Electronic Logging Devices for Truck Drivers

The acronym E-L-D, in the trucking industry, stands for 'Electronic Logging Device.'

An ELD is hardware attached to a commercial motor vehicle engine to record driving hours of service.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) requires commercial vehicles meeting certain criteria to comply with federal rules regarding hours of service. ELDs log and provide the data for compliance with the FMCSA mandate. For more information, go to fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/electronic-logging-devices

Most commercial carriers and drivers, including both commercial buses and trucks and those who are Canada- or Mexico-domiciled are required by the FMCSA to be equipped.

If a given driver's record of duty status, or RODS, is for no more than eight days within a 30-day period, then they are exempt from ELD compliance. This is typically the case with short-haul or hotshot trucking. For longer and more frequent trucking routes electronic logging is required.

Yes. To confirm, visit eld.fmcsa.dot.gov/List and search for Linxup. You will see that both our previous solution (Linxup ELD) and our current solution (Linxup VT ELD) are registered with the FMCSA. Whether you choose Linxup or another vendor, be sure that the solution you choose is registered with the FMCSA to fulfill the federal mandate requirements.

Check the FMCSA list at eld.fmcsa.dot.gov/List

Vehicles and drivers who fall under the FMCSA mandate must have an FMCSA-certified electronic logging device connected to their vehicle. In addition, they must carry:

• A user’s manual for the driver describing how to operate the ELD;
• An instruction sheet describing the data transfer mechanisms supported and step-by-step instructions to produce and transfer the driver’s hours-of-service records to an authorized safety official;
• An instruction sheet for the driver describing malfunction reporting requirements and record keeping procedures during malfunctions;
• A supply of blank driver’s records of duty status (RODS) graph-grids sufficient to record the driver’s duty status and other related information for a minimum of 8 days.

Under the FMCSA mandate, electronic logs are checked as far back as 12 months to 3 years.

AOBRDs were an early version of ELDs and record less information. The key differences between the systems are that ELDs:

1. Identify information on the driver, carrier, and vehicle, including engine status, and vehicle malfunctions.
2. Automatically, rather than manually, record intervals, engine and duty status, yard moves, etc.
3. Do not allow editing of automatically recorded events but do allow them to be annotated.
4. Display edit history to DOT inspectors.

AOBRDs were required to be switched to full ELD solutions by December 16, 2019.

No, our solution takes only minutes to install.

Simply plug in the JBus or OBD GPS tracker and turn on the dedicated tablet. We also have a BYOD tablet option. Bluetooth will sync the tablet to the vehicle. The intuitive software walks the driver through management of shipments, trailers, inspection reports, and duty status. The web portal allows administrators and fleet managers to view and update hours of service reports, inspection reports, and resolve driver conflicts. Administrators can also manage terminals and add and delete drivers. Over the air software updates ensure continual FMCSA compliance.

FMCSA requirements for ELD certification include proving that the system is tamper proof. Captured data includes code that is verified by law enforcement software to ensure authenticity.

The Linxup tablet (if ordered) does not come with mounting gear but does include all necessary cables to connect to the JBus or OBD ports of the vehicle. You also have the option to use your own tablet.

Yes. You can use your own tablet, or we can provide you with one. If you use your own tablet, you can download the software from Google Play or Apple's App Store. Instructions are found in our Help Center at https://www.linxup.com/eldhelp..., select the appropriate link under "Bring Your Own Device - App Install Guides."

GPS and engine data is queried every 5 to 10 seconds.

Yes.

Yes.

Linxup offers IFTA as an additional add-on for one of our packages.

Yes! Give us a call.