--- title: "electronic logging device (ELD): Definition and Meaning" description: "An electronic logging device, or ELD, is a device that connects to a vehicle engine." url: https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/electronic-logging-device-eld publisher: National Portable Storage Association (NPSA) phone: "(816) 960-6552" email: info@npsa.org --- Trucking and regulatory # electronic logging device (ELD) An electronic logging device, or ELD, is a device that connects to a vehicle engine. It records driving time automatically, so drivers can keep hours-of-service records more easily and more accurately. It stems from an FMCSA rule. Exceptions exist for some drivers and vehicles. ## Why it matters An ELD replaces paper logs for many drivers who must record duty status. It syncs with the engine to log driving time. Operators with commercial trucks under hours-of-service rules often need ELDs, though some exceptions exist. The ELD rule does not change the hours-of-service rules themselves. A common mistake is to buy any device without checking that it is a registered ELD. Another is to forget driver training. Drivers must know how to use it and what to show an inspector. Check FMCSA's ELD pages for exceptions and approved devices, and ask a compliance professional about your fleet. [Read: Safety and compliance for container delivery: DOT, FMCSA, CDL and OSHA](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/guides/dot-fmcsa-osha-compliance) Definition source: [fmcsa.dot.gov](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/electronic-logging-devices) ## Related terms [### hours of service (HOS) Hours of service are FMCSA rules on how long commercial drivers may be on duty and how much rest they need. They set limits on driving time and rest periods to help keep drivers awake and alert. The rules are in 49 CFR part 395.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/hours-of-service-hos)[### FMCSA FMCSA is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation. It writes and enforces safety rules for commercial motor vehicles and carriers, and it handles registration for interstate carriers. Its rules are in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/fmcsa)[### CDL A CDL is a commercial driver's license, required to drive certain commercial motor vehicles. A driver must pass knowledge and skills tests. States issue CDLs. FMCSA sets the federal standards and does not issue them. Some vehicles also need extra endorsements.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/cdl)[### interstate commerce Interstate commerce is trade, traffic or transportation in the United States between a place in a state and a place outside that state. It also covers trips between two places in one state that pass through another state. FMCSA uses this definition to decide which federal motor carrier rules apply.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/interstate-commerce)[### pre-trip inspection A pre-trip inspection is the check a driver makes of a truck and trailer before driving. Federal rule 49 CFR 396.13 requires the driver to be satisfied that the vehicle is in safe operating condition. The driver must also review the last driver vehicle inspection report, if one is required.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/pre-trip-inspection)[### annual vehicle inspection An annual vehicle inspection is a periodic inspection of a commercial motor vehicle. Under 49 CFR 396.17, each such vehicle must be inspected at least once in the preceding 12 months. The inspection covers, at a minimum, the parts and accessories listed in appendix A to Part 396.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/annual-vehicle-inspection) [All 220 terms](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary) For the industry ## Grow your portable storage business with NPSA Members get event rates, the Community Forum, the directory listing and leads from this website. [Join NPSA](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/join-us)[See member benefits](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/member-benefits) Need storage? ## Get quotes from NPSA member companies Tell us what you need and where. A member company that serves your area will contact you. [Request a quote](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/request-a-quote)[Which unit do I need?](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/find-storage)