Imagine driving for hours. Your eyes are heavy, a deadline is looming, and your only goal is to find a safe place to stop. Then your shift is finally up, but there’s nowhere to go. No open spaces. No safe, legal options. Just stress.
That’s the daily reality for many commercial truck drivers.
With Hours of Service (HOS) regulations capping drive time at 11 hours a day, truckers are already working against the clock. Add the pressure of finding parking before time runs out, and it’s no wonder rest doesn’t always come easy. That’s where Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) come in.
What Does an Electronic Logging Device Do?
An ELD is a hardware device that connects directly to a truck’s engine to automatically record driving hours, location, and other data. It replaces paper logs with a tamper-proof, digital system to ensure compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.
They keep everything recorded, organized, and compliant, but they also make timing more rigid. And that has a direct impact on where, and when drivers can stop. Because now you’re on the clock to find a spot to stop.
Why Do Electronic Logging Devices Matter?
ELDs protect drivers and companies by creating clear, indisputable records. They help prevent HOS violations, reduce paperwork, and streamline compliance.
But they also introduce new challenges, especially around time and parking. When your hours are tracked down to the minute, being stuck without a place to stop isn’t just inconvenient, it can be risky too.
How Your HOS and ELDs Impact Parking
ELDs enforce HOS limits. That means every driver on the road is running against the same clock, with regulated windows for drive time, breaks, and rest periods.
And when those hours run out? You need to park. ASAP.
The result of this is hundreds or thousands of drivers looking for legal, safe parking at the exact same time. Even more irritating is that oftentimes it’ll be in the same regions. That demand can overwhelm even the largest truck stops and public rest areas, forcing drivers to make tough choices.
They might have to park somewhere unsafe or unauthorized, drive illegally to find another spot, or stop early which loses revenue. None of those options are ideal, but they’ve become a common occurrence in the ELD era.
How National Truck Parking Can Help You
Today 87% of truck parking spaces come from the private sector. It plays a vital role in providing parking, but it cannot solve this alone. That’s why a public-private solution is not only prudent. It’s essential. At National Truck Parking, we understand how tight schedules and ELD compliance can be. They are reshaping the entire logistics landscape. Our secure, strategically located truck parking facilities are designed to help drivers stay compliant, stay safe, and stay on time.
National Truck Parking offers:
- High-capacity parking near intermodals, highways, and logistics hubs
- Reliable reservations so you’re not left searching last minute
- 24/7 access and security for peace of mind
- Support for fleets and independent operators
When your clock is ticking, you shouldn’t have to gamble on finding a spot to park.
If you’re looking for a better way to stay on schedule and stay safe, get in touch with National Truck Parking or find a parking location today.
Electronic Logging Devices aren’t going anywhere and neither is the need for better truck parking. The industry needs both compliance and convenience. National Truck Parking is committed to bridging that gap because using ELDs are the norm for today’s truckers.
How Many Truckers Already Use ELDs?
Since the FMCSA mandate took effect in 2017, over 3 million commercial drivers have transitioned to ELDs. Adoption is now standard for long-haul and interstate trucking. In fact, unless you fall under an exemption, chances are your fleet already relies on one.
What Are the ELD Requirements?
The ELD mandate applies to most commercial drivers. Exceptions are limited and include:
- Short-haul exemptions (within a 100–150 air-mile radius and specific time limits)
- The “8 days in 30” rule, allowing limited paper logs
- Certain driveaway-towaway operations and pre-2000 model vehicles
Monthly ELD costs range from $15–$60 per vehicle, depending on features. Some vendors charge for hardware ($100–$500), while others offer bundled packages with GPS, IFTA reporting, and more.
Some drivers don’t qualify for these, and an ELD is non-negotiable. In fact, failing to use one can lead to fines, citations, out-of-service orders, negative safety ratings or operational delays.
But ELDs are not Big Brother watching you, they play a major role in protecting you, and your company, while making sure you can find a place to park in a timely fashion.
How Can You Get an ELD?
Getting set up with an ELD starts by:
- Selecting an FMCSA-registered provider
- Choosing a pricing model (hardware, subscription, or bundled)
- Training drivers on proper use and inspection
- Mounting the device so it’s clearly visible from the driver’s seat
Make sure you understand what’s included. Some systems offer basic HOS tracking only, while others include more advanced safety and compliance features. Because when you’re on the road every minute matters. Don’t leave your next stop to chance. National Truck Parking helps you plan ahead, reserve your space, and know you’ll have a safe place to park when the clock runs out.
Find a location or contact us today and keep your schedule moving forward.m/