Hotshot ELD Guide: Rules, Exemptions & the Cheapest Option
Most hotshot operators are 1 truck, 1 driver, tight margins. Here's exactly when you need an ELD, when you don't, and how to stay compliant for $15/month.
Do Hotshot Drivers Need an ELD?
Short answer: yes, if you cross state lines commercially with a combined GVWR/GCWR of 10,001+ lbs and you keep records of duty status 9 or more days in any rolling 30-day period. That covers most CDL hotshot operations pulling gooseneck or flatbed trailers.
CDL required if GVWR/GCWR ≥ 26,001 lbs
Most 1-ton + gooseneck hotshot combos land here. If you have a CDL and cross state lines with a load, HOS rules apply and you likely need an ELD.
Non-CDL hotshot (under 26,001 lbs GCWR)
Still subject to FMCSA rules if you cross state lines commercially and the vehicle is 10,001+ lbs GVWR. RODS required. If you keep logs 9+ days in any 30-day window, you need an ELD.
150 air-mile short-haul exemption
Stay within 150 air-miles of your reporting location and return within 14 hours? You can use timecards instead of RODS — no ELD required. Great for local hotshot lanes.
8-day rolling exemption
If you only run long-haul occasionally and keep RODS ≤8 days in any 30-day rolling period, you're exempt. Day 9 = ELD required.
Why Hotshot Operators Pick ELD Hub
$15/truck/month, no contract
Hotshot margins are tight. ELD Hub is the cheapest FMCSA-registered ELD — month-to-month, cancel anytime, no per-load fees.
Runs on your phone
PT-30 or IOSiX plug-and-play device pairs with the free ELD Hub app on iOS/Android. No dedicated tablet, no installer, no wiring — connect to the OBD-II or 9-pin port and drive.
Built for 1–5 truck operators
Most hotshot outfits are 1 driver, 1 truck, 1 trailer. ELD Hub is designed for that reality — no fleet manager, no dispatcher, no per-seat fees.
Hotshot ELD FAQ
Do hotshot drivers need an ELD?+
Yes, if you cross state lines commercially with a vehicle 10,001+ lbs GVWR and you keep records of duty status 9+ days in any rolling 30-day window. Most CDL hotshot operations meet this. Short-haul 150 air-mile and 8-day RODS exemptions can apply — see the rules above.
What are the hotshot ELD exemptions?+
The same FMCSA exemptions apply to hotshot: pre-2000 engine, short-haul 150 air-mile with same-day return under 14 hours, 8-day RODS rule (≤8 RODS days in 30), drive-away/tow-away, and covered farm vehicles. Non-CDL hotshot under 10,001 lbs GVWR is fully outside FMCSA HOS.
What's the best ELD for hotshot trucking?+
For 1–5 truck hotshot operators, ELD Hub at $15/truck/month is the cheapest FMCSA-registered option. Runs on the driver's phone, no contract, no per-load fee, and pairs with a $150 PT-30 device that plugs into OBD-II or 9-pin.
How much does a hotshot ELD cost?+
Range: $15–$45/month per truck for service, plus $75–$400 one-time for the device. ELD Hub is at the low end at $15/month service + $150 PT-30. Fleet-focused ELDs (Motive, Samsara) are $30–$45/month and often require annual contracts — overkill for a single-truck hotshot.
Does hotshot with a pickup truck need an ELD?+
Yes, if the combined GVWR or GCWR is 10,001+ lbs and you cross state lines commercially. A 3/4-ton or 1-ton pickup pulling a loaded gooseneck almost always crosses that line. Bobtail (no trailer) with GVWR under 10,001? Not required.
Can I install an ELD myself on my hotshot truck?+
Yes. The PT-30 is plug-and-play — locate the OBD-II or 9-pin diagnostic port (usually under the dash), plug in the device, pair to the ELD Hub app via Bluetooth, and enter your driver info. Full setup takes about 10 minutes with no tools.