Approach Fleet eLogs compliance with confidence.

An ELD (Electronic Logging Device) is technology that automatically records a driver’s driving time and other aspects of the hours-of-service (HOS) records. The ELD monitors a vehicle’s engine to capture data on whether the engine is running, whether the vehicle is moving, miles driven, and duration of engine operation (engine hours). With an ELD, law enforcement can review a drivers hours of service by viewing the ELD’s display screen,  a printout from the ELD, or retrieving data electronically from the ELD device.

Theterm eLogs can refer to one of two things. It can be interchangeable with ELDs,devices in commercial vehicles that keep track of HOS records. It can alsorefer to the data in that device, the electronically stored informationdetailing a vehicle’s Hours of Service records.

In an ELD Mandate compliant vehicle, an eLog device is installed to track HOS data. The device is a GPS tracker with wireless communication capabilities. This device connects with the vehicle’s engine to automatically transmit data whenever the vehicle is in operation. It also records data entered by the driver. It must record the following information to be compliant:

• Engine power status
• Vehicle motion status
• Miles driven
• Engine hours
• Identification of driver/authorized user, vehicle, and motor carrier
• Duty status

Drivers are responsible for recording their status through their driving log software. The possible designations are:

• OFF - off duty
• SB - sleeper berth
• D - driving
• ON - on duty but not currently driving

Whenever a driver changes their status, the device also automatically records the driver’s location (city and state).

The ELD rule applies to motor carriers and drivers who are currently required to keep records of duty service (RODS) under the hours-of-service (HOS) regulations. If a commercial vehicle requires a USDOT number, it also needs to record ELD logs. This includes commercial buses and trucks used to transport products or people for interstate business, plus all vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight of >10,000 lbs.

There are a few ways some fleet drivers may be exempted from the ELD mandate. These include:

• Drivers who use logs less than 8 days out of any 30-day period
• Driveaway or towaway drivers where the vehicle being driven is the commodity or is a motorhome or RV
• Vehicles manufactured before the year 2000
• Specific companies that have received a special exemption such as the United Parcel Service, the Motion Picture Association of America, and the Truck Renting and Leasing Association

Yes. The ELD Rule accommodates the use of smartphone (Android/iPhone) and other wireless devices as ELDs—as long as they meet the necessary technical specifications. If you’re not sure if a specific ELD qualifies, check the Registered ELDs list from FMCSA.

Feel free to visit the official FMCSA resources on ELDs and the ELD Rule. We also have an ELD guide available here.