Do Hotshot Drivers Need Elogs? (ELD Mandate Exceptions)

“Do hotshot drivers need elogs?” That’s a question that our organization often receives from customers. The answer is yes. Almost all carriers and hotshot drivers have to adhere to the ELD mandate and USDOT Number. Truck drivers have a responsibility to log RODS: Records of Duty Status. Drivers have to use electronic logs and maintain an ELD: electronic logging device.

Are you in need of more information about DOT regulations for hot shot trucks and Driver Qualification Files? If so, please continue reading. Or, you're welcome to call our organization with questions at any time. FMCSA Registration LLC is the number one online destination for hotshot drivers. We help ensure their success through full-scale DOT registration and compliance services.

Who Must Adhere to the ELD Mandate in Trucking?

Are you a truck driver who has to prepare RODS hours of service? (Records of Duty Status.) If so, you have to install and use an ELD and electronic logbook, and MC Number. This refers to electronic logging devices (elogs). Let’s go over the official DOT criteria for ELD and RODS in trucking. RODS applies to almost any truck driver working in interstate commerce.

Does your vehicle weigh more than 10,001 pounds? If so, it has a gross vehicle weight rating that applies to RODS and ELD. (This refers to either the GVWR or GCWR.) A vehicle that transports at least nine passengers must follow RODS and ELD rules, MCS-150. This also applies to a vehicle that transports more than sixteen passengers. Say that your transportation load features hazardous materials. Not only do you need placards, but you also need to follow the mandate for ELD. Plus, you must follow official RODS DOT rules.

Which Hotshot Truckers Can Get an ELD Exception or Exemption? (ELD Mandate Exceptions)

Keep in mind that some hotshot drivers have an exception or exemption from the ELD mandate. An exception applies to drivers who already have short-haul exceptions. In this case, the drivers will use time cards instead of elogs. Are you a driver that keeps paper Records of Duty status for eight days? (Or less per the calendar month in some situations?) If so, you do not need to use an electronic logging device.

Here’s another common ELD exemption. It applies to driveaway-towaway drivers who deliver or drive a vehicle for sale. The vehicle has to be classified as an official commodity for sale. Or, the vehicle can get leased or repaired. The ELD exemption applies as long as the vehicle is included in a shipment. Here’s the last common ELD exemption/exception. Do you drive a vehicle manufactured before the year 2000? If so, you have a right to receive an ELD exemption Full Motor Carrier Authority.

The Basics of Hotshot Trucking

Hotshot trucking has always been associated with the ELD mandate if you want to Start a Trucking Company. Each hotshot truckload gets hauled using a midsize truck. This means that the truck is a class 3, 4, or 5 motor vehicle. A standard rig does not take part in the transportation of hot shot truck loads. The average hotshot driver prefers using a one-and-a-half-ton or three-quarter truck. You can find these hotshot trucks at any major manufacturer. There are two types of connections for the trucks. There’s either a fifth-wheel type connection or a gooseneck connection. Hotshot trucking is very unique. Sure, hotshot drivers haul loads like other truck drivers do. But hotshot truckers haul each load using a souped-up pickup truck. Check out our Trucking Operating Packages to make your process easy.

More About Trucking With a DOT Hotshot Designation

Let’s say a truck driver wants to get into the hotshot trucking business and UCR Filling. That means the driver should look for the best truck model on the market. A hotshot truck has to haul more than 10,000 pounds every day. Of course, this is a significant weight that refers to US DOT Number and FMCSA rules. Due to the weight, it’s best to opt for a bigger truck. This way, a hotshot trucker can haul loads with relative ease. Do you need to secure a trailer for trucking with a DOT hotshot designation? If so, the average hotshot trailers range from about twenty to forty feet in length.

So, what’s the benefit of hotshot trucking and what is IRP? It comes down to the expedited turnaround time for each customer. When you're trucking with hotshot authority, time is always of the essence. Small rigs can't transport the supplies within a short time window. Hotshot trucking reduces the entire cost of transpiration. This applies to both the client and the hotshot driver.

Are You Interested in Starting Your Own Hotshot Trucking Company?

Many truck drivers consider starting their very own hotshot trucking company and they should prepare for DOT Audit. When you're interested, it’s tempting to bypass the financial investment for getting a CDL. This also applies to the time that it takes to secure a CDL for hotshot transportation. Say that you receive hotshot authority certification. This means the DOT and FMCSA will allow you to carry heavy loads. But that doesn’t mean you have to transport big loads for every single transport. This is a key advantage for truck drivers who want to start a trucking business fast they can consult the Trucking Authority.

Every hotshot driver has to adhere to all DOT and FMCSA regulations. And that includes the ELD (electronic logs) regulations. Almost any pickup truck or other truck can become a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). The truck only has to meet the DOT and FMCSA requirements mentioned earlier. (Gross vehicle weight rating, gross combination weight of vehicle, etc.)

How Do ELDs & Elogs Function?

So, what’s the purpose of ELDs? Each ELD is designed to prepare and track HOS reports. (HOS refers to “hours of service.”) Every HOS report gets generated on an automatic basis. The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) has many ELD rules, and CSA Scores. Each electronic logging device (ELD) has to be synchronized with a truck engine. This takes place through the ECM, DOT SAP PROGRAM which stands for engine control module.

An ECM connection is crucial. It positions electronic logs to record hotshot data. The data can refer to motion status, miles driven, and engine status. ECM also focuses on engine hours. Based on these criteria, ECM will generate RODS on an electronic basis. Each record features vehicle location information. That information gets captured using a GPS. There’s also the HOS247 ELD. The HOS247 ELD can capture the diagnostic codes and fuel use of each vehicle. This type of ELD also focuses on hotshot driver behavior data, IFTA Sticker. The data refers to breaking, acceleration, and more.

Do ELD Mandate Exceptions Focus on the Truck’s Model Year or Manufacture Date?

Many hotshot truckers get confused about ELD mandate exceptions and expeditions. The FMCSA states that it focuses on each hotshot truck’s model year. This means that the date a hotshot truck got manufactured is now irrelevant. The FMCSA will decide if a driver needs an electronic logging device based on the model year, and DOT Number. Say that all hotshot trucks in the fleet of a carrier have a model year before 2000. That means each hotshot vehicle driver does not have to use an ELD.

Do Any Other Exemptions or Exceptions for the ELD Mandate Exist?

Many hotshot truckers ask our organization if there are other ELD mandate exceptions, MC Number Insurance Requirements. There are a few DOT exceptions for specific hotshot-related categories. Here’s the first ELD exception. Say that a driver falls into the 100/150 air mile radius log exemption. This means that this type of hotshot driver doesn’t need to maintain a log. But each of these hotshot drivers has to still maintain time records. Here’s another common ELD exemption, how long does it take to get a Dot number? It’s for drivers that keep logs for no more than eight days. (This applies during any type of 30-day trucking period.) Are you a driveaway-towaway operator who transports empty vehicles? If so, you can also secure an ELD mandate exemption.

Does Every Heavy Truck Have To Adhere With the ELD Rule?

The majority of commercial motor vehicles do not have to have an ELD, OP-1 Form. According to the FMCSA and DOT, many exemptions for the ELD rule exist. The most common exemption is for heavy trucks manufactured before 2000. Are you a driver who only uses paper duty status records? If you do so for fewer than 8 days during a 30 day period, you get an ELD exemption. An ELD exception also applies to drivers who do not have to keep a records-of-duty status. Vehicles that also function as the product getting delivered have an elog exemption. This refers to tow-away and drive-away truckloads. There's also an ELD exception for carriers that only perform short hauls. The DOT rule applies to short trucking hauls within a 100-mile radius.

Is the ELD Rule for Small Fleets and owner-operators?

Yes, ELD policies apply to both owner-operators and small fleets. This is according to the DOT and FMCSA. Say that a small owner-operator or carrier does not qualify for an ELD exemption. This means trucks have to get equipped with electronic logging devices.

How Much Does It Cost To Equip Hotshot Trucks With Electronic Logs & Devices?

ELD costs can vary by a wide margin. It depends on the capabilities that each hotshot driver wants to secure. The FMCSA states that an ELD can cost about $165 to $832 every year. This electronic logging device cost is on a per-truck basis. Please call FMCSA Registration LLC if you need to find a device to buy. Our experts can help you secure an ELD today. We’ll do all we can to save you money on each logging device. This way, you can get on the road ASAP and adhere to all DOT and FMCSA regulations.

How Does the FMCSA or DOT Know if I’m Using ELDs?

ELD non-compliance is not something worth risking for any hotshot trucking professional. The DOT will recognize ELD non-compliance during any standard DOT audit. Or, the DOT can also infer ELD non-compliance duty during a roadside inspection. Say that the DOT realizes that you aren’t in compliance with ELD policies. That means you’ll receive a severe penalty. You might get charged $11,000 per incident. Plus, the DOT might create a temporary or permanent shutdown order. It's best to follow all ELD trucking guidelines so that you can maintain authority.

Do You Need More Information About Elogs, ELD Mandates, or Buying Logging Devices? We’re Here To Help

Our organization is standing by to assist you with any service related to elogs and ELD mandates. We can do it all. From helping you buy a new logging device to registering you with DOT hotshot authority. All you've got to do is give our trucking industry experts a call right now. Or, you're welcome to send them an email or even a message on this website. No matter your hotshot or ELD-related needs, our team’s ready to get to work. They can file all your trucking registration documents at lightning speed. FMCSA Registration LLC looks forward to keeping you on the interstate year round.