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Help a Carrier Claim an ELD exemption

How to guide a carrier through submitting an ELD exemption, uploading documentation, and setting up mobile tracking when required.

Written by Destini Okoro

When to use this guide

Use this guide when a carrier says they are not legally required to use an ELD, needs to mark a vehicle as ELD exempt, or needs help tracking an exempt vehicle on a load.

The carrier must submit the exemption request and documentation through Highway for Carriers. Brokers cannot submit documents or claim an exemption on the carrier’s behalf.

How to mark a vehicle as ELD-exempt

ELD Exemption steps for a specific vehicle in the Equipment tab of Highway for Carriers

  1. Open the Equipment tab at highway.com/onboarding/equipment. The Equipment page lets carriers monitor their vehicles’ insurance status and ELD connection in one place.

  2. Select Actions next to the vehicle.

  3. Select Resolve Issues in the drop down.

  4. Select Mark as ELD Exempt and choose a valid reason (Glider Kit or Less Than 150 Miles).

  5. Upload the required documentation (requirements vary by exemption type).

    Note: Highway cannot upload documents on their behalf. Compliance requirements vary by broker.

  6. Wait for Highway to review within 24 hours.

Once their exemption is approved, the verified exemption will reflect as such on their Equipment page and the brokers can determine the best route for your onboarding.

If the exemption was denied, the Exemption Pending status will disappear and they will have the ability to upload documents again. Please feel free to contact eldservice@highway.com to request an additional review.

Required Documents

The following documents must be uploaded in order to be approved as ELD exempt:

  1. Glider kit:

    1. ECM Download - ECM download from the trucks showing the engine serial number and the truck VIN, linking that engine build date to the VIN Registration cards

    2. Manufacturer Paperwork - Glider kit manufacturer paperwork typically includes the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) for the kit, receipts or bills of sale for the drivetrain components, and a completed assembler's affidavit. If registering the truck or proving engine age for ELD exemptions, they need this paperwork alongside ECM printouts and VINs for both the kit and donor parts.

    3. Photo of the Engine Plate - FMCSA exemptions for glider kits (like the pre-2000 engine ELD rule) depend on the engine model year, not the vehicle's chassis year. To prove their vehicle's exemption status, provide a clear, legible photograph of the original Engine Data Tag (typically riveted to the side of the engine block or rocker cover).

  2. Local haul:

    1. Paper logs/time cards for the last 7 days - Under the FMCSA short-haul exemption, local drivers do not need to use an ELD or keep paper Record of Duty Status (RODS) logbooks. Instead, employers can use standard time cards, which must be retained for at least six months and show start/end times, total daily hours, and breaks.

Note: If they are encountering a red error message when attempting to upload their documents, please try uploading in either a PDF or JPEG format.

Broker-specific requirements

Some brokers require an ELD connection to complete their packet even if they qualify for an exemption. Each broker decides how to proceed after reviewing the exempt vehicles.

TFX and exemptions

An active telematics connection is required for the Trusted Freight Exchange (TFX), even if they have a valid ELD exemption.

Track ELD-exempt vehicles in the mobile app

If they want to learn more about tracking ELD exempt vehicle via the mobile app, please click here.

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