LTL carriers need accurate driver and tractor identity across terminals, relays, pickups, dock work, linehaul, and city delivery. Handoffs are recurring points where ELD assignments can break, so verify identity and unassigned driving at each handoff.
What this means for your fleet
Use terminal-level controls for device assignment, unassigned driving, dock and yard activity, and relay documentation. Review exceptions before the next payroll or dispatch cycle.
Example to try with your fleet
A linehaul driver hands a tractor to a city driver at a terminal after dock work and a yard move. Both drivers verify identity and role, the terminal reviews unassigned movement, and the relay record distinguishes dock, yard, and public-road activity before the next dispatch cycle.
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. Standardize relay handoff | Keep the relay record with both named drivers, tractor/VIN, device, terminal, handoff time, active user before/after, open exceptions, and acceptance. |
| 2. Control terminal yard moves | Retain terminal boundary evidence, yard-move authorization, start/end locations, movement purpose, annotation, driver review, and first public-road event. |
| 3. Review unassigned driving daily | Check the vehicle, time, location, and login for each event. Use dock, maintenance, and dispatch records to identify the movement. Record the driver’s response and the final assignment or explanation. |
| 4. Map dock versus driving time | Time dock work, yard movement and public-road driving; attach terminal and dispatch records, actual work, status decisions, annotations, and reviewer result. |
| 5. Test transfer across device types | Run the supported roadside method on every deployed device type; save version, requested range, routing entry, receipt/display, defect, and retest. |
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.
- Reviewing unidentified driving — Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- FMCSA guidance on recording hours of service — 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.