In December, the deadline for trucking companies to switch from paper logbooks to an electronic logging device (ELD) passed. As with any new regulations, there is no shortage of information regarded this technology and we at Everglory Logistics want to provide an easy, efficient way for our clients to understand and comply with this new regulation. With capacity at a peak and trucking availability reaching critical status, we hope this can provide clarity and information for clients as they begin working through this new method.
What is the ELD Mandate?
The key requirements of the rule include:
- Requiring ELD use by commercial drivers who are required to prepare hours-of-service (HOS) records of duty status (RODS).
- Setting ELD performance and design standards, and requiring ELDs to be certified and registered with FMCSA.
- Establishing what supporting documents drivers and carriers are required to keep.
- Prohibiting harassment of drivers based on ELD data or connected technology (such as fleet management systems). The rule also provides recourse for drivers who believe they have been harassed.
Who is required to use an ELD?
The ELD rule applies to most motor carriers and drivers currently required to maintain records of duty status (RODS) and allows for only limited exceptions as follows:
- Drivers who operate under the short-haul exceptions may continue using timecards; they are
not required to keep RODs and will not be required to use ELDs - Drivers who use paper logs for not more than 8 days out of every 30-day period
- Drivers operating a power unit that is part of a driveaway/towaway shipment
- Drivers who are driving or towing a recreational vehicle that is part of a driveaway/towaway shipment
- Drivers who are operating vehicles with an engine model year older than 2000
- Drivers of property-carrying CMVs rented for eight days or less (this exemption was added in October).
What supporting documentation is necessary with the ELD?
- An ELD user manual
- An instruction sheet for transferring HOS data
- An instruction sheet for reporting possible ELD malfunctions
- A supply of paper log sheets as backup
What is the harassment provision?
The “Prohibiting Coercion of Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers” rule specifically forbids motor carriers, shippers, receivers, or transportation intermediaries from coercing CDL holders to violate certain provisions of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. The covered regulations include drivers’ hours-of-service limits; CDL regulations; drug and alcohol testing rules; and haz-mat requirements. The rule also prohibits anyone who operates a CMV in interstate commerce from coercing a driver to violate the commercial regulations.
Important links:
https://eldfacts.com/eld-mandate
