Now that the ELD mandate is well underway, a frequent question we hear from customers is: Now that I have an electronic logging device (ELD), do I still need to keep records for IRP and IFTA?

The answer: Yes, you do. That’s because the ELD will not meet the recordkeeping requirements for the International Registration Plan (IRP), and International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA).

First, it’s important to understand the underlying purposes of the ELD, IRP and IFTA requirements. The ELD helps to improve safety by focusing on driver fatigue caused by driving too many hours without rest; The IRP allows carriers to register and pro-rate their fees based on miles travelled in states and Canadian jurisdictions; and IFTA administers the fuel tax equitably based on miles travelled in states and the Canadian provinces.

KEY DISTINCTIONS IN ELD, IRP, AND IFTA:

  • The ELD, IRP and IFTA require original GPS or location data. The ELD requires readings every hour, change of duty status, or engine on/off. IRP and IFTA requires readings to identify the route of travel and distance and may require readings every 15 minutes or less.
  • ELD requires the distance each unit travels every 24 hours; IRP and IFTA requires the distance traveled by jurisdiction by unit.
  • ELD, IRP and IFTA all require the company name. ELD also requires the driver name/ID.
  • For audit requirements, ELD records must be retained 6 months, IFTA records 4 years and IRP records up to 6.5 years.
  • ELD allows drivers to differentiate miles travelled between personal and commercial use; IRP and IFTA require all travel to be documented.

The FMCSA website provides a list of self-certified ELD devices that meet the ELD requirements. Please be aware that IFTA or IRP do not certify devices/systems, and it is the carrier’s responsibility to meet these requirements.

In the end, being compliant with the various safety requirements is truly in everyone’s best interest. Please be safe out there on our nations’ highways!