Skip to main content

Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.catenatelematics.com/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

Terminology: You may see that we use “ELD” (Electronic Logging Devices) and “TSP” (Telematics Service Provider) interchangeably. While ELDs are the physical devices, TSPs are the companies that provide the platforms and services that collect and manage ELD data (like Samsara, Geotab, or Motive). In practice, when we refer to integrating with an “ELD provider,” we mean the TSP that manages the ELD’s data.
An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is a piece of hardware installed in commercial vehicles that automatically records key data about the vehicle’s movement, engine activity, and driver behavior. While ELDs are best known for tracking Hours of Service (HOS) to meet regulatory requirements, they capture a wide range of telematics data that powers modern fleet operations.
The Bottom Line: ELDs are more than digital logbooks—they’re full-fledged data devices that serve as the hardware backbone of connected fleet data.

​
Why Fleets Use ELDs

ELDs serve both regulatory and operational purposes, making them essential for modern fleet management:

Regulatory Compliance

Meet FMCSA ELD Mandate requirements and maintain accurate HOS records to avoid violations and fines.

Safety Monitoring

Track driver behavior, prevent fatigue-related accidents, and ensure compliance with driving hour limits.

Operational Efficiency

Monitor vehicle health, optimize routes, and automate reporting workflows like IFTA calculations.

Real-Time Visibility

Track assets in real time, analyze driver performance, and improve dispatch efficiency.
Regulatory Requirement: The FMCSA ELD Mandate requires most commercial motor carriers and drivers to use ELDs to record driving time and duty status.

​
What ELDs Capture

Depending on the provider and device capabilities, ELDs capture comprehensive data from multiple sources:
  • Driving time and duty status changes
  • Rest breaks and off-duty periods
  • HOS violations and warnings
  • Daily and weekly drive time totals
  • Available hours remaining
  • Real-time GPS location coordinates
  • Speed and acceleration data
  • Ignition status and engine state
  • Motion events and idle time
  • Trip start and end points
  • Engine RPM and hours
  • Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
  • Fuel consumption and levels
  • Odometer readings
  • Maintenance triggers and alerts
  • Harsh braking events
  • Speeding incidents
  • Rapid acceleration patterns
  • Idling duration
  • Seatbelt usage (some devices)
  • Trip summaries and duration
  • Stop locations and times
  • Geofence entries and exits
  • State-by-state mileage (IFTA)
  • Current fuel level
  • Fill-up events and locations
  • Fuel consumption rates
  • Fuel card transaction integration
Data Sources: Some data points come directly from the vehicle’s engine via the diagnostic port (OBD-II/J1939), while others are generated by the ELD firmware or cloud-based TSP services.

​
How ELD Data Flows

Understanding the data flow from vehicle to your application:

Data Collection

The ELD device plugs into the vehicle’s diagnostic port and continuously collects data from the engine computer, GPS module, and onboard sensors.

Cloud Transmission

Data is transmitted via cellular connection to a Telematics Service Provider (TSP) like Samsara, Geotab, Motive, or Verizon Connect.

Provider Processing

The TSP processes, stores, and makes the data available through their platform and APIs, often adding value-added analytics.

Catena Integration

Catena aggregates and normalizes data from the ELD providers, making it accessible through a single, consistent API.

​
ELD Data for Developers

If you’re building tools for fleets—whether for compliance, safety, routing, or reporting—ELD data is often your most valuable source.

​
Common Use Cases

Compliance Management

Pull HOS records, track violations, and generate compliance reports for audits and inspections.

Dispatch Optimization

Monitor driver availability in real time and optimize load assignments based on remaining drive time.

Safety Alerts

Trigger alerts based on driving behavior events like harsh braking, speeding, or HOS violations.

IFTA Reporting

Automate fuel tax calculations using accurate state-by-state mileage data from ELDs.

Maintenance Scheduling

Feed maintenance systems with live diagnostic trouble codes and engine hours for preventive service.

Performance Analytics

Analyze driver behavior, fuel efficiency, and vehicle utilization to improve fleet operations.

​
Integration Benefits

With the right ELD integration through Catena, you can:
  • Track driver availability in real time for better dispatch decisions
  • Access rich trip histories with location, speed, and timing data
  • Monitor vehicle health with live diagnostic codes and maintenance alerts
  • Automate compliance reporting including HOS and IFTA calculations
  • Improve safety with behavioral insights and violation tracking

​
ELD Providers & Coverage

Catena integrates with the ELD and telematics providers, giving you access to the majority of the commercial fleet market:

View All Supported Providers

Explore the complete list of ELD providers and available data fields for each.

​
Ready to Get Started?

Quick Start Guide

Get up and running in 10 minutes with our step-by-step integration tutorial.

API Reference

Explore all available endpoints, parameters, and response formats.

Get API Credentials

Request access to start building with the Catena Telematics API.

Supported Providers

Browse the telematics providers available through our platform.