What is an Electronic Logging Device (ELD), and why is it important?

An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is used to automatically record driving hours, rest periods, and other duty statuses. It's important for ensuring compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.

Are ELDs mandatory for all commercial vehicles?

Yes, the FMCSA requires most commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) involved in interstate commerce to use ELDs to record HOS. However, some exemptions apply, such as short-haul drivers and certain pre-2000 model vehicles.

How does an ELD work to track Hours of Service (HOS)?

An ELD connects to the vehicle's engine to record driving time, rest periods, and other duty statuses. It automatically switches statuses based on vehicle movement and provides real-time updates to ensure compliance with HOS regulations.

Can an ELD track other important vehicle data besides HOS?

Yes, many ELDs also track vehicle diagnostics, fuel efficiency, idle time, and driver behavior. This data can be used to optimize fleet operations, reduce maintenance costs, and improve overall safety.

How does the ELD data get transferred during a DOT inspection?

During a DOT inspection, ELD data can be transferred electronically through methods such as email, USB, or Bluetooth. Some ELDs also offer a print option or on-screen display to show logs directly to the inspector.

How do I install and set up an ELD in my truck?

Installation is typically straightforward. The ELD plugs into the vehicle's diagnostic port and syncs with a mobile app or tablet. The setup involves connecting the device to your fleet management system and configuring it according to your business requirements.

How much does it cost to implement and maintain an ELD system?

The cost of implementing an ELD system varies depending on the provider and features. Typically, it includes a one-time purchase of the ELD hardware and a monthly or annual subscription fee for software and support services.

What are the benefits of using an ELD over traditional paper logs?

ELDs offer greater accuracy, reduce the risk of logbook violations, automate data recording, and improve fleet management efficiency. They also help in avoiding costly fines related to HOS non-compliance.

What privacy measures are in place to protect the data collected by an ELD?

ELDs must comply with strict data privacy standards, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access HOS and vehicle data. Data encryption and secure storage practices are commonly employed to protect sensitive information.

What should I do if my ELD malfunctions or loses connection?

If your ELD malfunctions, you must immediately note the failure and use paper logs to record your HOS until the issue is resolved. You are required to repair or replace the device within eight days, as per FMCSA regulations.

The Future of Freight Procurement: Leveraging Technology for Smarter Carrier Selection and Rate Negotiation

Traditional freight procurement processes are facing significant challenges. Static routing guides, infrequent mini-bids, and limited carrier options contribute to overpayments for crucial lanes and often lead to compromised service quality. Many transportation managers adhere to outdated networks and processes merely because they are established norms. Without the right tools to challenge this status quo, shippers remain tethered to inflated costs and subpar carrier performance. In today’s dynamic transportation market, these legacy approaches are unsustainable—and technology is driving a much-needed transformation.

Challenges of Traditional Freight Procurement

Manual, time-consuming mini-bid processes
Offline, spreadsheet-based negotiations
Limited visibility into carrier performance
Insufficient market rate benchmarking
Reactive rather than proactive carrier management

For enterprise shippers, conducting smarter, more efficient RFPs and mini-bids is no longer an advantage; it’s becoming a necessity. The launch of project44’s Freight Procurement Analytics marks a major step forward in optimizing carrier networks and rate negotiations.

Why Now? The Need for Freight Procurement Transformation

The freight market is evolving rapidly, making traditional procurement strategies increasingly ineffective. The ongoing rise of e-commerce has led to more complex and fragmented supply chains, demanding agility in capacity sourcing and management. Relying on annual or biannual RFP cycles is now impractical. Market volatility, fluctuating rates, and shifting demand patterns necessitate frequent optimization of carrier networks to stay competitive.

Without a modern freight procurement platform, shippers risk overpaying for capacity, missing out on cost-saving opportunities, and maintaining unreliable service levels. By leveraging real-time data, dynamic market insights, and automated workflows, shippers can quickly adapt to market changes, secure the best rates, and build more resilient supply chains.

The Future of Freight Procurement is Tech-Enabled

Project44 Freight Procurement Analytics empowers shippers to identify where they pay above market rates for truckload lanes, benchmark carrier performance, and streamline contract negotiations—all within Movement, project44’s end-to-end logistics platform.

Through strategic integration with freight data intelligence leader SONAR, project44 provides dynamic, real-time market insights, enabling shippers to compare contract rates against real-time market conditions. This level of rate transparency allows shippers to optimize cost efficiency and service reliability, fundamentally transforming transportation network planning and management.

The Platform to Manage Freight Procurement

With project44 Freight Procurement Analytics, shippers gain unprecedented visibility into their full truckload network, uncovering actionable cost-saving opportunities across lanes. The platform seamlessly integrates contract rates with real-time market intelligence while incorporating qualitative carrier performance metrics to empower informed decision-making. Project44 stands out with its industry-leading shipment dataset and the largest network of connected carriers, offering built-in carrier benchmarking and key performance metrics like cost, on-time delivery, and reliability.

Measurable Impact on Your Bottom Line

Streamlining the mini-bids workflow allows shippers to quickly identify cost-saving opportunities. Shippers can achieve faster time to value, with an estimated 2-3% reduction in full truckload freight spend. The process enhances the entire carrier procurement experience, facilitating direct carrier competition, which ultimately leads to higher performance across critical lanes.

Shippers can decrease spot market exposure by 10-25% through strategic carrier selection based on comprehensive performance data. By eliminating blind spots, they partner with carriers demonstrating higher reliability on specific lanes, resulting in predictable service levels and costs.

By embracing technology-driven procurement, shippers can move beyond outdated, manual processes and take control of their freight strategy—securing better rates, improving service reliability, and strengthening carrier relationships.

Learn more about project44 Freight Procurement Analytics.