ELD Driving Tips: Best practices for ELD usage

The electronic logging device (ELD) mandate has been in effect in the U.S. for several years, and Canada’s ELD mandate has been in effect since January 1, 2023. Unlike in the U.S., where ELD devices are certified by the ELD manufacturer, the Canadian mandate requires that the government certify the ELD devices. 

By now, U.S. truck drivers and those who cross borders should be familiar with the routine involving electronic logs. Many Canadian drivers and new U.S. drivers may need training on ELD best practices. If you are unsure if you are exempt from ELD status, check here. Otherwise, here are some ELD tips to make your life easier.

Simply put, it's often enough to add notes to logs and explain any problems well, but being aware of potential issues helps reduce risks. This way, you can avoid most problems with your electronic logs before they lead to compliance issues.

This blog post explains some of the common pitfalls drivers should be aware of and provides information on how to use ELD logs and avoid violations.

Tips for selecting an ELD device

If you operate in Canada and need help selecting the right ELD device(s) for your fleet, here are some guidelines to assist in determining which unit is best for your fleet.

Start evaluating devices now

Don’t wait until weeks before the mandate takes effect to choose which device(s) to use in your fleet. Start looking at options now. Here are the questions to ask when choosing an ELD provider. 

Choose the best implementation time

Plan to implement the new devices during a less busy operational period, when the downtime will have a minimal effect on operations, commercial vehicles and drivers will be more available, and you can have more control over the installation and training process. Keep in mind that training could take weeks or months.

Determine an implementation schedule

The duration of ELD rollout varies based on fleet size, location, data integration, staff training, and unit installation. Plan early and choose an implementation time that minimizes disruption.

How to use an ELD Logbook: Before you start driving

The steps below outline instructions on how to use e logs.  For information on how to use Geotab ELD, watch the training video here.

1. Ensure your device functions correctly

Check that your ELD functions correctly. In the case of portable or phone ELD devices, check that the battery is fully charged.

If you're unsure about your device's performance, inform your carrier, preferably in writing. This provides evidence that you raised the issue if the device malfunctions later on. Similarly, owner-operators should report an issue immediately in writing to the ELD provider/reseller.

2. Verify ELD documentation is accessible

Ensure you have the three required ELD documents in the cab/accessible electronically:

• Transfer guide: Will help you determine the options available for transferring logbook data to officials during a roadside inspection.
• ELD manual: An operating manual for your specific ELD device.
• Malfunction guide: Illustrates possible device malfunctions and offers solutions for correcting them.

Your ELD manufacturer should have these documents available. Learn how to avoid ELD Malfunctions.

3. Keep blank paper logs on board (FMCSA Paper Log Requirements)

Ensure you have at least 8 days of blank paper logs on hand in case there is an issue with your ELD.

You are required to have four elements onboard at all times: the three ELD documents listed above and additional blank eld paper logs. You may be in violation of ELD regulations if you do not have them available to enforcement inspectors.

4. Check the driver interface and placement (ELD Mounting requirements)

Lastly, make sure your driver interface (the screen you use to enter record of duty status (RODS), view time remaining, etc.) is mounted to the vehicle and in line of sight, while also maintaining fleet compliance with other state rules such as no windshield mounting. Keeping the ELD device appropriately mounted and in line of sight is an ELD requirement. It is also recommended to keep the device plugged in at all times.

If you use a portable tablet/phone device, ensure you have a mount for it, as officers can issue a citation if it is not secured while being used as part of your ELD solution.

Starting the workday

For most drivers operating on a ruleset that includes a consecutive workday (i.e., the 60 hr/7 day or 70 hr/8 day set), the first ON duty log that appears after your 10-hour break starts your consecutive workday. It’s extremely important to note that this consecutive workday ticks down from 14 hours regardless of any other log that comes after it.

It is also important to note that you need to be ON duty or OFF duty for at least two minutes for the ELD device to log the status. 

To explain further:

The ELD rule: If you start your day with an automatic DRIVE or ON log due to moving your vehicle while assigned to it, there is no way to edit this and stop your workday from ticking down. Learn more about the ELD rule.

Moves to watch out for: If you need to drive your vehicle to start your day, double check that you can actually work that particular day and should be starting the vehicle.

An example could be that you need to drive the truck across the yard to hook it up to a trailer or drive the vehicle to get loaded at a customer’s lot. If you get to the trailer lot or to the customer, and the trailer or the load is not available, there is no way to stop accumulating time on your workday clock.

The solution: Ensure you are calling ahead to your loading point or checking that all of your assets are ready to go before moving the vehicle.

Important to note: If you go to ON duty manually, and then realize you need to wait for an asset to arrive or for whatever reason need to stop your consecutive day, you may edit the ON duty log to OFF (with appropriate annotation) which will reset your workday. Also, recall that Yard Move status is still recording automatic movement — so using Yard Move at the beginning of the day while the vehicle moves also will trigger your day to start.

For more on hours of service (HOS) regulations, read our Hours of Service Regulations guide.

During the workday

Adding shipping information

After you have picked up a load/trailer etc., it is important to update the shipping information in your ELD. This must be included on your logs in the relevant shipping section, as it is sent to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA in the U.S.) or other regulating bodies depending on your location, when transferring logs. Remember to keep this section updated during the day as you pick up and drop off as well.

See your ELD manual for more information.

Moving the truck during rest

We know many drivers face a lack of parking for rest. Many drivers have to shuffle their vehicles around at rest stops to accommodate other vehicles, security, etc. Moving the vehicle without appropriate action can result in a DRIVE status interrupting a 30-minute break, or worse, a 10-hour break.

The ELD rule: 30 minutes of consecutive “OFF” duty satisfies the 30-minute break every 8 hrs rule, while 10 hrs of uninterrupted OFF duty satisfies the workday reset rule. An ON duty or DRIVE log will reset the rest time to begin at the end of the ON/DRIVE log.

Moves to watch out for: If you are taking a break (either 30 minute or 10 hrs) and you need to move the vehicle to a different parking spot or move it for any reason, you need to make sure the vehicle doesn’t put you ON duty or DRIVE.

The solution: You must choose Personal Conveyance prior to moving the vehicle. This will keep you in OFF duty status and will NOT affect the consecutive rest. Remember to annotate the log appropriately and put yourself back into OFF duty when the move is done. Also, only use this if the movement is considered personal (i.e., not for the benefit of the carrier).

Important to note: It is okay to leave Personal Conveyance ON while at a truck stop or rest stop. The system will prompt you at each ignition as to whether you want to stay in Personal Conveyance as a default. Just remember to answer this prompt with “No” to revert back to normal mode when you are back on the clock and working for your carrier.

Roadside inspections

If your ELD does NOT support the option the officer requests OR fails to transfer the logs for any reason (error due to missing information, no cellular connection, or any other issue), then refer to your ELD manual for instructions on the secondary option, which will be an on-screen display or print out (on-screen display is the more common method).

Follow the instructions to show the officer the display on your device or the printout. This backup option is compliant with the mandate, and you cannot be cited for using it, if the primary transfer method fails.

If the ELD gives you an error during transfer, make note of the display, as most ELD systems will note what went wrong — and in the case of missing or incorrect information, you will want to let your carrier’s administration know so that it can be fixed. Something as small as a DOT number containing an improper character (like a dash) can stop the transfer from occurring.

Ending the workday

Routing is an important part of your workday. Be sure to allow ample time to find parking – give yourself at least one hour before you need to be OFF duty to locate safe and legal parking and be realistic about arrival times at your final destination for this shift.

Complete your final bit of work while still on ON duty (post-trip asset inspection, driver vehicle inspection report, paperwork, etc.) and then switch to OFF duty when you have completely finished.

Log out of the ELD if the vehicle may be driven by another employee or person while you are OFF duty to minimize any chance of HOS logs being attributed to you by collision. Remember, if you are not logging out of the GeotabDrive App, you may still be assigned to the vehicle in your electronic logging device. Any vehicle movement may be reflected on your HOS logs which could, in-turn, break your rest period and put you out of hours.

Important Note: If you are OFF duty, but need to move the vehicle, again remember to use the Personal Conveyance feature of the ELD (you will need to be logged in to do so).

Keep your ELD top-of-mind

With electronic logging, it’s important to protect yourself as a driver by staying on top of your device and understanding how it functions and why. By doing so, you’ll help keep yourself and your carrier out of hot water, as well as get the most out of this new age of electronic logging.

Learn more about Geotab's ELD Solution that can help your fleet maintain compliance. If you have questions or want to hear what others are saying about ELD fleet management, visit the Geotab Community.