Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Terminology: You may see that we use “ELD” (Electronic Logging Devices) and “TSP” (Telematics Service Provider) interchangeably. While ELDs are the physical devices, TSPs are the companies that provide the platforms and services that collect and manage ELD data (like Samsara, Geotab, or Motive). In practice, when we refer to integrating with an “ELD provider,” we mean the TSP that manages the ELD’s data.
An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is a piece of hardware installed in commercial vehicles that automatically records key data about the vehicle’s movement, engine activity, and driver behavior. While ELDs are best known for tracking Hours of Service (HOS) to meet regulatory requirements, they capture a wide range of telematics data that powers modern fleet operations.
The Bottom Line: ELDs are more than digital logbooks—they’re full-fledged data devices that serve as the hardware backbone of connected fleet data.
Why Fleets Use ELDs
ELDs serve both regulatory and operational purposes, making them essential for modern fleet management:
Regulatory Requirement: The FMCSA ELD Mandate requires most commercial motor carriers and drivers to use ELDs to record driving time and duty status.
What ELDs Capture
Depending on the provider and device capabilities, ELDs capture comprehensive data from multiple sources:
Hours of Service (HOS)
- Driving time and duty status changes
- Rest breaks and off-duty periods
- HOS violations and warnings
- Daily and weekly drive time totals
- Available hours remaining
Vehicle Movement
- Real-time GPS location coordinates
- Speed and acceleration data
- Ignition status and engine state
- Motion events and idle time
- Trip start and end points
Engine Diagnostics
- Engine RPM and hours
- Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
- Fuel consumption and levels
- Odometer readings
- Maintenance triggers and alerts
Driver Behavior
- Harsh braking events
- Speeding incidents
- Rapid acceleration patterns
- Idling duration
- Seatbelt usage (some devices)
Trip & Stop Events
- Trip summaries and duration
- Stop locations and times
- Geofence entries and exits
- State-by-state mileage (IFTA)
Fuel Data
- Current fuel level
- Fill-up events and locations
- Fuel consumption rates
- Fuel card transaction integration
Data Sources: Some data points come directly from the vehicle’s engine via the diagnostic port (OBD-II/J1939), while others are generated by the ELD firmware or cloud-based TSP services.
How ELD Data Flows
Understanding the data flow from vehicle to your application:
Data Collection
The ELD device plugs into the vehicle’s diagnostic port and continuously collects data from the engine computer, GPS module, and onboard sensors.
Cloud Transmission
Data is transmitted via cellular connection to a Telematics Service Provider (TSP) like Samsara, Geotab, Motive, or Verizon Connect.
ELD Data for Developers
If you’re building tools for fleets—whether for compliance, safety, routing, or reporting—ELD data is often your most valuable source.
Common Use Cases
Integration Benefits
With the right ELD integration through Catena, you can:
- Track driver availability in real time for better dispatch decisions
- Access rich trip histories with location, speed, and timing data
- Monitor vehicle health with live diagnostic codes and maintenance alerts
- Automate compliance reporting including HOS and IFTA calculations
- Improve safety with behavioral insights and violation tracking
ELD Providers & Coverage
Catena integrates with the ELD and telematics providers, giving you access to the majority of the commercial fleet market:
Catena currently supports 288 ELD providers. See the list.