Electronic Logging in Trucking – The ELD Mandate

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA) has begun to enforce the new Federal mandate requiring drivers to utilize electronic logging. This mandate passed in December 2015, and the first deadline to comply was in December 2017.

So what exactly does this mean for truck drivers and trucking companies?

In December 2015, the FMCSA passed the mandate stating that:

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) amends the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to establish: Minimum performance and design standards for hours-of-service (HOS) electronic logging devices (ELDs); requirements for the mandatory use of these devices by drivers currently required to prepare HOS records of duty status (RODS); requirements concerning HOS supporting documents; and measures to address concerns about harassment resulting from the mandatory use of ELDs. The requirements for ELDs will improve compliance with the HOS rules. (taken from Federal Mandate- Summary from FMCSA Federal Register Col 80 Nu 241 )

In layman’s terms, this means drivers must now utilize electronic logging of their records of duty status (RODS). The specific requirements drivers are required to meet, are detailed in the mandate.

Benefits of Electronic Logging Devices

• Replace paper recording of hours of service (HOS).
• Reduce paperwork.
• Keep dispatchers up-to-date on driver status.
• Eliminate questions on hours of service and driver status.

Fleet owners and drivers should note if they are currently utilizing automatic onboard recording devices (AOBRDS), these are usable until 2019 when the ELD mandate takes full effect. As of now, the ELD mandate results in tickets and fines if you’re not using an approved ELD or an AOBRDS.

The FMCSA has set up a webpage to assist trucking companies with the mandate. On this webpage, you can find a list of ELDs which are approved by the FMCSA. They are also allowing smartphones, tablets, and handhelds to be utilized, as long as the system meets their requirements, including hardwiring to the truck’s engine.

The FMCSA recommends trucking companies ensure their drivers are aware of the new mandate and understand it.  Scale Funding recommends trucking companies do their due diligence and research, so they know which ELD is right for them. Keep in mind cheaper versions are not always better. If setting up your company with ELDs causes financial stress, please contact one of our financial representatives via our website or by calling (800) 707-4845. Our freight factoring services are designed to help meet your cash flow needs.

Author: Megan L.