ELD Data Feud Ends: Who Pays for Truckers’ Digital Logs?
Motive and Highway restore ELD data access after dispute over compensation for carrier logs
The dispute began when Motive limited its API connection with Highway, citing the need for compensation for data access, a demand Highway rejected, arguing it does not charge carriers for such integrations. While the technical link has been restored, the commercial terms remain unresolved, leaving critical questions about payment structures and long-term data-sharing frameworks unanswered.
The agreement ensures uninterrupted service for carriers and brokers relying on both platforms, with no action required from end users. However, the joint statement does not confirm whether Highway’s Performance Guarantee, a key risk-mitigation tool for brokers, has been fully reinstated for Motive carriers.
For brokers, the outage highlighted the risks of over-reliance on a single ELD provider. Carrier vetting platforms like Highway depend on seamless data flows from dozens of providers to offer real-time visibility, load-lock alerts, and compliance guarantees.
The standoff between Motive and Highway exposes deeper tensions in the freight tech sector.
However, Highway’s counterargument, that carriers, not brokers, should bear the cost, resonates with smaller brokers who lack the margins to absorb new fees.
What the Resolution Means for Carriers and Brokers
Neither company disclosed how many carriers or brokers were affected by the disruption, but the impact was likely widespread. Motive serves a diverse customer base across multiple sectors, and Highway’s platform is a critical tool for brokers managing compliance and risk. The lack of transparency around the outage’s duration and scale underscores the opacity of data-sharing agreements in freight tech.
In their joint statement, both CEOs emphasized collaboration. Jordan Graft, CEO of Highway, said:
“Motive and Highway both play important roles in the freight ecosystem, and we are committed to serving customers together. We have a clear path forward that protects carrier choice and allows us to continue improving the experience for brokers and carriers.”
Jordan Graft·CEO of Highway
Shoaib Makani, co-founder and CEO of Motive, added:
“Our carriers depend on an ecosystem of partners to run their businesses. We are pleased to have reached a path forward with Highway that supports our customers and provides clarity around data use.”
Shoaib Makani·Co-founder and CEO of Motive
Why the ELD Data Dispute Matters for the Freight Industry
Despite the optimistic tone, three critical questions remain unanswered: Will either company pay the other for data access, and if so, on what terms? Has Highway’s Performance Guarantee been fully reinstated for Motive carriers? And will the updated agreement between the two firms establish a formal pricing framework for ELD data?
The companies are now in discussions to update their existing contract, which could set a precedent for how ELD providers and brokerage platforms structure data-sharing agreements in the future. For now, carriers and brokers are left to navigate an uncertain landscape, one where data access is restored, but the rules governing it remain in flux.
Industry observers note that this dispute may accelerate consolidation among ELD providers, as brokers seek more stable integrations. Highway’s offer to work with alternative providers suggests a potential shift away from Motive for some carriers, though switching ELDs is a costly and disruptive process. For smaller brokers, the episode serves as a warning: dependence on a single data source carries risks that extend beyond technical outages.
The resolution also raises broader questions about data ownership in freight tech. Should ELD providers control how their data is used and monetized, or should carriers, who generate the data, have the final say? The Motive-Highway dispute suggests the answer may lie in the middle, with providers asserting their rights while carriers demand transparency and control over their own telematics.
As the freight industry grapples with these challenges, one thing is clear: the era of free data sharing is ending. Whether through formal pricing frameworks or revised contracts, ELD providers and brokerage platforms will need to find a sustainable model that balances monetization with the need for seamless, real-time visibility. For now, carriers and brokers can breathe a sigh of relief, but the next disruption may be just around the corner.
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