Frequently Asked Questions

Less Paperwork, More Driving


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Before You Buy

  • Why do I need an electronic logging device?

    The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that all commercial drivers use an electronic logging device to automatically collect their hours of service records. More details on the ELD mandate are available on the FMCSA website.

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  • Do I need to buy the BIT ELD before I can try the system?

    No. The Blue Ink Tech App and the BIT web portal are free to use, so you can create a BIT account to try them out before you decide to buy our ELD. Download the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store and log into the web portal at blueinktech.com to see how easy it is to record or edit your HOS logs.

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  • Is the BIT ELD registered with the FMCSA?

    Yes. Blue Ink Tech's ELDs are FMCSA registered. See https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/ELD/List
    BITELD model #BIT17001
    BITOBD model #BIT17002

  • Do I own or lease the ELD?

    When you buy the BIT ELD you own the ELD. There are no ongoing monthly costs to use the BIT ELD to record your HOS logs or for access to BIT Customer Support.

  • Is there a warranty on the BIT ELD?

    The BIT ELD comes with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty on hardware defects. If your BIT ELD breaks or malfunctions due to a manufacturing defect within a year of the purchase date, you can return it for a free exchange.

  • Will there be a monthly fee after I buy the ELD?

    No. There are no ongoing fees to use the BIT ELD, the Blue Ink Tech App and the BIT Web Portal to record your HOS logs.

  • You say you don't charge monthly fees. Do you charge annual fees?

    No. There are no ongoing charges or fees to use your BIT ELD and Blue Ink Tech App to record your HOS logs for ELD mandate compliance.

  • What if I decide I don't like your system? Can I return the ELD for a refund?

    We offer a 30-day money back guarantee, so if you decide the BIT ELD system isn't right for you or your fleet, you can return the ELD(s) for a full refund within that time period.

  • Can I return my ELD after the 30-day money back guarantee period?

    No. Our Support Team is happy to work with you to fix any issues you may have with the ELD, and we will make free exchanges for hardware malfunctions, but we do not issue refunds more than 30 days after your original purchase.

  • Will this help me with DVIRs?

    Yes. Drivers can submit their DVIRs through the Blue Ink Tech App, and those reports will be available on the Blue Ink Tech web portal for six months.

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  • Will this help me with IFTA?

    Yes. Track your drivers' in-state miles and fuel purchases with a BIT Full Service plan. More details are available here.

  • Does the app support team drivers?

    Yes, the Blue Ink Tech App supports team driving. The driver and co-driver can log into the app on the same phone or tablet and switch back and forth as the active user to record their own HOS logs.

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  • Will I be able to tell if my truck has any fault codes?

    Yes. Get in-app fault code reading with a BIT Full Service plan. More details are available here.

  • How does the ELD connect to the ECU of my truck?

    The BIT ELD adapter plugs into your vehicle's diagnostic port, which is directly connected to the vehicle's ECU.

  • Does the ELD record my speed?

    No, speed is not recorded or saved by the ELD. Speed data is only used to tell if the truck is in motion over 5mph to automatically set a “Driving” status.

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  • Does the ELD handle Oilfield regulations?

    Yes, you can set your driving cycle to Oilfield to correctly log your waiting time.

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  • What type of connector is required to install the BIT ELD?

    The BIT ELD device can be connected to the diagnostic port in most trucks. The 9-pin connector meets SAE J1939 and the 6-pin connector meets SAE 1708 and J1587 standards for serial communications in heavy-duty vehicles.

  • I haul HOT SHOT loads. Will the BIT ELD work on OBD-II ports?

    The BIT ELD-HS is designed to work for medium duty Ford, Dodge or Chevy vehicles. Call us at 304-381-1512 or go to our Purchase page to order yours today.

  • How do I know what phone/tablet is compatible with the ELD?

    Most new model smart phones and tablets will work with the BIT ELD. Devices must have bluetooth 4.0 or better and GPS capabilities.
    Recommended operating system: Android Marshmallow (6.0) or iOS 10+

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  • Do I need a cable to connect the ELD to my phone or tablet?

    No. The ELD will connect with your device through a wireless bluetooth connection.

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  • How much data will the app use on my data plan?

    The app is designed to use as little data as possible with periodic data syncs. Usage typically ranges from 10-20 MB per month.

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  • Can I use a wifi hotspot instead of getting a new data plan?

    Yes, you can send data to your carrier by connecting to a wifi hotspot and sending logs at the end of your day. Keep in mind that many DOT officers will ask you to send your logs to the DOT email or web server.

  • What if I need to use my diagnostic port for maintenance purposes?

    You can unplug the BIT ELD to free up your diagnostic port for maintenance. This will not affect the ELD or your logs. Just remember to reinstall it before you hit the road! We stock splitter cables if you need to plug more than one device into your diagnostic port at one time, or if you don't want to bother with uninstalling your ELD every time you need to do maintenance or clear fault codes. See our Purchase page for all of our adapter cable options.

Customer Support

  • Do I have to have an email address to create a BIT account?

    Yes. We require a valid email address so if you forget your password we can send you a password reset email.

  • Can I use the same email address for all of my drivers?

    No. Each driver needs their own email address to create a unique account on the Blue Ink Tech App to record their logs.

  • Where can I find the user manual for my ELD?

    You can download the latest version of the BIT ELD User Manual from our Support page.

  • I lost my Driver Instructions and Inspector Instructions cards. Can I get new ones?

    Yes. You can print both cards from our Support page.

  • How do I see my data?

    The BIT ELD transmits vehicle data to the Blue Ink Tech App on your mobile device through a Bluetooth connection. You can see the last 8 days' data on the app. The Blue Ink Tech App uploads its data to Blue Ink Tech's server where it is kept for 6 months and can be accessed through the BIT web portal at blueinktech.com.

  • How far back can I see my HOS logs?

    You can see your HOS logs for the current day and the past 7 days on the Blue Ink Tech App. You can see your HOS logs for the past 6 months on the BIT web portal. The FMCSA requires that ELD providers store your data for a six month period.

  • How do I print or save my logs?

    You can print your logs from your BIT account on the Blue Ink Tech web portal. Log into your account and go to the Logs page. Click “Save to PDF” to create a detailed copy your logs that can be printed or saved to your computer.

  • What if I find an error in my log? Can I edit my logbook?

    Yes. You can edit your logs in the Blue Ink Tech App or on the BIT web portal. The only duty status events that have limited edits are drive times, which can only be assigned to other in-motion statuses such as “Personal Conveyance” and “Yard Move”.

  • I'm the BIT account administrator. Can I edit my drivers' logs if I see an error?

    You cannot directly make changes to your drivers' logs, but you can make suggested edits to their logs on the web portal. The suggested changes will show on the driver's Blue Ink Tech App home screen for them to accept or reject before certifying their logs.

  • Why can't I change my “Drive” time to “Off Duty”?

    The FMCSA mandates that Driving events recorded by the ELD when the vehicle was in motion cannot be changed to a non-motion status such as “Off Duty” or “Sleeper Berth”. You can only change drive time to another in-motion status such as “Personal Conveyance” or “Yard Move”.

  • What do the lights on the BIT ELD adapter mean?

    Blinking Red – Your vehicle is moving but the BIT ELD adapter is not connected to the Blue Ink Tech App
    Blinking Yellow – Your engine is on but the BIT ELD adapter is not connected to the Blue Ink Tech App
    Blue – The BIT ELD adapter is ready to connect to the Blue Ink Tech app
    Green – The BIT ELD adapter is connected to the Blue Ink Tech app
    Purple – The BIT ELD adapter has Unidentified Driver records
    Cyan – There was an error. Unplug the ELD and reinstall it

  • How do I update to the latest version of the Blue Ink Tech app?

    For Apple devices: open the App Store and select Updates. Press the Update button next to the Blue Ink Tech App. For Android devices: open the Google Play store and select the Blue Ink Tech App update. You can set your phone to automatically update by going to the Apple Store or Google Play and searching for Blue Ink Tech, then choosing auto-update from the menu.

  • How do I know if I have the latest app update?

    Your Blue Ink Tech App Home screen will alert you if an update is available. You can set your phone to automatically update by going to the Apple Store or Google Play and searching for Blue Ink Tech, then choosing auto-update from the menu.

  • What happens if I lose cell service?

    The ELD and your phone connect via local bluetooth, so they will still communicate and you can record your HOS logs even if you lose cell service. You do need cell service, or some type of internet connection, if you need to send your logs to the DOT during a roadside inspection, and for your Blue Ink Tech App to send data to your carrier. Per the FMCSA frequently asked questions, if you do not have cell service during a roadside inspection, it is sufficient to show the DOT officer the Roadside Inspection screen of your Blue Ink Tech App. This screen has all of the information required by the FMCSA. See here for more details.

  • Why doesn't the odometer in my logs match my dashboard odometer?

    The FMCSA requires that an ELD read the engine odometer, which is based on engine shaft rotations. This is separate from the dashboard odometer, which is usually based on wheel shaft rotation, and is less accurate due to changes in tire pressure and size.

  • Can I change it so the ELD puts me on the drive line at 10mph instead of 5mph?

    No. The 5mph threshold for automatic “Driving” status is mandated by the FMCSA.

  • Why can't I see my DVIR in the app?

    To free up storage space on your phone or tablet, your saved DVIR is stored on the Blue Ink Tech web portal. You can see your DVIRs for the last six months on the web portal.

  • Why do my logs show my location as “XX miles SSW of CITY” instead of my physical location?

    The FMCSA instructs ELD manufacturers to display location information this way. Exact location is not needed for ELD mandate compliance, and it provides added privacy to the driver.

  • How does the ELD know what duty status to use?

    The only duty statuses automatically recorded by the BIT ELD are “Driving” and “On Duty Not Driving”. The BIT ELD detects when your vehicle is in motion and when it stops. All other duty status changes must be made by the driver.

  • Why is there a USB port on my BIT ELD?

    The mini-USB port on the ELD is for future firmware updates. You can connect your ELD to your computer with a USB cable to download programming updates directly to the ELD.
    You can also use the port to plug Android phones or tablets directly into the ELD with a mini-usb cable. This will not charge the Android device, but does avoid having to connect via Bluetooth.

  • What happens if I lose bluetooth connection?

    Your ELD should reconnect on its own after a few minutes. If it doesn't reconnect, you should try one or more of the following steps:

    1. Turn off your Bluetooth, then turn off your phone or tablet.
    2. Unplug the ELD.
    3. Power your phone or tablet back on, then turn on your Bluetooth.
    4. Plug in the ELD.
    5. Navigate into the Blue Ink app to reconnect.

    If these steps do not work to reconnect your ELD, please call Support at (304) 381-1512.

Roadside Inspection

  • What should I do during a roadside inspection?

    Select “Roadside Inspection” from the Blue Ink Tech App menu. All of the required data will be displayed on this screen for the DOT officer. We provide an Inspector Instructions card with your ELD. You can give this card to the DOT officer to help them navigate the “Roadside Inspection” screen and see how to send your logs to the DOT email or web server. You can download and print this card on our Support page.

  • What if the inspector wants a copy of my logs?

    You can send your logs to the DOT email or web server. On the “Roadside Inspection” screen tap the green gear icon in the bottom-left corner to bring up a menu of options. Tap “Send Records to DOT Web Server” or “Email Records to DOT”. The officer should give you a routing number to enter in the comment field so they can easily find the file. Your logs will be sent in the comma-separated-variable format required by the FMCSA.

  • What if the inspector wants a copy of my logs but I don't have an internet connection?

    Per the FMCSA's frequently asked questions, if you do not have cell service during a roadside inspection, it is sufficient to show the DOT officer the Roadside Inspection screen of your Blue Ink Tech App. This screen has all of the information required by the FMCSA. See here for more details.

    We provide an Inspector Instructions card with your ELD. You can give this card to the DOT officer to help them navigate the “Roadside Inspection” screen and see how to send your logs to the DOT email or web server. You can download and print this card on our Support page.

  • Can I lock my screen so the DOT officer can't see my personal information?

    Yes. Most bluetooth capable tablets and phones have the capacity to pin or limit screen content. Use the links below for your Apple or Android phone:
    Apple Guided Access - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202612
    Android Pin Screens - https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/6118421?hl=en

  • I was issued a ticket for a violation that I don't think is right. What can I do?

    You can submit a request form in the FMCSA's DataQs to have that violation removed from your record. We can help to answer questions or provide evidence about our product for your request.
    https://dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov/Data/Guide/StakeholderRoles.pdf#nameddest=Drivers

BIT Air Scale

  • How many Air Scale sensors do I need for my truck?

    Typically you will need two sensors, one for each leveling valve. One on the truck and one on the trailer.

  • What if my truck needs more than two sensors?

    Call our sales team at 304-381-1512 to discuss a custom BIT Full Service plan for your vehicle. We can work with any setup.

  • Is BIT Air Scale easy to install?

    Yes, our push-to-connect tee fittings can be installed in minutes on your suspension system air lines.

  • Do I need any special equipment to use BIT Air Scale?

    No. You may need a knife or hose cutter to cut through the air hose for installation. If you need to remove the pressure sensor from the tee fitting you will need an adjustable wrench.

  • Why do I need to get weighed twice to calibrate?

    Our calibration process uses empty and full certified weights to establish two known data points. Once calibration is complete, the app interpolates current weight on all three axles using those data points.

  • How do you get the steer axle weight?

    We use the steer axle weights entered during calibration to determine current steer axle weight.

  • Do I need to recalibrate after sliding my fifth wheel?

    For an accurate weight, yes. If you dump the tractor air bags to take weight off the fifth wheel when you move it, you definitely need to recalibrate.

  • I already have the Blue Ink Tech App. Do I need another app for Air Scale?

    No. BIT Air Scale works in the existing Blue Ink Tech App and web portal.

  • What is your return policy?

    We offer a 30-day money back guarantee, and you can send back your sensors for a full refund within that time period.

  • Can I return the sensors after the 30-day money back period?

    No, we don't issue refunds for hardware more than 30 days after your original purchase

  • I notice that my weights are getting more and more inaccurate each day. Why is this happening?

    When your weights seem to be getting further from your actual weight tickets it is likely that there is a small leak in your air suspension line which is a common occurance. The BIT Air Scale sensors are reading the pressure from the suspension and using its calibration function to tell you the weight. If there is a small leak in the line then this can make your readings further off as the air escapes.

    Quick fix: spray your air suspension and all connections with soapy water. If bubbles appear then you have found the leak. Repair and recalibrate to get accurate readings moving forward.

  • I know what my truck weighs empty without a scale ticket. Why are the sensors are telling me different?

    Trucks may seem like they are always the same size and weight at all times but they are not. Trucks consume a lot of fluids and use a lot of rubber. If you enter weights from memory your calibrations will be very inaccurate. Fuel, DEF, anti-freeze, and tire tread are always changing and if you don't use certified scales to get the most accurate weights possible you could be off over 1,000 lbs on your calibrations.

  • I entered the weights from the scale ticket I got yesterday and the app is not anywhere close to being right. What is going on?

    Trucks consume a lot of fluids and use a lot of rubber. If you enter weights from previous days your scale readings your air scales will be very inaccurate. Fuel, DEF, anti-freeze, and tire tread are always changing and if you don't use certified scales at the time of calibration to get the most accurate weights possible you could be off thousands of pounds/kilograms.

BIT Full Service

  • How do I sign up for BIT Full Service?

    Log into the web portal at www.blueinktech.com and go to the “Subscriptions” page to sign up for BIT Full Service on any of your vehicles.

  • When will I get billed for BIT Full Service?

    BIT Full Service subscription fees are billed monthly. Payment will be charged to your account on the first day of each month.

  • How do I update my payment method?

    If you need to use a different card for your recurring subscription payments, please call our office at 304-381-1512. We can update your information for future payments.

  • How do I cancel my BIT Full Service subscription?

    Call us at 304-381-1512 before your next billing date to cancel service.

  • Does my BIT Full Service subscription come with tech support?

    Yes. Our in-house Support Team is here to help you with technical issues or to walk you through any BIT products and features. Email support@blueinktech.com or call 304-381-1512 and select option 2 to speak with a Support Team member.

  • If I sign up for BIT Full Service in the middle of the month, will I have IFTA data for the whole month?

    Yes. You will have access to your IFTA data for the entire month in which you subscribe.

  • Does IFTA Reports calculate my state taxes?

    No. IFTA Reports provides the in-state miles for your vehicles and tracks the fuel purchases based on your fuel receipt entries.

  • How do you track my vehicle's location for IFTA and Fleet Visibility?

    We use the GPS capabilities on your phone or tablet to record your location.

  • Can you still track my location when I lose cell service?

    GPS tracking uses satellites, while cell service uses cellular towers, so losing cell service should not affect your Fleet Visibility breadcrumb trail.

  • Will IFTA Reports and Fleet Visibility work for me if I don't have GPS tracking on my phone or tablet?

    No. Your tablet or phone must have GPS tracking capabilities for your location to be recorded.