Can I drive the new truck before I get the ELD hardware?

Kinda. This is on the driver and not the truck first of all. So if the driver has had enough time off to only need a paper log 8 in the last 30 days

I think you are confusing the 8 in 30 exemption with the 8 day to fix exemption. Any driver that only needs to log 8 days in the last 30 can use paper, or an electronic log (which is different than an electronic logging device (ELD)). Keep trucking not hooked up will qualify.

Now for the guys stating to run in as you can run with a malfunctioning ELD. While you can run, there is a difference in a malfunction unit and no unit ever installed. It's definitely up to the officer to interpret it in the best possible light for the driver, and we all know how often that happens.....

I might start calling some truck stops around and see if they have the unit in stock to be on the safe side. Or get one of another brand that is in stock and just call it a business expense to get the truck moving.

 

A couple things to add.
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) is the section that deals with malfunction. I'm not seeing anything that implies it can be used for a unit that was never there.

Even if you somehow convince an LEO it's a valid use of the malfunction provision the driver can still get a violation for not having the required user manuals for the device in the truck.

I really do think this is one of those times the truck owner needs to stop punishing the driver and open the wallet. The driver did nothing wrong, but yet isn't getting paid because the owner refuses to get an ELD as it's not the "preferred" one....

 

Is there not any ELDs that work on a smartphone or iPad or OBD2 port or something ?

 

There are a lot that plug into an odb 2 port and use the phone as an interface. Basically every one sold at every truck stop.

 

Go thru the first 8 and start another 8 if they’re not ready. This is why we run loose leaf!



*my disclaimer: just ‘cause I’d do it don’t mean you should!!•••

 

I thought so .

so why is this even a question. ?
Buy the cheap one off the rack at a truck stop and get rolling and making money .