Electronic Logs for Hotshot Drivers

All applicable hotshot drivers and carriers must comply with the ELD mandate. Drivers should be aware of their responsibility to keep Records of Duty Status (RODS), electronic logs, and maintain their electronic logging devices (ELD).

For more information on DOT regulations for hotshot trucks, find the answers to key questions here.

Who Must Comply with the ELD Mandate?

Drivers who are required to prepare hours of service RODS (Records of Duty Status) must install and use electronic logging devices (ELD/Electronic Logbook). The main criteria for maintaining RODS is as follows:

  • The driver is involved in interstate commerce.
  • The vehicle weighs 10,001 pounds or more (gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight whichever is greater)
  • The vehicle is designed to transport nine or more passengers for a fee.
  • The vehicle is designed to transport 16 passengers or more for free.
  • The transportation load includes hazardous materials and required placards.

Some hotshot drivers may be exempt from the ELD mandate. For example, drivers who are using short-haul exceptions can use timecards. Drivers who keep paper Records of Duty status for eight days (or less) each calendar month may also forego the electronic logging device. Driveaway-towaway drivers who drive and deliver a vehicle as a commodity for sale, repair or lease are also exempt, as long as it is part of the shipment. Last but not least, drivers of vehicles that were made in the year 2000 or older are exempt from the ELD rule.

Do you have any questions? Talk to  ELD Advisor:  650-405-3372 or Request Callback

Flexible plans whether you have 1 or 500 vehicles

What is Hotshot Trucking and how is it regulated?

Hotshot trucking may conjure up all kinds of images. However, it is imperative to understand just what this term means and how it applies to the ELD mandate. A hotshot truck load is hauled with a midsize (class 3, 4, or 5) truck instead of the standard rig. Most drivers prefer three-quarter or one-and-a-half-ton models from a major manufacturer. They will need either a gooseneck or fifth-wheel type connection. In essence, hotshot trucking means that you are hauling a load with a souped-up pickup truck.

hotshot truck

If you are interested in hotshot trucking, you need to look for the best model around. It should be capable of efficiently hauling more than 10,000 pounds. Because this is such a significant weight, it is almost always preferable to opt for a bigger truck that can haul with greater ease. Keep in mind that most trailers for hotshot trucking will range in size from twenty to forty feet.

The benefit of hotshot trucking is the expedited turnaround time for the customer. When time is of the essence, these smaller rigs can typically transport the necessary supplies within a shorter time frame. This type of trucking minimizes the overall cost of transportation for both the driver and the client.

For drivers who are interested in starting up their own hotshot trucking company, it can be tempting to bypass the time and financial investment required for a CDL. Gaining this certification can allow you to carry heavier loads, but it is not necessary for every transport. This is a major advantage for a driver who is looking to start their own business rather immediately.

Any truck and even a pickup truck becomes a CMV (Commercial Motor Vehicle) if the gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight of the vehicle, load, and trailer is 10,001 pounds or more. It means a hotshot driver must comply with DOT and FMCSA regulations including the requirement for the electronic logs (ELD).

hotshot truck with cars

How do ELDs work?

ELDs are designed to track and to prepare HOS (hours-of-service) reports automatically. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that an electronic logging device is integrally synchronized with an engine through ECM (engine control module). The ECM connection allows electronic logs to capture the required data such as engine status, motion status, miles driven, and engine hours and to generate RODS electronically. Every record comes with a vehicle location captured from GPS. In addition to the required basics, HOS247 ELD captures vehicle’s fuel use and diagnostic codes and driver behavior data (breaking, acceleration, etc.)

What are the On-Board Diagnostics Protocols For Hotshot Trucks?

Light-duty and medium-duty vehicles come equipped with their own set of on-board diagnostics protocols, referred to as OBD-II. These protocols specify around one hundred different parameters that are standard as defined by SAE J1979. Most of the parameters pertain to the engine and include the FMCSA-required data.

Many ELDs on the market are built for heavy-duty vehicles (e.g. semi trucks) only and do NOT support protocols for hotshot vehicles such as pickups. HOS247 electronic logs hardware supports OBD-II and works flawlessly with light-duty and medium-duty vehicles.

ELD Installation for OBD-II Vehicles

obd 2 cableIn order to install the ELD in your OBD-II vehicle, you will need to follow a few simple steps. Always start with the parking brake engaged and the engine turned off. The main power switch should also be turned off, if available.

When this is complete, you must find your OBD-II diagnostic port and follow these instructions:

  1. Install the device in a convenient location such as near the windshield. It should have a clear line of sight to the sky for the GPS tracking capabilities.
  2. Connect and lock the 16pin OBD-II end of the cable to the port located earlier.
  3. Attach the other end of the cable to the installed device. Secure the device using screws or provided dual-lock reclosable fastener.
  4. After successfully installing the hardware, use an electronic logbook app on your phone or tablet.

How to Choose an Electronic Logbook

When it comes to selecting electronic logs for hotshot drivers, not all solutions are created equal. Drivers and trucking companies must find a system that is going to work best to meet their needs. It is recommended that companies start by checking the reviews from real customers who have used the electronic logs. These can give an early indication that something might not work for the company.

HOS247 ELD app for Iphone Another major feature to look for is ease of use. If it requires extensive training for drivers to be well-versed in how to use it, this might be more of a challenge in the future. Look for simple interfaces and easy to use logbook apps above all else. When you do run into a problem, your program should come with a support from a live person. Test out vendor support line by placing a call before you commit to their electronic logbook. Here, at HOS247, we take customer support seriously and even offer multilingual on-the-road elog assistance for hotshot drivers.

Be aware of the many red flags that ELD providers could potentially have. They may be relatively new to the field with little experience and few consumer reviews. Always opt for trusted companies who have experience over newcomers who want to make a few dollars.

Keep an eye out for hidden fees and long contract terms. Some companies will rope you into five-year contracts and then hit you with an abundance of hidden fees. Pay careful attention to the terms of your agreement with them before you settle on a single program. HOS247 team is confident that our ELDs will fit your hotshot trucking needs. We do not lock customers into long-term contracts and have a hassle-free, two-week return policy.

Do you have any questions? Talk to  ELD Advisor:  650-405-3372 or Request Callback

Add options as you grow when you need them

What Features Do You Need Other than ELD Compliance?

The ELD compliance may be at the forefront of your mind, but it isn’t the only thing that a good trucking company needs. Check out a few of these other features that could be essential to running a solid hotshot trucking business.

GPS Fleet Tracking

If you have or planning to have multiple trucks on the road, it can behoove to know exactly where every unit is located. Take a look at the available detours, the progress made toward a destination, and even estimate how long the return trip will take. The HOS247 GPS Fleet Tracking keeps your trucks on the map and reduces both phone calls and stress.

Hotshot truck

 

IFTA State Mileage Reporting

Many companies grow tired of calculating state mileage manually. HOS247 offers state mileage reporting feature for IFTA filing purposes. With just a few clicks, you can have a ready-to-print report that is likely more accurate than your previous system.

Trucking dispatch features

Spending time making phone calls and trying to schedule your next hotshot trucking route can be extremely time-consuming. With HOS247 Dispatch, managers can quickly identify shipments in progress, coordinate jobs, and review historical records. Managers can view all of their available hotshot trucks and distances/time from a shipping destination. Loads are assigned to appropriate drivers and monitored through completion. Dispatch feature helps managers to run their company with greater ease.

What is HOS247?

Hotshot drivers and trucking companies may want to consider HOS247 electronic logbook for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles. Our multilingual team is prepared to answer your questions. Flexible options to choose from:

  •     ELD
  •     GPS Tracking
  •     IFTA mileage
  •     Dispatch

Every hotshot trucking account comes with a dedicated account manager. Support team is constantly available to assist you with anything you need. We offer a hassle-free two-week return policy with no contracts. Give us a call today to request your demo!

hotshot truck with traсtors

List of Supported Vehicles with OBD2 Port

  • 2000 or newer semi-truck
  • 2008 or newer pickup or van
  • 2000 or newer box truck or bus
  • 1996-2007 pickup or van

Kenworth

  • Kenworth – T170
  • Kenworth – T270
  • Kenworth – T370
  • Kenworth – T470
  • Kenworth – K370

Peterbilt

  • Peterbilt – 576
  • Peterbilt – 520
  • Peterbilt – 348
  • Peterbilt – 337
  • Peterbilt – 330
  • Peterbilt – 325
  • Peterbilt – 220
  • Peterbilt – 365

Chevy (All Models)

  • Chevy – Colorado
  • Chevy – Silverado 1500
  • Chevy – Silverado 2500
  • Chevy – Silverado 3500
  • Chevy – Express Cargo Vans and Passenger Vans, Cutaways (1500, 2500, 3500)

Mercedes & Freightliner

  • Sprinter Cargo and Passenger Vans

Nissan

  • NV Cargo Vans and Passenger Vans, Titan Pickups

Ford (All Models)

  • Ford – F150
  • Ford – F250
  • Ford – F350
  • Ford – F450
  • Ford – F550
  • Ford – Transit Cargo Vans, Passenger Vans
  • Ford – Cutaways
  • Ford – Stripped Chassis F650
  • Ford – Stripped Chassis F750

GMC (All Models)

  • GMC – Canyon
  • GMC – Sierra 1500
  • GMC – Sierra 2500
  • GMC – Sierra 3500
  • GMC – Savana Cargo Vans and Passenger Vans, Cutaways 3500

Toyota (All Models)

  • Toyota – Tundra (All Models)

Dodge (All Models)

  • Dodge – RAM 1500
  • Dodge – RAM 2500
  • Dodge – RAM 3500

HINO (All Models)

  • HINO – 195
  • HINO – 195DC
  • HINO – 195H
  • HINO – 195H-DC
  • HINO – 238
  • HINO – 258LP
  • HINO – 258ALP
  • HINO – 268
  • HINO – 268A
  • HINO – 338

ISUZU (All Models)

  • ISUZU – NPR
  • ISUZU – NQR
  • ISUZU – NRR
  • ISUZU – RESEARCH VAN

International Trucks

  • HV – SERIES
  • HX- SERIES
  • DURASTAR
  • PROSTAR
  • TERRASTAR
  • TRANSTAR
  • WORKSTAR

HOS247 ELD supports most vehicles including light-duty and medium-duty vehicles. Please contact us if you don’t see your vehicle on the list.

5/5
"Awesome. Easy to install and use. Top notch customer service! I recommend it to everyone.”

Abigail Freemantle
Schrader Co
5/5
“Great company to deal with. The support team is very responsive and competent. They provided a great deal of education for our company.”
Evgueni Stoupine
GMS Global Group
5/5
“Customer service is great. They helped me to set up everything and showed how to edit my logs. Thank you.”

Ilya Kulagin
Manuel Jenez
Owner-Operator
Free hardware options, no monthly fee options
Tow truck and broken truck
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