Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Buyer's Guide

An ELD connects to the vehicle’s engine and automatically records driving activity and updates driver logs, giving dispatchers and drivers real time visibility into available hours and violation risks.

The HOS information is automatically recorded in the fleet management software where managers and office personnel can review HOS statuses, run reports and create compliant routes. HOS data is also displayed on the tablet in the cab, so that the driver can refer to it at any time or present it at a roadside inspection.

ELD Devices capture and transmit a wide range of data points to make sure that businesses are accurately recording hours of service and maximizing available driver hours.

Drivers and fleet managers have used different methods to record vehicle and driver hours of service information. At first this was a paper logbook with handwritten entries that evolved into an Automatic On Board Recording Device, or AOBRD. These are automated systems but do not perform all the functions of an ELD as specified in the technical requirements of the ELD mandate. Some drivers record their hours of service using a personal device - generally a mobile phone or laptop - together with an app that stores and sends this information, these processes also don’t meet the technical requirements of an ELD.

The ELD mandate, or ELD Final Rule, is a U.S. federal government regulation specifying that operators of commercial motor vehicles covered by this law will be required to use electronic logging devices, or ELDs.

These devices are designed to record data related to operation of the vehicle and to driver activity. The driver information mainly concerns hours of service, or HOS. Commercial truckers are restricted to a maximum number of hours they are allowed to drive between rest periods. HOS is a permanent record of driving hours, on-duty hours (when drivers are working but not driving) and rest time, over the course of a trip.

The first federal law that required commercial drivers in the U.S. to keep these service records was passed in 1937. Paper log books were originally used, with the information entered by writing.

The ELD mandate requires replacing paper logs and an earlier type of recorder called an Automatic On-Board Recording Device (AOBRD) with automated ELD technology.

There are many advantages of having electronic logging devices. One of the primary motives for mandating ELDs is to promote highway safety. Using ELDs ensures that drivers are taking mandatory breaks, monitoring total driving mileage and being alerted to unsafe driver behavior and/or equipment maintenance upkeep.

Using ELDs for your business can help boost profitability. They can reliably cut day-to-day administrative costs, prevent catastrophic accidents and crippling HOS violation-related fines.

It is recommended that businesses undertake a thorough evaluation of potential ELD solutions that should include the following:

Return on investment

Use an ROI calculator to weigh cost against the savings and increased productivity you can gain with different ELDs.

Integrated fleet management

You need an ELD to meet the HOS regulations, but some providers offer integrated fleet management software with features such as vehicle monitoring, two-way communication, improved routing and more.

Integrated system vs. third-party solutions

A cobbled-together system with hardware and software from different manufacturers presents an increased risk of failure at any time.

Scalability

To accommodate your fleet’s present size and potential future growth, the best solution will have the flexibility for scaling up or down. Scalability should include the capacity to add features or manage additional information if your business needs change. For example, if your market expands geographically or extends to a new industry segment.

Upfront expenses

Consider an ELD provider that offers a low-cost or no-cost equipment installation. The possible savings may surprise you.

Support

Compare the degree of ongoing support available. Some vendors won’t have a reliable or adequate customer support infrastructure.

These areas are a good starting point for your selection process. A more detailed checklist is available to help you develop a targeted search.

Self-certification

The FMCSA registered ELD list was compiled using product names the agency received from ELD manufacturers. These companies assert that their products meet the general technical requirements for an ELD to qualify as registered.

Registration parameters

For an ELD to be considered registered, it must be able to perform as specified in regard to the information the unit must record, the required recording intervals, the method this information is displayed, how it is communicated to a receiving device, and more.

FMCSA registration guidelines are based only on whether the unit is capable of these functions. There is no provision for rating the level of performance.

When a new technology, system or procedure is introduced, there’s a natural tendency for those who have never used it to feel apprehensive.

Many drivers who are current ELD users say that they felt the same way at first but now assert they would never wish to return to the old record-keeping methods. ELDs have made their jobs so much easier that turning back the clock is unimaginable.

Some benefits are:

• Less paperwork
• Fewer errors
• Helps driver manage duty hours
• Career builder

Basically, everyone who currently uses a paper log or AOBRD will need to replace that system with an ELD. This includes:

• Interstate CMV drivers currently required to keep RODS (record of duty status)
• Vehicles that weigh more than 10,001 pounds
• Vehicles with placarded hazmat loads
• Vehicles carrying more than 8 or 15 passengers (depending on vehicle class)

There are a few exemptions. They are:

• Drivers who operate within a 100-air-mile radius, who may continue to use timecards
• Non-CDL freight drivers who operate within a 150-air-mile radius
• “Drive away, tow away” operators
• Vehicles manufactured before model year 2000
• Recordkeeping with paper RODS is permitted for no more than eight days within any 30-day period.

An ELD is a recording and transmitting device. It does not control the vehicle systems. The driver remains in charge.

Event data recording comprises:

• Engine power-up and shutdown
• Driver login/logout
• Duty status changes
• Personal use or yard moves
• Certification of driver’s daily record
• 60-minute intervals when the vehicle is in motion
• Malfunctions, diagnostic events

The device records and transmits the following:

• Date
• Time
• Geographic location
• Engine hours
• Vehicle miles
• Driver or authenticated user identification
• Vehicle identification
• Motor carrier identification

Drivers and selected support personnel are able to augment the record with information such as:

• Annotations (explaining or expanding on a data point), when applicable
• Location description, when prompted by the ELD
• CMV power unit number
• Trailer number(s), if applicable
• Shipping document number, if applicable
• Built-in safeguards prevent falsifying these files. Edits are tracked and have to be approved by the driver.

Commercial vehicle operators are already required to keep records of duty status. ELDs are not changing that; they’re merely a more effective means of capturing the same information.

Records maintained by ELD offer significant advantages to the company and the driver. Compared to paper HOS sheets, ELD recordkeeping:

• Saves time
• Saves money
• Improves safety
• Promotes efficiency
• Reduces errors
• Reduces effort

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration maintains a list of ELD products from various manufacturers. These products were submitted by these companies with a statement that the device meets the minimum operational requirements specified by the agency.

The products have not been formally evaluated or tested by FMCSA.