December 18 was the last day to comply with the FMCSA’s ELD mandate, which says that all commercial vehicles must have an electronic logging device on board to ensure hours of service compliance and on-the-road safety. Now that the big day has come and gone, what’s next? What should you be doing as a driver, fleet operator, or manager?
Let’s break it down:
If your truck doesn’t have an ELD device yet: Get one ASAP. Not only can you face federal fines and penalties, but it could leave you facing hours of service violations, which could threaten your license and livelihood altogether. Head to FMCSA.DOT.gov to learn more about the ELD mandate and to see a list of FMCSA-approved ELD devices.
At TruckingOffice, we’ve created a unique bring-your-own-device ELD that simplifies the transition from paper log to ELD. It requires no expensive or bulky equipment, no time-consuming installation, and no steep learning curve. Just plug it in, and you’re in compliance and ready to go.
If you do have an ELD device: If you were careful to get your ELD before the mandate went into effect, you should be safe should an inspection occur. Make sure to have your operating manual and other instructions on board in case they’re needed. You should also have a paper mileage log nearby if your ELD fails or goes down.
Make sure you’re also certifying your ELD’s records every 24 hours, as this is one of the key requirements passed down from the FMCSA. Your manager should have an admin account on the device, so they can access records as well.
More on the ELD Mandate
Want more advice on complying with the ELD mandate, finding the right device, or using your current device best? Download our ELD buyer’s guide now.
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