AI ELD
Feb 24, 2026
An ELD system for trucks is more than a device plugged into a port. Hours-of-service compliance, roadside inspections, audit readiness, and driver oversight all depend on how well the complete system functions, not just whether a device is physically installed. This page explains what a full ELD system consists of, how each component works, what separates a basic setup from a high-level platform, and what fleets of any size should expect when selecting and operating one.
An ELD system for trucks is an integrated solution that combines in-cab hardware, driver mobile applications, and fleet management software to automatically record driving time, engine activity, and vehicle movement in accordance with hours-of-service requirements. A standard setup typically consists of a device connected to the vehicle's engine control module, a driver interface for log management and status updates, a web-based dashboard for dispatch and safety teams, and reporting tools used during inspections, audits, and fuel tax reporting.
In the United States, ELD solutions are designed to align with regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which defines the technical and functional standards that compliant systems must meet. Compliance is a core function, but systems vary significantly in capability. Some provide only basic duty-status recording, while others include expanded visibility features such as real-time tracking, diagnostics monitoring, maintenance alerts, and fleet performance analytics.
The scope of functionality typically depends on provider design and fleet needs. Organizations operating larger or more complex fleets often adopt platforms with advanced reporting, third-party integrations, and operational tools, whereas smaller operators may prioritize straightforward logging and ease of use.
A complete ELD system for trucks has five main parts. Together, these components form the operational structure that enables automated logging, compliance monitoring, and fleet visibility. This model is widely referenced across the industry because it reflects how ELD platforms are designed, implemented, and evaluated in real-world fleet environments.
The in-cab device is the physical unit installed in the vehicle, either through a plug-in diagnostic port or a hardwired connection. It reads engine control module data, including vehicle movement, ignition status, engine hours, and odometer information. The hardware transmits this data in real time to both the driver interface and the fleet back-office system, ensuring that records remain accurate and synchronized.
Fleets may deploy different hardware models depending on compatibility requirements, connectivity preferences, and scale. Common options include Geometris devices, PT30 and PT40 units from Pacific Track, and solutions from providers such as IOSSIX. Choosing compatible hardware is a practical early step, particularly for fleets with mixed vehicle types or specific installation constraints. You can review the hardware options supported by AI ELD to understand which devices align with your existing fleet configuration.
The driver application serves as the primary interface for daily log management. It displays duty status, remaining driving hours, and required break times based on the hours-of-service ruleset applied to the driver. Drivers can review, certify, and edit logs when permitted under regulatory guidelines, as well as access an inspection mode designed for roadside officials and perform electronic data transfers when requested.
Usability matters here more than it may initially appear. A driver application that is difficult to navigate increases the likelihood of log errors, missed certifications, and status confusion, all of which can create compliance exposure. The AI ELD logbook and driver app is built to keep duty-status management clear and accessible across long duty cycles and inconsistent network conditions.
The web dashboard is used by dispatch, safety, and operations personnel. It typically includes a live map view of vehicle locations, driver hours-of-service status, alerts for device disconnections or compliance risks, and tools for reviewing and managing driver logs. This interface centralizes oversight and supports operational decision-making without requiring manual log review for every driver.
A functional dashboard reduces the time required to identify compliance gaps, respond to driver questions, and prepare for audits. The AI ELD fleet dashboard provides real-time visibility across all connected vehicles, with monitoring tools that surface issues before they reach an inspection or safety review.
Reporting tools generate structured data outputs required for compliance monitoring and internal analysis. Common report types include hours-of-service violations, unassigned driving time, state-by-state mileage for International Fuel Tax Agreement reporting, and formatted log exports suitable for audits or regulatory inquiries. These outputs allow fleets to document activity efficiently and respond to compliance requests with organized records rather than raw log files.
The depth and accuracy of reporting capabilities often determines how much administrative time a fleet spends on compliance-related tasks. Automated, exportable reports reduce manual data entry and help safety managers stay ahead of potential issues. The AI ELD reporting tools cover standard compliance outputs along with structured formats designed for both internal review and external submission.
Many providers offer operational services layered onto the core platform. These can include onboarding support, user training, monitored compliance events such as disconnections or violations, and product development roadmaps that introduce additional capabilities over time. Expanded features may involve camera integrations, geofencing controls, or broader telematics functions depending on provider scope and fleet requirements.
The service layer is often where the practical difference between providers becomes most visible. A platform that monitors for compliance events and provides responsive support reduces the risk of issues going undetected between inspections or audits.
Electronic logging solutions vary in capability, reliability, and operational value. While all compliant systems are designed to record the required driver duty data, the difference between a basic platform and a high-level one lies in system stability, visibility, reporting depth, and the quality of operational support available. Understanding this distinction helps fleets select technology that is actually aligned with their compliance exposure, fleet size, and oversight requirements.
A basic ELD system focuses on required logging functions and little else. Its core purpose is to record driving time and store duty-status records in accordance with hours-of-service standards. These systems typically provide a simple driver interface showing current status and remaining hours, but offer limited visualization or analysis tools for fleet managers.
Reporting capabilities on basic platforms are minimal and often restricted to standard log exports. Operationally, basic systems supply raw data but provide little assistance in identifying or resolving issues such as device disconnects, log errors, or developing compliance risks. For owner-operators with straightforward operations, this may be sufficient. For fleets with multiple drivers, vehicles, or locations, these limitations create gaps.
A high-level ELD system combines compliant logging with broader operational infrastructure. These platforms include stable hardware, reliable data transmission, and driver applications designed for clarity and consistent usability across varying conditions. They also provide comprehensive dashboards with real-time visibility, structured compliance reports, and tools that support safety monitoring and audit preparation.
Many advanced systems include automated alerts for disconnections, unassigned driving, or approaching hours limits, along with support services that assist fleets in diagnosing and resolving problems before they become violations or audit findings.
A useful way to frame the distinction: a basic ELD system records driving time and stores logs. A high-level ELD system gives fleets visibility, reporting, and active support so that problems are caught early rather than discovered at inspections or audits.
An ELD system determines hours-of-service status by automatically capturing vehicle and engine data and applying the appropriate regulatory logic to that input. The device detects when driving begins based on vehicle speed exceeding five miles per hour and records driving status without requiring manual input from the driver. When the vehicle stops, the system allows duty-status changes through the driver app, such as on duty not driving, off duty, or sleeper berth, with timestamps recorded for each transition.
Compliance risks and system issues are typically displayed in the fleet dashboard through alerts or status flags. These may include drivers approaching hours limits, missing log certifications, unassigned driving time segments, or device connectivity interruptions. Fleet staff can review and address these concerns in the dashboard rather than waiting for a roadside inspection to surface the issue.
During roadside inspections, logs are presented in a standardized electronic format designed for official review. Systems support a display mode for inspecting officers and electronic transfer methods for log submission when formally requested. For audits and safety reviews, the reporting tools built into a complete ELD system generate structured records that summarize duty activity, highlight violations, and provide documented history for verification and compliance analysis.
When evaluating an ELD solution, fleets should assess both the technology and the provider behind it, since system performance and vendor support directly affect compliance reliability over time.
Key indicators of a strong platform include:
Red flags include frequent device disconnects, unclear or incomplete logs, limited reporting, and delayed support responses. These factors increase administrative workload and compliance exposure. Many fleets review independent provider comparisons before committing to a system. If you have questions about how AI ELD handles these factors, the support team is available around the clock.
ELD requirements vary depending on fleet scale and operational complexity, which means selecting a system that is aligned with organizational needs has practical implications for both usability and oversight.
Owner-operators and small fleets typically benefit from solutions with simple installation, a clear driver interface, and straightforward reports that cover core compliance requirements without unnecessary configuration overhead.
Growing fleets often require more structured dashboards, expanded reporting capabilities, and some level of monitoring to manage multiple drivers and vehicles efficiently. As the number of trucks and drivers increases, manual oversight of individual logs becomes impractical.
Enterprise or multi-terminal fleets generally need systems capable of maintaining consistent data across large numbers of trucks, along with centralized visibility, automated monitoring, and tools designed for audit readiness and compliance management across multiple locations and safety teams.
AI ELD is built for fleets across all three categories, offering the same core platform with pricing and support structures that scale accordingly. You can explore the ELD solutions by fleet type to see how the platform applies to specific operational contexts, including car haulers, reefer carriers, LTL operations, and expedited carriers.
AI ELD follows the standard ELD architecture model described throughout this page, consisting of in-cab hardware, a driver application, a fleet dashboard, reporting tools, and support services. This structure aligns with how compliant ELD platforms are designed industry-wide, while allowing fleets to integrate compliance monitoring into daily operations without running separate tools.
The platform supports multiple compatible hardware options, including PT30 and PT40 devices from Pacific Track, units from Geometris, and integrations with systems such as Highway Integrated. This gives fleets flexibility in selecting equipment based on operational preference, installation requirements, and existing vehicle infrastructure.
Within that framework, AI ELD operates at a higher functional level than basic logging platforms. The system includes monitoring for device disconnects and potential violations, structured reporting that supports IFTA mileage tracking and audit preparation, and an AI-assisted diagnostic feature designed to help interpret vehicle fault codes and identify potential issues from available data. That diagnostic capability is described in detail on the AI diagnostics feature page.
The development roadmap includes additional capabilities such as camera integrations, geofencing controls, and expanded vehicle data metrics. Pricing is structured on a month-to-month basis, with a usage model in which service charges do not apply during periods when vehicles are not operating, removing the cost pressure of long-term contracts during slow periods. Support services are designed to respond to technical and compliance inquiries across fleets of varying sizes, with 24/7 availability.
For fleets considering a switch or evaluating options for the first time, the 1-month free trial provides full access to the dashboard, logs, reports, and driver apps before any subscription commitment.
For questions about AI ELD's system, hardware compatibility, or pricing, contact the team directly.
What is an ELD system for trucks?
An ELD system for trucks is the combination of in-cab hardware, a driver mobile application, and a fleet web dashboard that automatically records driving time and vehicle movement to meet federal hours-of-service requirements. A complete system also includes reporting tools and support services.
Is an ELD the same as a GPS tracker?
No. An ELD is specifically designed to record hours-of-service data from the engine control module and produce logs that meet FMCSA standards. While many ELD systems include GPS tracking as a feature, GPS tracking alone does not constitute a compliant electronic logging device.
What does an ELD system record?
A compliant ELD system records vehicle movement, engine hours, ignition status, odometer readings, and driver duty-status changes. It stores this data in a standardized format accessible for inspection and audit purposes.
Who is required to use an ELD?
Most commercial motor vehicle drivers subject to federal hours-of-service regulations are required to use an FMCSA-registered ELD. Certain exemptions apply, including short-haul operators who qualify for the timecard exception and drivers of vehicles manufactured before 2000.
What is the difference between a basic and a high-level ELD system?
A basic ELD system records driving time and stores duty-status logs. A high-level system adds real-time visibility, structured compliance reporting, monitoring for disconnects and violations, and support services that help fleets address issues before they become inspection or audit findings.
How does an ELD system help during roadside inspections?
The driver app includes an inspection mode that presents logs in a standardized electronic format for the reviewing officer. Logs can also be transferred electronically when required. The system maintains a timestamped record of all duty-status changes for the required retention period.
Can an ELD system support IFTA reporting?
Yes. ELD systems that include state-by-state mileage reporting generate the data required for International Fuel Tax Agreement submissions, reducing the manual work associated with fuel tax compliance for fleets operating across multiple states.