A federal ruling requiring truck drivers to use electronic logging devices to keep records of duty was signed into law in 2015. The ELD mandate became effective on December 18, 2017, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) began enforcement of these devices.
However, it wasn’t until April 1, 2018 that the ELD mandate went into full enforcement. This means ELD violations began effecting CSA scores and put non-compliant drivers out of service for a minimum of 10 hours.
This relatively new electronic logging technology relates to any driver or motor carrier who is required to keep track of HOS (hours of service). This is done by preparing a log book using an electronic device, such as KeepTruckin ELD, Rand McNally ELD 50, Transflo ELD T7, and many others.
The ELD Mandate
This mandate applies to any driver who must keep records of duty, except drivers who (1) keep records of duty in just 8 or less days out of the month, (2) drivers operating in drive-away or the towing business and (3) truckers operating vehicles older than a 2000 model.
Upon using an ELD, drivers will no longer be able to use paper logs. Drivers should, however, still keep supporting documents and submit them to their respective carrier, or simply keep them on file. Again, the mandate does not apply to vehicles built before the year 2000.
In May 2018, a bill was filed in the U.S. House, which looks to offer permanent ELD exemption for smaller carriers with 10 or less trucks. It is referred to as the Small Carrier Electronic Logging Device Exemption Act. This bill is sponsored by Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minnesota) and Greg Gianforte (R-Montana).
The mandate is projected to save the industry as much as $1 billion per year, mostly due to time saved when not doing paper logs. It is also believed that the ELD mandate will save lives, as drivers will be more accountable with an electronic device.
Our goal is help drivers and fleet owners remain or become compliant with the ELD mandate. Explore our site to read reviews about specific ELD devices, or simply to get more information. We can answer questions like how to choose an ELD, hours of service rules, and other related topics.
Logging Device Facts, Compliance and ELD Mandate News
ELD Mandate News Update May 14, 2020 Update The DOT has made some changes to the HOS rules that they are expecting will result in $270,000,000 in regulatory savings to companies. The following are the changes to the policy. 30-minute break rule can now be taken by a driver using on duty, not driving status instead of off duty status. 10 hour off duty time can no be split into 8/2 or 7/3 hour periods with neither time counting against the 14-hour driving window. They are extending the adverse driving conditions exception by 2 hours. Extending the short-haul distance from
Best ELD Devices 2021 | Top 20 Electronic Logging Devices [Reviewed]
It is now official, trucks and trailers in the US must have electronic logging devices (ELD) installed. See the updated news about the ELD mandate for more information today. ELD devices are meant to replace paper logs to monitor a driver’s hours of service. The ELD mandate only applies to carriers and drivers who are required to maintain records of duty status (RODS), in accordance with US federal hours of service regulations. Those who fail to comply will be penalized with fines, placed out of service, and CSA points added to your record. To stay in compliance, you should make
DOT Hours of Service (HOS) Rules & Regulations
16 December 2019 was the official day. If you are not exempt from the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration) ELD mandate, you should already have one in your truck and be using it. If you have not found one or your contract is coming up, make sure you see our hand-picked list of the best ELD Devices. Based on a report by the National Safety Council (NSC), about 100,000 accidents on American roads every year are a result of driver fatigue. You can imagine the loss of lives and damage to property that such accidents cause. The question is,
Best ELDs for Owner Operators 2021 – Top 5 Devices Reviewed
If you are not in the agricultural sector, which has been awarded a grace period, compliance with the ELD mandate is necessary requirement, therefore, As an owner-operator, you must install the right ELD devices in your vehicle(s). Having the right product installed in your truck will not only ensure that you remain in compliance with FMCSA requirements; it will give you access to an assortment of features to keep track of your hours of service (HOS)and better your CSA score. While there are numerous ELD devices in the market today, choosing the right ELD for owner-operators can be challenging. In this regard,