ELD Compliance Best Practices: A Guide for Fleet Managers

Managing a fleet today means Electronic Logging Devices already being a part of your operation. The hardware is installed, the data is continuous, and compliance is expected. Even with everything in place, ELD management can still feel like a time consuming and unnecessary manual. 

The challenge is not a lack of understanding the rules, but rather dealing with the volume of data, exceptions, and follow up work that comes with poorly configured systems. When ELD platforms are not aligned with how your operation actually runs, compliance becomes a repetitive task instead of a reliable process. 

We work directly with fleet managers who face these frustrations constantly. This perspective is built around the ELD challenges leaders deal with on a daily basis and how the right fleet management installation can make compliance easier to manage.

When ELD Data Creates More Work for You

Managing the immense amount of data that ELD compliance brings on and trying to keep these documents organized is where most fleets tend to struggle. Without the right setup, ELD platforms can create redundant administrative work that pulls you away from managing drivers, tracking equipment and vehicle movements, and other important daily operations. 

Common issues fleet managers face include:

• Unassigned driving time that requires manual follow up.

• Inconsistent driver logins across vehicles.

• Yard moves and shop activity counting against hours of service.

• Hours spent reviewing, correcting, and verifying logs. 

These issues often surface at the beginning of the week, forcing you to spend time cleaning up data instead of planning ahead.

Unassigned Driving and “Ghost Miles”

Few ELD issues are as frustrating as unassigned driving time, especially when it creates extra cleanup work for activities that already occurred. Yard moves, maintenance activity, and vehicles repositioned by mechanics often create “ghost miles” that show up in ELD reports without a driver attached. 

Every week, you may find yourself tracking down who moved what vehicle, reviewing hours of time stamps, and manually assigning driving time. This process can be disruptive, and makes it easy to fall behind on other priorities that demand your attention. 

Unassigned driving is not only inconvenient, but leads to cluttered logs, inconsistent records, and added pressure when inspection or audits come up.

Configure Your ELD System to Work for You

ELD compliance becomes much easier when the system is designed around how your fleet actually operates. Modern ELD platforms have powerful capabilities, but they only work as intended when they are set up to complement your specific operation.

LTT Partners configures your ELD environment to filter out noise, automate driver assignment, and ensure that your data is audit ready without the hours of manual review.

By leveraging features like Camera ID, driving time is automatically assigned to the correct driver instead of requiring you to chase down unassigned miles. This helps keep logs accurate in real time.

We also utilize geofencing through our partners like Samsara, Verizon Connect, and Geotab, to automatically flag yard moves so they are recorded properly and do not count against hours of service. This solution prevents non-driving activity from becoming a compliance issue.

The outcome of this is fewer exceptions, cleaner logs, and significantly less administrative work for you and your team. With these solutions implemented, fleet managers typically experience: 

• Less time spent chasing unassigned miles.

• More consistent and reliable driver logs.

• Cleaner data going into audits and inspections.

• More time available for planning and driver support. 

Reducing Manual Log Reviews

Unassigned driving isn’t the only recurrent part of the workload. Many fleet managers also spend an extensive amount of time each week reviewing logs, certifying records, and correcting issues that could have been prevented with better configuration. 

When your ELD system is properly set up, exception reports highlight real issues and log reviews become much quicker. Instead of sorting through hours of tedious noise, you can now focus on trends, coaching opportunities for your team, and operational planning. 

This shift allows you to spend more time with your fleet and less time cleaning up unnecessary data. 

How LTT Partners Supports Your Team

ELD compliance should never depend on constant manual intervention. It should be supported by systems that are  selected thoughtfully, configured correctly, and aligned accurately with how your operation actually functions.

LTT Partners supports fleet managers through provider evaluation, professional services, and fleet management installation. We help you identify the fleet management and ELD provider that best aligns with your operational needs, administrative capabilities, and budget spend. Once a platform is selected, our team works alongside you to ensure the system is configured properly and your workflows are clearly defined.

Our main focus is on helping you prevent violations before they even happen by creating an environment where accurate, reliable data is the standard.

The Operational Impact of Proper ELD Compliance 

ELD compliance doesn’t need to feel confusing or overwhelming. When your tools are configured correctly, compliance becomes a manageable part of your operation. 

By reducing noise, automating key processes, and aligning technology with how your fleet runs on a daily basis, you gain time and confidence in your data. 

We are here to help you move beyond manual cleanup and build an ELD system plan that truly supports your role as a fleet manager. 

Connect with our team to learn how practical guidance and tailored support can strengthen compliance while supporting your broader operational goals.