You’ve probably heard about the ELD mandate by now. It has been shaking up the freight industry for a while, and you’re wondering whether this is just a buzzed-about word, or it’s actually here to stay. If that’s you, this article takes you through everything you need to know about this mandate, from what it is, requirements to exemptions, and everything in between.
What Is an Electronic Logging Device?
In the simplest form, an Electronic Logging Device is a recording gadget that is synchronized to the engine to record vehicle parameters. Also, it allows for entries related to compliance with Hours of Service regulations as well as the driver’s Record of Duty status (RODs).
About the Electronic Logging Device Mandate
The mandate first came into existence back in 2012, after the enactment of MAP-21. The bill included a provision that required the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) to come up with a rule mandating the use of ELD trucking.
When Is the ELD Mandate Deadline?
The last ELD mandate update was on December 10, 2015, by the FMCSA and the first deadline to comply was Dec 2017. For carriers that already fitted their trucks with Automatic On-Board Recording Device (AOBRDs) before then, the agency gave them a 2-year grace period to comply. That means December 18, 2019, is the final ELD mandate deadline.
What Do the Requirements of the ELD Rule Include?
- Requires commercial drivers to use of Electronic Logging Devices, especially if they are needed to prepare the Hours of Service (HOS) and Records of Duty status
- Requires the electronic logging devices to be registered and certified by the FMCSA
- Sets the performance and design standards of ELD trucking
- Establishes what supporting documents truck drivers and commercial motor carriers are supposed to keep
- Protects truck drivers from harassment due to Electronic Logging Device data or connected technology such as trucking management software
- Also, it provides recourse for those who get harassed
ELD Mandate Exemptions
Although the mandate has affected millions of truckers, some situations have been exempted from this rule. These include:
- Pre-2000 vehicles. Commercial trucks manufactured in 1999 or before. However, you must produce the vehicle identification number (VIN) as a proof
- Driveaway-towaway operations: If you are shipping the truck
- Short-haul drivers: drivers using the 100 or 150 air-mile radius exception
Benefits of Electronic Logging Device System
Electronic Logging Device mandate was implemented to help reduce paper logs and prevent deaths. Commercial motor carriers who have complied with this rule are already reaping its benefits, which include;
- Reduced paperwork
- Saving a considerable amount of time by eliminating the need to use paper logs
- Avoiding unintentional and deliberate HOS violations
- Better load planning in light of the HOS compliance needs
How Much Does ELD Cost?
Fitting your truck with an Electronic Logging Device system can cost up to $500 (sometimes more) annually. Nevertheless, FMCSA is well aware of this cost burden, especially to large fleets. For that reason, the agency has allowed the use of rugged devices, tablets, or smartphones as long the solution meets all requirements, including a hard-wired connection to the vehicle’s engine.
Need an ELD System?
Now that you know everything about the mandate, there’s only one thing left to do – comply before the ELD mandate deadline sneaks up on up.
If you’re ready to equip your trucks with a reliable solution, TruckingOffice is here to help. Our Electronic Logging Device system is not only affordable but features an easy plug and play functionality to facilitate complete E-log compliance.
No doubt, avoiding ELD errors is of the utmost importance when it comes to your valuable time. Also, you don’t want to waste money on ELD devices that don’t meet ELD standards. Like all other motor carriers, you have to pay close attention to expenses, so spending money on inefficient equipment is a big concern. But, once you’ve got the right device in place, the benefits are worth the effort.
At TruckingOffice we realize that controlling expenses is crucial to your success For that reason, our ELD system gives you a detailed account of expenditures to help you keep an eye on your bottom line. Our goal is to help you save time, stay compliant, and increase revenue. When it comes to knowing what truckers need to make their jobs easier, we’ve got this. If you’d like more information about the ELD mandate or ELD trucking, contact us today. We’re always available to answer your questions and help you get the best TMS and ELD solutions for your money.
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