If you’re behind the wheel or running a few trucks, you’ve probably heard people talk about ELDs.
And if you're wondering, “Do I really need recording device?”—yeah, let’s clear that up.
What is an ELD?
Short answer?
It’s a small device that connects to your truck and keeps track of how long you've been driving—automatically.
No more filling out paper logs.
No guessing.
It just logs your hours of service, location, and driving status while you focus on the road.
You’ve got an app or screen where you can see your hours.
Your company sees it all from their side too. That’s it.
What is the ELD Mandate?
A few years back, the government specifically the FMCSA made a rule:
If you’re driving a commercial truck and tracking hours, you’ve got to do it electronically.
Who has to use an ELD?
If you drive across state lines
If you fill out logs more than 8 days a month
If your truck was built in 2000 or later
Who doesn’t?
You rarely use logs
You’re delivering a truck (driveaway/towaway)
Your truck’s older than 2000
So yeah—most of us need one.
What are the Benefits of Using ELDs?
Look, nobody’s excited about more rules.
But once you get used to it, an ELD actually makes things easier.
It tracks your hours by itself
You won’t get dinged for bad logs
Less paperwork = less stress
Your logs are ready for DOT anytime
Your dispatcher can plan smarter
And most of all—it helps you stay legal and avoid fines imposed by the Department of Transportation.
How Do ELDs Work?
Pretty straightforward:
It plugs into your truck
Starts tracking when the engine’s on
Logs your driving time, location, and status
You change your duty status with a tap
If DOT asks, you just show them the log on the screen
No typing, no calculators, no drama.
If your company uses a solid system like Unity ELD, they also get a clean view of the whole fleet—without calling you ten times a day.
What are the ELD Compliance Requirements?
To stay compliant, your ELD needs to:
Be on the FMCSA approved list
Track engine hours, driving time, location, and status
Be able to send logs via Bluetooth, USB, or web
Be tamper-proof
Keep logs for 6 months
Have instructions in the truck in case of inspection
Also—make sure your drivers know how to use it.
Most fines happen because someone pressed the wrong button or didn’t review the logs.
Conclusion
Switching from paper to digital might feel like a hassle at first.
But it’s worth it. You’ll spend less time fixing mistakes and more time getting things done.
Want something simple that just works in the trucking industry?
Unity ELD is easy to use, easy to install, and built to keep drivers and fleets moving—without extra stress.