WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has officially scrubbed eight electronic logging devices (ELDs) from its list of registered equipment, citing a failure to meet mandatory functional specifications. This regulatory action, which became effective back on May 12, marks a significant shift for fleets and owner-operators who relied on hardware provided by Gorilla Fleet Safety. The agency’s move forces a hard deadline for compliance, leaving little room for error as federal inspectors begin phasing out support for these specific legacy systems.

The root of the problem traces back to the devices' inability to maintain the data standards required by current FMCSA regulations. Gorilla Fleet Safety confirmed that it had self-revoked the registrations for these eight units last December, acknowledging that the hardware consisted of unsupported legacy applications that could no longer keep pace with federal record-keeping mandates. The list of banned units includes the AllwaysTrack, Command Alkon Trackit ELDX, Gorilla Safety Compact ELD, HCSS ELD, LB Technologies FleetTrack, HOS Simplex, ELD 2GO, and Trucker Path ELD Pro.

Carriers and independent drivers have until July 11, 2025, to install certified replacements. The FMCSA has instructed roadside inspectors to avoid issuing citations for missing records of duty status or using unregistered devices, provided the driver can produce alternative documentation. Drivers are expected to revert to paper logs or third-party software to bridge the gap while they secure new, compliant hardware. This grace period is intended to prevent unnecessary headaches during inspections, but it does not remove the long-term obligation for every CDL-A driver to maintain a compliant ELD.

What This Means for Drivers

If you are currently running one of these eight devices, you need to initiate a replacement plan immediately to avoid potential violations once the grace period expires. You must maintain accurate hours-of-service records using paper logs or digital logging software while you transition to a new, FMCSA-approved unit. Keep in mind that while inspectors are currently showing leniency, they will still review your backup logs or data from the revoked device to verify your compliance with HOS rules. Neglecting this transition could lead to severe penalties or out-of-service orders once the 2025 deadline passes.

Industry Reaction

The sudden revocation highlights the ongoing struggle many trucking companies face regarding the reliability of ELD providers. For the average OTR truck driver, this serves as a reminder that the hardware in the cab is only as good as the software support behind it. As FMCSA regulations continue to evolve, many owner-operators are finding that cheaper or older ELD solutions often lack the backend updates needed to stay legal. This incident will likely drive more fleets toward established, high-tier providers to ensure they don't get caught off guard by future regulatory audits.

Key Points

• Eight specific Gorilla Fleet Safety ELDs were removed from the FMCSA registry due to non-compliance.
• Drivers have until July 11, 2025, to finalize the transition to a registered, compliant ELD.
• Inspectors are currently authorized to accept paper logs or logging software as a temporary substitute for the revoked hardware.
• The revocation stems from the devices being unsupported legacy applications that failed to meet updated federal technical requirements.

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