Carrier guides / ELD and HOS

ELD and Hours of Service

Electronic logging devices, driving-time limits, exemptions and technology choices for small carriers.

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Illustrated research, comparisons and practical decisions

Electronic logging device mounted in a truck cab while driving on the highway

ELD Rules and Exemptions Every Owner-Operator Should Know

Determine whether an owner-operator needs an ELD, which exemptions apply, what records remain required and how 2026 FMCSA changes affect compliance.

Disconnected ELD device beside a replacement unit ready to be installed

Your ELD Was Removed From the FMCSA List—What Now?

Follow a practical response plan when FMCSA revokes an ELD, including paper logs, record exports, replacement deadlines, driver training and audit evidence.

Several ELD device options displayed beside a commercial truck cab

Choosing the Right ELD for a One-Truck Operation

Choose an ELD for a one-truck business using a practical test for FMCSA status, roadside transfer, hardware fit, support, exports and contract risk.

ELD hardware, cables, mounting accessories and cost-related equipment on a workshop table

What ELDs Really Cost: Hardware, Fees and Contract Traps

Understand ELD hardware, subscriptions, data plans, installation and contract traps before comparing the real one-year and three-year cost.

Commercial truck entering a rest area at dusk after a long driving day

The 11-Hour and 14-Hour Rules Without the Confusion

Understand the FMCSA 11-hour driving limit and 14-hour window through real shift examples, breaks, detention, sleeper berth and exceptions.

Truck driver resting inside a sleeper berth during an off-duty break

Split Sleeper Berth: Practical 7/3 and 8/2 Examples

Learn the split sleeper berth rule through complete 7/3 and 8/2 timelines, clock recalculations, invalid pairings and 2026 FMCSA guidance.

Commercial truck parked at a rest area while the driver completes required off-duty time

34-Hour Restart and the 60/70-Hour Rule: Worked Examples

Understand the FMCSA 60/70-hour limit, rolling 7- and 8-day calculations, recap hours and the optional 34-hour restart through worked examples.

Commercial truck operating cautiously through unexpected severe winter weather and difficult highway conditions

Adverse Driving Conditions Exception: When the Extra 2 Hours Apply

Learn when FMCSA's adverse driving conditions exception can extend driving time, which situations qualify and how drivers should document its use.

Semi-truck tractor without a trailer moving through a truck stop area

Personal Conveyance: When Off-Duty Driving Is Allowed

Learn when personal conveyance is allowed, when it becomes on-duty driving, how to log it on an ELD and how FMCSA applies the commercial-benefit test.

Small fleet operations dashboard with monitors and several commercial trucks in view

ELD or Fleet Management Software? What Small Fleets Need

Compare standalone ELDs, fleet management systems and integrated platforms by compliance, dispatch, GPS, maintenance, IFTA, cost and data control.

Short-haul truck and driver returning to a regional freight terminal at the end of the workday

Short-Haul Exception: 150 Air-Mile Rule, ELDs and Time Records

Apply the FMCSA short-haul exception correctly: 150 air-miles, 14-hour return rule, carrier time records, RODS and when an ELD becomes necessary.

Commercial truck driver reviewing an ELD malfunction while preparing a paper log inside the cab

ELD Malfunction Rules: Paper Logs, 24-Hour Notice and 8-Day Repair

What to do when an ELD malfunctions: driver notice, reconstructed RODS, paper logs, the 8-day repair deadline, extensions and carrier evidence.