• Altering data
• Disabling features
• Penalty: $11,000+ (criminal charges possible)

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Conclusion

Electronic Logging Devices have transformed Hours of Service compliance in trucking. While the transition required adaptation, ELDs provide significant benefits in safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

ELD Requirements:

• ✅ Mandatory for most interstate CMV drivers
• ✅ Must be FMCSA-registered device
• ✅ Automatically records driving time and engine data
• ✅ Driver must certify logs daily

Dispatcher Benefits:

• ✅ Real-time HOS monitoring
• ✅ Prevent violations before they happen
• ✅ Better load planning with accurate hours
• ✅ Reduced paperwork and admin burden

Driver Responsibilities:

• ✅ Log in daily and change duty status
• ✅ Add annotations for unusual events
• ✅ Review and certify logs daily
• ✅ Report malfunctions immediately

Compliance:

• ✅ Use only FMCSA-registered devices
• ✅ Repair malfunctions within 8 days
• ✅ Never tamper with or disable ELD
• ✅ Maintain backup paper logs if malfunction

"ELDs aren't just about compliance—they're tools for better, safer, more efficient operations."

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Continue Learning:

• Hours of Service (HOS) Rules
• FMCSA Regulations
• DOT Compliance

Master ELDs to dispatch efficiently and compliantly. Continue your education at Carriversity.