GHOSTRUCK Act Would Limit Who Can Edit ELD Logs

Lawmakers Introduce GHOSTRUCK Act Targeting Foreign ELD Edits

A new bill introduced in Congress would prevent foreign-based dispatchers from making changes to Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records used to track truck drivers’ Hours-of-Service (HOS). Representatives Greg Steube (R-Florida) and Dave Taylor (R-Ohio) announced the introduction of the Guarding Hours-of-Service Oversight and Stopping Tampering by Remote Unofficial Carrier Keeper, or GHOSTRUCK Act, on June 21.

Supporters of the legislation say it would close a loophole that allows overseas dispatchers to alter driver records while remaining outside the reach of U.S. laws.

What the GHOSTRUCK Act Would Do

The GHOSTRUCK Act would require that any edits or annotations made to an ELD record come only from: carrier, dispatcher, or driver who is physically located in North America.

The bill would not change existing federal requirements that drivers must approve edits made to their records before those changes become official.

Current federal law does not clearly prohibit foreign-based personnel from accessing and modifying ELD records.

“Foreign dispatchers should not be able to manipulate trucking safety records from halfway around the world and put American lives at risk,” Steube said in a statement announcing the legislation.

Taylor said the bill is intended to improve accountability and strengthen highway safety for both truck drivers and the traveling public.

Concerns About Foreign-Based Dispatch Operations

The legislation follows reports that some foreign-based dispatchers have altered driver logs to make it appear that drivers complied with HOS rules when they may have exceeded legal driving limits.

Supporters of the bill argue that such practices can lead to driver fatigue, increase crash risks, and create unfair advantages for carriers that do not follow federal regulations.

Hours-of-Service rules are designed to limit driving time and ensure drivers receive adequate rest. Federal regulations require most commercial drivers to use ELDs to automatically record driving time and duty status.

While edits to ELD records can be necessary for situations such as fuel stops, personal conveyance, or corrections to duty status records, lawmakers say those changes should be made only by individuals who can be held accountable under North American laws.

The bill’s supporters also note that American drivers, dispatchers, and carriers can face significant legal consequences if falsified records contribute to a serious crash. Foreign-based individuals operating outside U.S. jurisdiction often avoid similar accountability.

Trucking Industry Groups Back the GHOSTRUCK Act

Several major trucking organizations have announced support for the GHOSTRUCK Act:

• American Trucking Associations (ATA),
• Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA),
• Truckload Carriers Association (TCA),
• Florida Trucking Association (FTA),
• National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA)
• National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC).

OOIDA President and CEO Todd Spencer said the legislation would help prevent foreign nationals from altering the ELD records of American truck drivers while preserving the driver’s authority to approve any changes.

ATA Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs Alex Rosen said maintaining the integrity of ELD records is critical to enforcing HOS regulations and improving roadway safety.

Other industry groups echoed concerns that unauthorized logbook edits can undermine compliance efforts, increase pressure on drivers, and reduce confidence in safety systems designed to prevent fatigued driving.

Focus Remains on Hours-of-Service Compliance

If approved, the GHOSTRUCK Act would add a geographic restriction to who can modify ELD records while maintaining the current driver approval process.

Supporters say the measure would improve transparency, strengthen accountability, and help ensure that HOS records accurately reflect a driver’s duty status.

The bill has been referred to Congress for consideration and is expected to receive attention from trucking industry stakeholders as lawmakers continue debating issues related to ELD compliance, driver safety, and freight fraud.