Flatbed fleets need ELD workflows that account for loading, securement, tarp work, inspections, weather delays, and multi-stop delivery as work events—not just driving segments.
What this means for your fleet
Time at shippers and jobsites can be operationally complex and physically demanding. Dispatch should plan non-driving work and drivers should have a simple way to record and explain the status without pressure to hide it.
Example to try with your fleet
A route includes loading, securement, tarping, weather delay, driving, and two deliveries. The driver and dispatcher label each work segment from actual activity, retain delay context, and review any proposed edit for pressure to hide non-driving work.
What to check
Use these checks before buying or setting up an ELD. Record the results and resolve any problems before rollout.
| Check | How to verify |
|---|---|
| 1. Map loading and securement statuses | Retain loading, securement, tarp, inspection, wait and driving timestamps, locations, original statuses, driver annotations, and reviewer result. |
| 2. Record weather and site delays | Keep forecast/site information, actual weather or delay, time known, dispatch messages, work performed, duty-status decision, and final disposition. |
| 3. Plan multi-stop hours | Attach the multi-stop plan, appointment and securement windows, route, driver/vehicle, HOS calculation, changes, exception, and dispatch decision. |
| 4. Review edits for dispatch pressure | Preserve original and proposed edits, dispatch messages, actual work evidence, driver response, certification state, reviewer, and audit history. |
| 5. Test roadside transfer from the cab | Save driver, tractor, exact device/app version, requested range, transfer method, routing entry, receipt, failed branch, and retest from the cab. |
Limits and exceptions
Use this guide to plan your checks; it does not determine whether a legal exception applies, certify a record, or guarantee compliance, safety, savings, or audit results. Preserve original ELD records and edit history. Use the current rules to determine applicability and the manual for your installed device for operating instructions.
Sources and review date
Reviewed August 10, 2026. Check the latest rules and product information before changing your procedures or signing a contract.
- 49 CFR Part 395: hours of service and ELD requirements — Office of the Federal Register and U.S. Government Publishing Office.
- Editing and certifying records — Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- FMCSA ELD resources for carriers and drivers — Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- Factor ELD products, plans, and support — Factor ELD.
Try the ELD on a typical route
Tell us about your truck, phone, route, and a task you want to test. Request a Factor ELD demo to see how the product works. Your fleet remains responsible for deciding which rules apply.