3 min read
Abstract
During a roadside inspection or audit, law enforcement officials may ask drivers to provide their hours of service (HOS) data in a specific electronic format. This article explains how to send the required ELD output file from the Motive Driver App or the Motive Dashboard, and how to understand the information included in the file.
Overview
Motive makes it easy to transfer ELD data to law enforcement officials during an inspection. Both drivers and fleet managers can send the required files directly from the platform. This helps reduce inspection time and supports compliance with federal rules.
- Simplified data transfer: Send compliant ELD output files using approved methods like web services or email, directly from the Motive Driver App or Motive Dashboard.
- Maintain inspection integrity: The output file includes all federally required data points to ensure a smooth inspection.
- Audit and verify: Fleet managers can use the ELD Output File Report to review the history of transfers and confirm what was sent.
Sending output files
Per FMCSA regulations, drivers must be able to send their HOS data electronically during a roadside inspection. Motive offers two ways to do this—either in the Motive Driver App or in the Motive Dashboard.
In the Motive Driver App
- From the main screen, tap the menu icon.
- Tap DOT inspection mode.
- Tap send output file.
- Select Vehicle (if you are not already connected).
- Choose the transfer method requested by the officer (web service or email).
- Enter any required comments in the official comment text box.
- Tap send.
In the Motive Dashboard
- Log in to the Motive Dashboard.
- Click Compliance in the left-hand menu.
- Click send output file in the top-right corner.
- Select the drivers, vehicles, and date range.
- Choose the operating jurisdiction.
- Select the transfer method (web service or email).
- Enter any required comments in the official comment text box.
- Click send. You’ll get a confirmation email once the file is sent.
If the file doesn’t send, the most common issue is internet connectivity. If using a local transfer method like Bluetooth, the officer’s device must be online. If the Driver App shows a data transfer compliance malfunction (Code S), try sending the file again. If it still doesn’t work, contact Motive Support.
ELD Output File Report
The ELD Output File is a standardized, raw data file that contains all the information required by the FMCSA for inspections. Fleet managers can monitor these transfers using the ELD Output File Report in the Motive Dashboard.
What's in an ELD Output File?
Each file includes a detailed record of a driver’s HOS data for the selected date range. This includes:
- Header information: Driver name, license number, vehicle ID (VIN), and carrier details.
- Log events: A list of all duty status changes, such as on duty, off duty, driving, and sleeper berth.
- Data points: For each log event, the file shows the date, time, location, engine hours, and vehicle miles.
- Malfunctions and diagnostics: Any recorded ELD malfunctions or diagnostic events.
Edits and annotations: All edits made by a driver or fleet managers, including the original event and the reason for the change.
How to use the ELD Output File Report
- In the Motive Dashboard, click Reports.
- Under the Compliance section, select ELD Output File.
This report shows each time an output file was sent, helping you confirm successful transfers during audits or inspections.
Keep in mind:
- Automatic log entries (like driving time) are created by the Vehicle Gateway and cannot be changed.
- Manual edits can be made by the driver or fleet managers, but they must include an annotation that explains the reason for the change.
How do I send my logs to an officer during an inspection?
Follow these steps in the Motive Driver App:
- Tap the menu icon and select DOT inspection mode.
- Tap send output file.
Choose the transfer method requested by the officer—web service or email.
Can a fleet manager send the output file from the office?
Yes. To send a file from the Motive Dashboard:
- Go to the Compliance section and click send output file.
- Select the driver, vehicle, and date range, then choose a transfer method.
What is the difference between web service and email transfer?
- Web service: Sends the file securely to the FMCSA system using a routing code provided by the officer.
- Email: Sends the file as an attachment to an email address provided by the officer.
What should I do if the output file fails to send?
First, check your device's internet connection and try again. If it still fails, the Driver App may show a data transfer malfunction. Contact Motive Support for assistance.
Can an officer see my manual edits in the output file?
Yes. The ELD output file includes all original log entries, any manual edits, and the annotations explaining those edits.
Troubleshooting
- Compliance: Unintended ELD Output File Sent to DOT
- Compliance: Error/Failure message transferring ELD output files
- Driver App: ELD Malfunction and Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DD Codes)
- Vehicle Gateway: Not Connecting to Driver App