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Glossary

ELD (Electronic Logging Device)

An ELD is a federally mandated device that automatically records a driver's driving time and Hours of Service status by connecting to the truck's engine.

What Is ELD (Electronic Logging Device)?

An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is a piece of hardware that plugs into your truck's engine diagnostics port and automatically records driving time, engine hours, miles driven, and location data. ELDs replaced paper logbooks and are mandatory for most commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce under the FMCSA's ELD Mandate, which took full effect in December 2019.

Popular ELD brands include KeepTruckin (now Motive), Samsara, Omnitracs, and PeopleNet. Prices range from free (with subscription plans of $25-$50/month) to $500+ for the hardware plus monthly fees. Most ELDs also offer additional features like GPS tracking, IFTA mileage reporting, dash cameras, vehicle diagnostics, and document scanning.

ELD compliance is critical because violations carry significant penalties. An unregistered or malfunctioning ELD can result in an out-of-service order, shutting your truck down until the issue is resolved. Falsifying ELD records is a federal offense with penalties up to $16,000 per violation. During roadside inspections, officers download your ELD data to verify HOS compliance — discrepancies between your ELD records and your actual driving can trigger an audit.

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Why It Matters

ELD compliance is non-negotiable — violations lead to out-of-service orders, fines of $1,000-$16,000, and CSA score damage. A properly configured ELD also helps you manage your HOS more efficiently, maximizing legal driving time and preventing accidental violations.

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Real-World Example

Tim bought a used truck with no ELD installed. He ran two loads using paper logs before getting pulled over for an inspection in Tennessee. The officer placed him out of service for not having a registered ELD — Tim sat on the side of the road for 6 hours waiting for an ELD vendor to come install one. He missed his delivery appointment, the broker charged a $200 redelivery fee, and the out-of-service violation hit his CSA score. Total cost: $800+ in lost time, fees, and the $350 ELD purchase he should have had from day one.
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How FF Dispatch Handles This

FF Dispatch plans loads around your ELD data to ensure you never run out of hours mid-load. We also help new carriers choose the right ELD system for their operation and budget.

Related Terms

Hours of Service (HOS)

Hours of Service are federal regulations that limit how many hours a commercial truck driver can drive and work before mandatory rest periods.

CSA Score

A CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score is a safety rating system used by the FMCSA to evaluate and rank motor carriers and drivers based on inspection and crash data.

FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the US government agency that regulates the trucking industry, issues operating authority, and enforces safety standards.

DOT Number

A Department of Transportation number is a unique identifier assigned to commercial motor carriers for safety tracking, inspections, and compliance monitoring.

Operating Authority

Operating authority is the federal permission granted by the FMCSA that allows a company to operate as a for-hire carrier, broker, or freight forwarder in interstate commerce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which ELD should I buy?+
Popular choices include Motive (KeepTruckin), Samsara, and ELD Rider. Consider monthly cost ($25-$50), ease of use, additional features (GPS, IFTA reporting, dash cam), and customer support. Ask your dispatcher for recommendations based on your specific needs.
Are there any ELD exemptions?+
Yes. Short-haul drivers operating within 150 air miles who return to their starting location within 14 hours are exempt. Vehicles manufactured before 2000 and certain agricultural operations also have exemptions.
Can I edit my ELD logs?+
You can make legitimate corrections with annotations explaining the reason, but you cannot falsify records. All edits are tracked and visible during inspections. Your motor carrier must review and certify your logs.

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