Imagine finishing a long shift, only to realize you didn’t log your hours correctly. Now, your company faces fines, and you could lose compliance standing. If you’re a short-haul driver, do you need an ELD? The answer isn’t always straightforward, and misunderstanding the rules could cost you.
The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate, enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), requires most commercial drivers to use ELDs to track their Hours of Service (HOS). However, short-haul drivers may qualify for an exemption, eliminating the need for an ELD—but only under specific conditions.
Let’s break down who qualifies for the short-haul exemption, when ELDs are required, and how Drivers Files Online can help your business stay compliant.
What is the FMCSA ELD Mandate?
The ELD mandate was introduced to increase road safety, prevent driver fatigue, and ensure accurate record-keeping for commercial drivers. FMCSA regulations require most CDL drivers to use an ELD instead of paper logs to track their on-duty and off-duty hours.
However, not all drivers need an ELD. Short-haul drivers may be exempt if they meet specific criteria.
Sign up for Drivers Files Online – Experience simplified CDL compliance!
Who Qualifies for the Short-Haul Exemption?
To qualify for the short-haul ELD exemption, a driver must meet the following conditions per 49 CFR 395.1(e):
- Operate within a 150 air-mile radius (approximately 172 road miles) of their normal work reporting location.
- Begin and end their shift at the same location every workday.
- Be released from duty within 14 consecutive hours after starting work.
- Not drive for more than 11 hours in a workday.
- Have at least 10 consecutive hours off-duty between shifts.
- Employers must maintain records of drivers’ start and end times for at least six months.
What If a Short-Haul Driver Exceeds the Exemption Limits?
Short-haul drivers can occasionally exceed the exemption limits—for example, by driving beyond the 150 air-mile radius or working over 14 hours.
FMCSA allows drivers to exceed the short-haul limits up to 8 times within a rolling 30-day period without needing an ELD. However, once a driver exceeds the exemption 9 times in a 30-day period, they must start using an ELD full-time.
LEARN MORE: DOT 16 Hour Rule for Truck Drivers: Everything to Know!
Do Short-Haul Drivers Need an ELD?
The answer depends on whether the driver consistently meets the short-haul exemption criteria.
When Short-Haul Drivers Do NOT Need an ELD
Short-haul drivers do not need an ELD if they:
- Operate exclusively within a 150 air-mile radius.
- Start and end their shift at the same location.
- Complete their workday within 14 hours.
- Do not exceed the exemption limits more than 8 times in 30 days.
When Short-Haul Drivers DO Need an ELD
Short-haul drivers must use an ELD if they:
- Operate beyond a 150 air-mile radius.
- Work more than 14 hours in a day.
- Exceed the exemption criteria more than 8 times in 30 days.
If a driver realizes midway through their shift that they will exceed the short-haul exemption, they must immediately begin logging their hours using paper logs or an ELD.
How Drivers Files Online Helps CDL Companies Stay Compliant
Whether your drivers qualify for the short-haul exemption or need an ELD, maintaining accurate records is critical. At Drivers Files Online, we help CDL companies manage compliance efficiently.
1. MVR Reports for Safer Hiring
Before hiring a driver, employers must verify their qualifications. We provide instant MVR reports to check license status, violations, and endorsements, ensuring businesses hire compliant drivers.
2. Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) Reports
Our system gives access to PSP reports, providing five-year crash history and three-year inspection records to help businesses make informed hiring decisions.
3. Managed Services for Employment Verification
The FMCSA requires previous employer background checks for the past three years. Our Managed Services are available as an option. For an extra fee, our team handles these time-consuming verifications, saving employers valuable time.
4. Online Driver Applications for Faster Hiring
We streamline the hiring process with DOT-compliant online driver applications, allowing businesses to collect, review, and manage applications efficiently.
5. Automated Compliance Reminders
To prevent penalties, our system provides automated alerts for:
- License renewals
- Medical card expirations
- Biennial MCS-150 updates
- Annual MVR checks
6. Secure Driver File Management
All required Driver Qualification Files (DQFs) are stored securely, making audits and compliance checks easier for employers.
If you’re managing CDL drivers, ensuring compliance is time-consuming but essential. Let Drivers Files Online help you stay compliant, save time, and reduce risk.
Know Your ELD Requirements and Stay Compliant
For short-haul drivers, the ELD mandate isn’t always required—but compliance rules are strict. Understanding the FMCSA short-haul exemption and tracking driver records properly is crucial for avoiding violations.
If your business manages CDL drivers, compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. With Drivers Files Online, you can access instant MVR reports, PSP screenings, automated reminders, and secure driver file management—helping you stay compliant without the administrative burden.
Stay compliant. Stay informed. Stay ahead with Drivers Files Online.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only. Consult FMCSA regulations or a legal professional for official guidance on ELD requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do short-haul drivers need an ELD?
If a driver meets FMCSA short-haul exemption criteria, they do not need an ELD. However, if they exceed the exemption more than 8 times in 30 days, they must start using an ELD.
What happens if a short-haul driver goes beyond the 150-mile radius?
Drivers exceeding the 150 air-mile radius must log their hours for that day and take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
How long can a short-haul driver work in a day?
Short-haul drivers can work a maximum of 14 hours, with 11 hours of driving time per shift. They must have 10 consecutive hours off-duty between shifts.
How does Drivers Files Online help CDL companies?
Drivers Files Online provides MVR reports, PSP screenings, compliance tracking, automated reminders, and secure driver file storage, making FMCSA compliance easy for businesses.
What if my driver only occasionally exceeds the short-haul exemption?
A short-haul driver can exceed the exemption up to 8 times in 30 days without needing an ELD. On the 9th time, they must start using an ELD full-time.
