GHOSTRUCK Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 18, 2026
Bottom line
The GHOSTRUCK Act allows motor carrier personnel to initiate edits or annotations on ELD records, provided the driver ultimately approves the changes, aiming to streamline record-keeping processes.
What it actually does
This bill amends federal law to permit employees or authorized agents of a motor carrier to edit or annotate electronic logging device (ELD) records. This authorization is contingent on the employee or agent being physically located in North America and the edit or annotation remaining subject to the commercial driver's final approval. The aim is to provide greater flexibility in managing ELD data.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill will enhance efficiency and accuracy in ELD record-keeping by allowing qualified motor carrier staff to proactively identify and correct errors or add necessary annotations. This reduces the administrative burden on drivers, who might otherwise have to make all edits themselves, and ensures compliance with hours-of-service regulations is maintained with greater ease and flexibility, especially for larger fleets with dedicated back-office support.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that allowing remote carrier personnel to edit ELD records, even with driver approval, could introduce new avenues for potential coercion or pressure on drivers to approve changes that might not accurately reflect their actual hours of service. This could undermine the integrity of ELD data, which is crucial for ensuring driver safety and preventing fatigue-related accidents, potentially making it harder for regulators to detect hours-of-service violations.
The bill is exceptionally short and can be read and understood quickly, making it highly accessible for anyone wishing to evaluate its contents.
Section 2, paragraph (4) of Section 31137(b) of title 49, United States Code
Authorization for Remote Editing and Annotation of ELD Records
This provision modifies existing federal law concerning electronic logging devices (ELDs) used by commercial truck drivers. It explicitly permits employees or agents of a motor carrier to make edits or add notes to a driver's ELD records. The key conditions are that the employee or agent must be located within North America, and any such edit or annotation must ultimately be approved by the driver whose record is being modified. This aims to provide flexibility in managing ELD data.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision streamlines compliance for motor carriers by allowing trained administrative staff to correct minor errors or add necessary context to ELD records, reducing the burden on drivers who are often on the road and have limited time for such tasks. They contend that driver approval acts as a sufficient safeguard against misuse.
Critics contend
Opponents express concern that while driver approval is required, the ability for carriers to initiate edits could create an environment where drivers feel pressured to approve changes that might not accurately reflect their actual driving time, potentially compromising safety and hours-of-service compliance. They argue it could open a loophole for manipulating records.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire for administrative efficiency and flexibility in ELD record management for motor carriers against the imperative to maintain the integrity and accuracy of driver hours-of-service records to ensure public and driver safety.