ELD MANDATE

Automates HOS Compliance

 

THE FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (FMCSA) began enforcing the ELD mandate on December 18, 2017, to create a safer work environment for drivers, and make it easier and faster to accurately track, manage and share RODS data. An ELD synchronizes with a vehicle engine to automatically record driving time for easier, more accurate HOS recording. It records data as it happens and automatically tracks duty status.

 

ELDs replace traditional logbooks. A mandated truck caught without an ELD will be considered in violation of HOS guidelines and will likely be placed out of service. Fleets using ABORDs have until December 2019 to comply with the mandate.

 

A study released by the FMCSA showed fleets equipped with electronic logs experienced:

• 53% lower driving-related HOS violation rates
• 49% lower non-driving-related HOS violation rates (such as form and manner)

 

This is substantiated by recent FMCSA data on HOS violations, which have steadily declined since the ELD mandate went into effect (see graph above). Since the start of full enforcement on April 1, 2018, less than 1% of all driver inspections have resulted in the driver being cited for an HOS violation (weekly and daily limits). This is down from a high of 1.36% in summer 2017.

 

It should be noted that even those who are exempt can benefit from the use of an ELD by simplifying vehicle inspections and compliance with HOS recording requirements.

 

 

​Read More