What is an Electronic Logbook (elog)?

Table of Contents

1. Why ELD is required, and when
2. Who needs an electronic logbook (elog)?
3. Benefits of electronic logging
4. Choosing an ELD

Electronic logbooks provide accurate records for vehicle operating data and driver activity – and over the long run can save trucking, transportation and service organizations time and money.

An ELD logbook is a small computer tablet mounted in a truck cab. Some devices have mobile capabilities and can be hand-carried by a driver. Other components can include data collection sensors attached to the motor vehicle to record such metrics as engine temperature, fuel consumption, vehicle motion, speed and other parameters. The recorded vehicle and driver data can be automatically transmitted to an office or stored for other uses, including timekeeping or review during a vehicle inspection. 

Why ELD is required, and when

By US law, since 1937 over-the-road truckers have maintained written documentation of their hours of service (HOS), as a record of duty status (RODS). The authorities use this information to ensure that drivers do not exceed their maximum hours of service between rest periods. Studies prove that commercial driver fatigue resulting from too many hours behind the wheel is a leading cause of highway accidents. 

When this cause-and-effect relationship was confirmed, the accuracy and reliability of these records became a priority in Washington. In 2015 the US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mandated that the paper logbooks used for driver RODS must be replaced by electronic logs. 

One form of this device is an earlier version known as an AOBRD, or automatic on-board recording device. Vehicles equipped with AOBRDs installed before December 18, 2017 can continue to use them for recording HOS, but every vehicle covered under these rules must be equipped with a fully functional, certified ELD after December 16, 2019.

Who needs an electronic logbook (elog)?

The government ELD rule applies to commercial vehicle drivers and carriers who are already required to maintain records of duty status (RODS). An explanation of who is obligated to maintain RODS and a list of certified ELDs can be found at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration web site. Questions regarding these issues are at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/faqs

Benefits of electronic logging

Several trucking companies and other organizations have already made the conversion to ELD logbooks, to stay ahead of the federal deadlines and successfully implement adoption throughout their fleets. In doing so many have begun to profit from the advantages this technology offers.

Electronic logging devices can save a trucking organization time and money. It helps add to the bottom line in reducing costs and improving productivity.

Using an ELD can allow a driver to spend more time on the road, and less on completing paperwork or waiting at inspection points. It can even reduce the need for unanticipated repairs, to keep unwanted vehicle and river downtime at a minimum.

Businesses can improve productivity and profitability through electronic logging in some of the following ways:

• ELD logbooks record data automatically, saving hours of duty time spent completing logs instead of driving. The automatic data recording drastically reduces paperwork errors—and the additional time required to resolve these mistakes.
• Vehicle inspections are made easier, with data displayed on the device for viewing by Department of Transportation officials. It can also be transferred electronically, for faster, easier processing.
• Automated monitoring of hours of service and driver alerts before these hours are exceeded help prevent violations, which can be costly — in the penalty incurred and in potential increases in insurance premiums.
• Monitoring of vehicle data can simplify maintenance scheduling, and send a problem alert to prevent equipment failure before it occurs.