Since 2012, the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate has ranked in the top 10 of issues in the trucking industry, according to the American Transportation Research Institute. The regulation began to take the industry by storm in 2017, but it wasn't until this year the mandate was fully in effect and enforced.

Overall, compliance is high. Many carriers were early adopters and strong proponents of ELDs, touting the safety benefits and installing devices long before the mandate took effect.

But opponents continue to be vocal, with some requesting exemptions to the rule. Concerns lingered over how the ELD mandate might further squeeze trucking capacity and hamper efficiency. Those effects have even spilled over to other freight modes, such as ocean shipping and air cargo, affected by intermodal shipments.

The stories below take a look at how the ELD mandate affected the industry this year — and provide a glimpse of what we might see next year. The mandate is here to stay. Like it or not, it's time for supply chains to adjust to this new normal.

1. One month in, the ELD mandate has mixed reviews

   Driver productivity has decreased since the rule took effect, but fleets are reporting higher levels of satisfaction. Read More >>

2. Enforcement of ELD mandate begins

   Drivers operating trucks without electronic logging devices will be placed out of service for 10 hours. Read More >>

3. With ELD enforcement here, how do supply chains return to 'normal'?

   Enforcement of the electronic logging device mandate will have a ripple effect across all parts of the value chain. Read More >>

4. CVSA's first Roadcheck since the ELD mandate took effect starts today

   This year's event focuses on hours-of-service compliance, and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance anticipates discovering some violations of the ELD mandate. Read More >>

5. ELD: It's not just affecting trucking

   The rise of intermodal transport means a trucking regulation is also impacting ocean shipping. Read More >>

6. ELD effects ripple far beyond trucking — to air cargo

   The electronic logging device mandate has changed the shape of transportation logistics, with effects spiraling into intermodal freight. Read More >>

7. Trucking capacity on the rebound from ELD mandate dip

   With some segments adjusting to electronic logging devices, there may be some trucking capacity left to be realized in a booming economy, says the Cass Freight Index. Read More >>