You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers on the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate
The December 2017 deadline is fast approaching. It’s the deadline to comply with the federal electronic logging device (ELD) mandate. Some truckers are excited about the change. Others are worried. In this post, we’d like to address a few of the commonly asked questions we get about this topic.
“What are the key requirements of the ELD mandate?”
The new electronic logging device (ELD) standards were established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They were put in place to ensure driver compliance with federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules. The ELD mandate requires:
- ELD use by all commercial drivers required to prepare hours of service records
- Sets ELD design and performance standards
- Requires ELDs to be certified with registered with the FMCSA
- Establishes what supporting documentation drivers and carriers are required to keep
- Prohibits harassment of drivers and provides recourse for drivers who believe they have been harassed
“What is the purpose of the ELD mandate?”
The primary purpose of the ELD mandate is to promote safety and accountability in the trucking industry. According to the Department of Transportation, there are approximately 500,000 accidents every year involving commercial vehicles. By implementing these new ELD standards, federal regulators believe they can minimize the risk of trucking accidents. Accidents caused by driver fatigue, which is a major problem for the trucking industry.
“What does the ELD mandate mean for me?”
Truckers are concerned. They’re worried about how these new ELD standards will affect their ability to work and make money. ELDs are designed to allow truck drivers and motor carriers to electronically track HOS compliance, replacing the paper log books of old. As a driver, electronically logging your hours can help reduce your chances of being harassed. It can protect you from being coerced into operating beyond your regulated hours. Or falsifying your record of duty status.
“Can I use my smartphone or other mobile device to electronically log records?”
The answer is yes. Provided the device can be hardwired to your truck engine. It has software to interpret and store the appropriate information.
- hardwired to your truck engine,
- has software to interpret the data,
- can store the appropriate information.
Using your existing smartphones and tablets in this way can help alleviate the cost associated with making the switch.
“I’ve heard that electronic record-keeping can help me make more money. Is this true?”
As you know, the only way the driver can make money is by getting miles. Every task that takes a trucker away from the wheel can reduce their income. This includes the task of updating a paper log book. The new electronic devices free transportation pros from this chore. Giving them more time to increase their income.
“Will the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate help me get better assignments?”
Dealing with a dispatcher is part of everyday life for a trucker. Sometimes the relationship between the two can become strained. Especially when those on the dispatch end don’t have up-to-date information. Electronic record-keeping will give dispatchers current data on driver status. This will enable them to assign loads more intelligently.
“What can I do to prepare for the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate’s effect on my business?”
There are ways to enable your company to run easier and more profitably. That is to choose the right transportation software. That’s where TruckingOffice comes into the picture. Take it for a free test drive and see for yourself what we mean. And feel free to call us at any time! We’d love to hear your thoughts about the electronic logging book (ELD) mandate.
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