Highway Requires ELD Hookups for All Carriers Post-Montgomery

Highway Mandates ELD Hookups for All Carriers After Montgomery Bridge Collapse

In a move that signals a new era of digital compliance, Highway—the leading digital freight matching platform—has announced that all carriers on its network must now have active ELD (Electronic Logging Device) hookups. The policy change comes in the wake of the catastrophic Montgomery bridge collapse, which exposed critical gaps in real-time driver monitoring and hours-of-service enforcement.

What Changed and Why

Effective immediately, any carrier using Highway to find loads must integrate their ELD data with the platform. This means that Highway will have direct, real-time access to a driver's logs, including driving time, on-duty hours, and rest breaks. The goal is to prevent fatigued driving and ensure compliance with federal regulations, especially after the Montgomery incident highlighted the risks of unchecked driver hours.

According to Highway, the new requirement applies to all carriers—regardless of size. Small owner-operators and large fleets alike must connect their ELDs. The platform has partnered with major ELD providers to streamline the integration process.

Impact on Drivers and Carriers

For drivers, this means increased transparency. Carriers using Highway will be able to verify that a driver is legal and rested before assigning a load. This could reduce the number of last-minute cancellations due to HOS violations. However, it also means less wiggle room for drivers who might have bent the rules to make a delivery.

Carriers will need to ensure their ELDs are compatible with Highway's API. Those without a compliant ELD may be temporarily suspended from the platform until they upgrade. Highway reports that over 95% of its active carriers already use ELDs, so the transition should be smooth for most.

The Montgomery Connection

The Montgomery bridge collapse in early 2026 was a wake-up call for the industry. Investigations revealed that the truck driver involved had been on duty for over 14 hours—well beyond the 11-hour driving limit. The incident led to calls for stricter enforcement and real-time monitoring. Highway's new policy is a direct response to those calls.

"We can't afford another Montgomery," said a Highway spokesperson. "By requiring ELD hookups, we're ensuring that every load moved through our platform is driven by a compliant, well-rested driver."

What This Means for the Industry

Highway's move could set a precedent for other digital freight platforms. If successful, we may see similar requirements from competitors like Uber Freight or Convoy. The FMCSA has also been exploring mandatory ELD data sharing for all brokers, and this could accelerate those efforts.

For drivers, the key takeaway is that compliance is no longer optional. If you're not using an ELD, or if your ELD isn't integrated with the platforms you use, you may find yourself locked out of the best-paying loads. As we discussed in our earlier post on Freight Factoring Rates: How Much Does Factoring Really Cost?, financial tools are also evolving to reward compliant drivers.

How to Prepare

If you're a carrier on Highway, check your ELD compatibility immediately. Most major ELD providers—including KeepTruckin, Samsara, and EROAD—already offer API integrations. If yours doesn't, contact your provider for an upgrade path.

Drivers should ensure their logs are accurate and up-to-date. With real-time monitoring, any discrepancies will be flagged instantly. This is a good time to review your HOS practices and ensure you're taking full advantage of your 30-minute break and 10-hour rest periods.

The Bottom Line

Highway's ELD hookup requirement is a game-changer. It prioritizes safety and compliance, which ultimately benefits everyone—drivers, carriers, and the public. While it may add a layer of bureaucracy, the long-term payoff is fewer accidents, lower insurance costs, and a more professional industry.

For drivers looking to work with compliant carriers, apply for a CDL job on our platform. Carriers interested in partnering with vetted, ELD-compliant drivers can see our carrier pricing to get started.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to buy a new ELD to work with Highway?

A: Not necessarily. Most ELDs on the market today have API capabilities. Check with your provider to see if they offer integration with Highway. If not, you may need to upgrade to a compatible model.

Q: Will this affect my ability to find loads on other platforms?

A: Currently, only Highway has this requirement. However, other platforms may follow suit. It's a good idea to have an ELD that can integrate with multiple platforms to future-proof your business.

Q: What happens if my ELD data shows a violation?

A: Highway will flag the violation and may prevent you from accepting loads until it's resolved. This is to ensure safety and compliance. It's best to address any HOS issues proactively.

Q: Can owner-operators still use Highway without a fleet?

A: Yes, owner-operators are considered carriers on Highway. You will need to connect your ELD just like any other carrier. The process is the same regardless of fleet size.