Electronic Logging DeviceELD
An FMCSA-mandated device that automatically records a commercial driver's Hours of Service (HOS) by plugging into the truck's engine bus.
An ELD (Electronic Logging Device) is the hardware required by FMCSA's ELD Mandate (effective December 18, 2017) for most US commercial drivers subject to Hours of Service rules. It connects to the engine via the J1939 or OBD-II diagnostics port and automatically logs driving time, on-duty time, off-duty time, and sleeper berth time.
ELDs replaced paper logbooks and AOBRDs (Automatic On-Board Recording Devices). The driver still chooses non-driving duty status manually (on-duty not driving, off-duty, sleeper), but driving time is recorded automatically once the truck moves above 5 mph.
FMCSA maintains a registry of self-certified ELD providers. Common providers include Motive (KeepTruckin), Samsara, Geotab, Garmin, and FleetKit Logbook. The fleet (not just the driver) is responsible for ensuring the ELD is on the FMCSA registered list and remains compliant.
━━ How FleetKit handles ELD
FleetKit Logbook (FMCSA-registered ELD)