Choosing an ELD Checklist

The electronic logging device mandate deadline has passed. Therefore, if your truck doesn’t have an approved ELD device on board right now, you’re out of compliance. Additionally, you could face serious penalties.

Want to avoid those repercussions and make sure you’re in line with the FMCSA’s latest rules and regulations? Use this ELD checklist to get one that meets these requirements.

ELD Requirements

1. It must allow for a separate driver and admin user accounts.
2. The device must sync up with the engine control module of your truck. This allows it to automatically record your engine and motion status, among other data points.
3. ELD devices must automatically record all driving time at intervals of 60 minutes. It should record the following details about driving time: data, time, location, engine hours, vehicle miles, and driver ID.
4. Recording location data is a must. It should be accurate within a one-mile radius during on-duty hours. If a vehicle is authorized for personal use, this can be a 10-mile radius.
5. Must store all data for the full, current 24-hour period. It also must store data for all seven days prior.
6. All ELDs should be tamper-proof No one should be able to erase or alter information collected on the device, though the driver should be able to access a copy of their ELD records on demand.
7. Data must be transferable. This can be with electronic/web services or a USB/Bluetooth device.
8. The device must require driver certification at the close of every 24-hour period. Drivers also must annotate any edits that are made.
9. Your device should be on the FMCSA-approved ELD list located at DOT.gov. The vendors listed here offer compliant, FMCSA-registered ELD devices that meet all legal specs and requirements.

All devices on the FMCSA’s ELD checklist will meet these bare minimum requirements. Therefore, the key in ELD comparison is looking at features that can really improve your experience or ease the transition. At TruckingOffice, for example, our ELD is a plug-and-play model, meaning you need no extra hardware and setup is easy, quick, and simple. Learn more with our ELD buyer’s guide.

What Our ELD Can Do for Your Operation

ELD standards are complex, but the benefits are worth the time and effort. It’s about more than FMCSA compliance.  ELD devices provide detailed and accurate reports, simplifies log entries, and helps truckers keep track of their bottom line.  It’s no secret, cash flow is the lifeblood of your operation. 

At TruckingOffice, we believe cash flow is also one of the four pillars of effective trucking management.  With that in mind, our ELD system was designed to make it easier for drivers or fleet owners to record HOS, mileage, and all other information required under the ELD mandate.  

With only a few clicks, our TruckingOffice ELD gives you a truckload of information about your operation that will keep you on top of expenses, reports, IFTA compliance, and more.  Our goal is to make your job easier, and we offer TMS solutions that address all of your record-keeping needs.