Do Box Trucks Need an ELD? Rules and Top 5 Picks
Rules, prices and device details on this page were checked October 2026 against the official sources listed at the bottom. Where a provider doesn't publish a number, we say so instead of guessing.
Box trucks are everywhere in final mile delivery, moving, freight and expedited work. And the question we hear most from box truck owners is simple: do I need an ELD? The answer depends on three things: the truck's weight rating, whether you cross state lines, and how far from home you go. Here's how to figure it out, plus five ELDs that suit box truck operations. Checked October 2026.
When Box Trucks Need an ELD
You need an ELD when all of these are true:
- Your box truck is a commercial motor vehicle, which for interstate commerce means 10,001 pounds or more GVWR, GCWR or actual weight, under 49 CFR 390.5.
- You operate in interstate commerce, or in a state that requires ELDs for intrastate carriers.
- You have to keep a record of duty status.
- No ELD exception applies.
Point 3 is where most box truck operators get relief. Many local delivery routes qualify for a short haul exception, which means no logs and no ELD.
Weight Thresholds
| Box truck size | Typical GVWR range | Federal CMV in interstate commerce? | CDL needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (cargo van chassis, 10 to 12 ft box) | Often under 10,001 lbs | Usually no | No |
| Medium (16 to 20 ft box) | Often 10,001 to 26,000 lbs | Yes | No |
| Large (24 to 26 ft box) | Often 26,001 lbs or more | Yes | Yes, Class B |
The ranges are typical, not rules. Always check the GVWR on the label in your door jamb. Many 26 foot box trucks are built at 25,999 pounds GVWR precisely so non CDL drivers can run them. That keeps you out of CDL territory, but the truck is still a CMV, so the hours of service rules and the ELD rule still apply to interstate work.
Short Haul Exemption
There are two short haul paths, and box truck operators often qualify for one:
- 150 air mile exception (395.1(e)(1)). Stay within 150 air miles of your work reporting location, return and be released within 14 consecutive hours, and take at least 10 hours off between shifts. Your carrier keeps time records for 6 months.
- Non CDL exception (395.1(e)(2)). For trucks that don't need a CDL. Stay within 150 air miles, return to your work location each day, and don't drive after the 14th hour on duty on 5 days in any 7, or after the 16th hour on 2 days in any 7. Time records are required for 6 months.
Qualify, and you don't need logs or an ELD on those days. Go outside the radius, and you need a log that day. If that happens on more than 8 days in 30, you need an ELD. Our short haul exemption guide has the full rules.
Other Situations
Rental Box Trucks
FMCSA granted the Truck Renting and Leasing Association an exemption that lets drivers of property carrying CMVs rented for 8 days or less skip the ELD. The renewal took effect October 12, 2022, for five years, through October 12, 2027. Drivers still have to follow the hours of service rules, keep paper logs when required, and carry a copy of the exemption notice and the rental agreement. Rent for longer than 8 days, and you need an ELD if you're required to keep logs.
Interstate vs Intrastate
If your box truck never leaves your state and the freight isn't moving in interstate commerce, your state's rules apply. Many states exempt intrastate vehicles under 26,001 pounds from their hours of service rules, but not all. Georgia, for example, applies most safety rules from 10,001 pounds. Check our intrastate rules by state guide for the states we've verified.
Medical Card Rules
Drivers of CMVs in interstate commerce need a valid DOT medical examiner's certificate, even without a CDL. Box truck drivers often don't realize this. If your truck is 10,001 pounds or more and you cross state lines for business, get your DOT physical from a certified medical examiner listed on FMCSA's National Registry, and keep the card current.
5 Best ELDs for Box Trucks
| ELD | Price (checked October 2026) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| HOS247 | $19 to $25 per month | Small fleets, no contract |
| Garmin eLog | $249.99 one time | One truck, no monthly fee |
| Matrack ELD | From $19.95 per month | Budget GPS plus logs |
| Motive | Quote only | Delivery fleets wanting dash cams |
| Samsara | Quote only | Larger box truck fleets |
1. HOS247
Published pricing from $19 per vehicle per month, no contract, and a free device on annual billing. A great fit for small delivery and moving fleets that need some trucks on ELD and others on short haul.
2. Garmin eLog
One payment of $249.99 and no subscription. Ideal for a single box truck owner operator who needs logs on longer runs.
3. Matrack ELD
Basic plan at $19.95 per month, with GPS tracking included. A budget friendly option for small fleets that want to see where their trucks are.
4. Motive
Motive pairs ELD with GPS, AI dash cams and driver safety tools, which is helpful for delivery fleets running in busy urban areas. Pricing is quote only, and terms renew for 12 months unless you give 30 days' notice.
5. Samsara
For larger box truck fleets, Samsara offers route tracking, cameras and maintenance tools in one platform. Fleets under 11 vehicles pay 3 years up front, per Samsara's small business FAQ.
Common Box Truck Mistakes
- Assuming no CDL means no rules. A non CDL box truck over 10,001 pounds in interstate commerce still needs a DOT number, a medical card and hours of service compliance.
- Not keeping time records. The short haul exception only works if the carrier keeps accurate time records for 6 months.
- Forgetting the long days. Each day outside the short haul rules needs a log. Track those days so you know when you cross the 8 in 30 line.
Bottom Line
If your box truck is 10,001 pounds or more and you cross state lines for business, you're running a CMV. If you stay local and qualify for short haul, you may not need an ELD at all. If you run regional, you probably do. Compare more budget options in our cheapest ELD guide, and see the full list of exceptions in our ELD exemptions guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do 26 foot box trucks need an ELD?
If the truck is used for business in interstate commerce and the driver must keep logs, yes, unless an exception applies. A 26 foot box truck rated at 25,999 pounds avoids a CDL but is still a CMV.
Do box trucks under 10,001 pounds need an ELD?
No. Vehicles under 10,001 pounds are not federal CMVs, so the federal hours of service and ELD rules do not apply.
Do rental box trucks need an ELD?
Not if the rental is 8 days or less, under FMCSA's TRALA exemption through October 12, 2027. Drivers still follow HOS rules and may need paper logs.
Do box truck drivers need a DOT medical card?
Yes, if the truck is a CMV, 10,001 pounds or more, used in interstate commerce.
Sources
All prices, terms and registration details were checked October 2026 on the pages below. Providers change pricing often, so confirm before you buy.
- 49 CFR 390.5 Definitions (eCFR)
- 49 CFR 383.5 and 383.91 CDL definitions and vehicle groups (eCFR)
- 49 CFR 395.1 Scope and exceptions (eCFR)
- Federal Register: TRALA rental truck exemption renewal (Sept 12, 2022)
- HOS247 ELD pricing
- Garmin eLog product page
- Matrack ELD plans
- Motive pricing page (quote form)
- Motive Terms of Service
- Samsara pricing page (quote form)
- Samsara for Small Business FAQ
- FMCSA registered ELD list