Federal Transport regulations are changing big time! And when there’s change, there are always a couple of things to consider. To help you understand in simpler terms what’s new with the regulations in the car transport industry, we’re going to break this down into parts.
Key Highlights
- The ELD mandate requires commercial trucks (engines newer than 1999) to use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track driver hours of service (HOS) for safety and compliance.
- ELDs automatically record driving time, breaks, and other duty status information, reducing paperwork and improving communication for drivers, dispatchers, and carriers.
- The mandate was implemented in phases, with full ELD adoption mandatory for all applicable trucks since December 2019.
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What’s going on? What is the ELD mandate?
The electronic logging device is not fairly new, we’ve heard of similar devices before but this time, the ELD is the chosen one. We have heard more concrete information about this back at the end of 2015. This device helps drivers keep track of the record of duty status (RODS) by measuring the hours of service (HOS).
What kind do vehicles use the ELDs?
Commercial buses and trucks do. This only applies to trucks with the engine newer than 1999. Click here for more information.
What are the benefits that the FMCSA sees in this?
The FMCSA wants to make sure that the drivers are not overworking themselves, thus reducing traffic and on-road accidents.
Since the drivers have to constantly record their work information and maintain contact with the pickup contacts, delivery contacts, brokers, and dispatchers, this saves them time a bit of time as well.
Dispatchers are also able to track them to help drivers coordinate their routes.
Carriers are also able to monitor user data such as time, location, vehicle miles, identification and information of the driver, etc.
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When is the mandate fully in effect?
Well, there are three general phases for the implementation of the ELD mandate. The first one was when it was being discussed back in December 2015. The FMCSA allowed the drivers/carriers to prepare themselves for the implementation.
Now, we are currently in the second phase (December 18, 2017 – December 16, 2019). Carriers are still allowed to use the AOBRD (Automatic On-Board Recording Device, a simpler version of the ELD) and the ELD (whether they buy the device or if they use a smartphone that meets the ELD rule’s technical specifications).
When is the third phase? In December 2019; the ELD devices will be mandatory for all carriers and drivers.
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