The record behind the screen
Separate automatic ELD data from driver-entered details.
A shared record, built two ways
The ELD connects to the engine and automatically records driving and required vehicle data. The driver records non-driving work, rest, and trip details. The device cannot know whether a parked driver is unloading or taking personal time.
Each recorded field answers a different question about the trip.
What the required data can establish
| Data | What it helps establish |
|---|---|
| Date and time | When events occurred and how long they lasted |
| Location | Where events occurred |
| Engine hours and vehicle miles | Vehicle activity |
| Driver, vehicle, and carrier identifiers | Who and what the record belongs to |
The ELD records location at required events, including duty changes and engine power events. It also records intermediate locations every sixty minutes while moving. Ordinary location precision is about one mile. Personal-use records use reduced precision of about ten miles.
ELD records are not the whole fleet tracking system
A provider may also collect speed, frequent GPS points, or camera footage. Speed is not a required ELD output field. These extra tools are separate from the required ELD record.