ELD (electronic logging device)
An ELD (electronic logging device) is a device connected to a truck’s engine that automatically records a driver’s driving time and duty status, replacing paper logs for most drivers who must keep hours-of-service records.
What is ELD (electronic logging device)?
Motor carriers subject to the federal hours-of-service rules must have their drivers record duty status on an ELD that meets FMCSA’s technical rules (49 CFR 395 subpart B). The requirement has applied since December 18, 2017. The ELD must be on FMCSA’s list of registered devices, and it records four duty statuses: off duty, sleeper berth, driving, and on-duty not driving.
An ELD enforces the log, not the plan. It shows how much of the 11-hour driving limit, the 14-hour window, the 30-minute break and the 60/70-hour cycle a driver has used, but it does not decide which loads fit in what is left. That is dispatch work.
A TMS does not replace the ELD. It uses the same telematics data for planning, and Transportial connects to telematics platforms through its integrations and shows live truck positions in vehicle tracking. To see what a driver has left, use the free hours of service calculator.
Who is exempt, and what must be in the cab?
Paper records of duty status are still allowed for drivers who need them on no more than 8 days in any 30-day period; for driveaway-towaway operations where the vehicle driven is the cargo (including motor homes and RV trailers); and for vehicles manufactured before model year 2000, based on the VIN. Short-haul drivers who qualify for the 150 air-mile exceptions do not need logs at all.
The in-cab ELD information packet covers a data-transfer instruction sheet, a malfunction instruction sheet and blank paper log grids for 8 days. Since July 22, 2026, the separate requirement to carry the ELD user’s manual in the cab has been rescinded. Carriers must keep a 6-month backup of ELD records on a separate device, and drivers must submit their records to the carrier within 13 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do all truck drivers need an ELD?
Drivers who must keep hours-of-service records need one, unless an exemption applies: logs on no more than 8 days in 30, driveaway-towaway operations, or a vehicle older than model year 2000. Drivers operating under the short-haul exceptions keep time records instead of logs.
What happens if an ELD malfunctions?
The driver notes the malfunction, gives the carrier written notice within 24 hours, reconstructs the logs on paper for the current 24 hours and the previous 7 days unless they can be retrieved, and keeps paper logs until the ELD is fixed. The carrier must correct the malfunction within 8 days (49 CFR 395.34) unless FMCSA grants an extension.
Do I still need to carry the ELD manual in the truck?
No. A final rule published June 22, 2026 rescinded that requirement, effective July 22, 2026. The information packet with the data-transfer and malfunction instruction sheets and 8 days of blank paper logs is still required.
Can an ELD help with IFTA reporting?
Many ELD and telematics systems also record the miles driven in each state and province, which are the core input for the quarterly IFTA fuel-tax return. Check that the data matches your fuel receipts before filing.
See ELD (electronic logging device) in a real TMS
Transportial puts these concepts to work in one operational platform — planning, tracking, documents, and finance.