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Electronic Logging Device (United States and Canada)

Overview

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for most commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers who are required to maintain Records of Duty Status (RODS). The ELD rule applies to commercial buses and trucks, including Canada- and Mexico-domiciled drivers, unless they qualify for a specific exemption.

ELDs are intended to:

  • Create a safer work environment for CMV drivers
  • Make it easier and faster to accurately track, manage, and share data on driving and off-duty time
  • Ensure compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations
  • Protect drivers from harassment and coercion by ensuring they get required rest

Safety Impact

FMCSA estimates that ELDs result in:

  • 1,844 crashes avoided annually
  • 562 fewer injuries per year
  • 26 lives saved each year

Hours-of-service violations have fallen sharply since the ELD rollout, increasing the safety of everyone on the road.

Key Requirements

  • All ELDs must be registered on FMCSA's list of self-certified ELDs. Motor carriers using a device not on this list can be cited for violation of the ELD rule.
  • Compliant ELDs must be able to electronically transfer HOS data files to safety officials upon request.
  • Motor carriers have 7 days to remedy an issue with their ELD per the rule.
  • Drivers must be trained on using ELDs to record, edit, certify, and transfer driver logs.

For full details, see the FMCSA ELD Home Page and the ELD Rule (Federal Register).

TN360 ELD (Sentinel)

TeletracNavman provides an FMCSA-registered ELD solution — Sentinel — designed for fleets operating in the United States and Canada. The solution helps drivers spend less time on paperwork and more time driving, while ensuring full compliance with HOS regulations.

Key Capabilities

  • Hours of Service Tracking — Automatically records driving time, on-duty time, off-duty time, and sleeper berth periods in compliance with FMCSA regulations.

  • Real-time Compliance Dashboard — Fleet managers have live visibility into driver HOS status, remaining available hours, and potential violations across the entire fleet.

  • Driver Interface — In-vehicle display enables drivers to view their current duty status, log changes, and certify daily logs.

  • Proactive Alerts — Configurable notifications warn drivers and managers before HOS limits are reached, preventing violations before they occur.

  • Electronic Data Transfer — Supports compliant transfer of HOS records to roadside enforcement officials via Bluetooth and web services.

  • DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports) — Integrated pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports linked to the ELD record.

  • Unassigned Driving Detection — Flags vehicle movement without an authenticated driver, ensuring all driving time is properly attributed.

  • Multi-day Recap & Cycle Tracking — Provides 7-day and 8-day cycle calculations (US 60/70-hour rules and Canadian cycles) so drivers can see available hours at a glance.

  • Audit & Reporting — Comprehensive reporting for compliance audits, including violation history, edited log tracking, and driver certification records.

See the TeletracNavman ELD Site for more information.