FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)

In December of this year a new mandate goes into effect regarding electronic logging devices (ELD). Here are 3 ELD mandate issues to anticipate as identified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):

  1. Short Term Rentals: If a freight company employs rental trucks, it’s possible that their ELD may not be compatible with the carrier’s software program that manages its own fleet. A work-around is in development through a waiver allowing drivers of short term rentals to use paper logs. This work-around is not yet set in stone, being a recommendation from the Truck Rental and Leasing Association to the FMCSA. However, it is expected that the exemption and solution will be approved by the ELD mandate compliance deadline, which is December 17 of this year.
  1. Grandfather AOBRD: Many fleets already feature automatic on-board recording devices (AOBRD) that meet the minimal requirements as outlined by ELD specifications. Those fleets are not required to be re-outfitted with ELD’s by this year’s mandate deadline. They are grandfathered until December 16, 2019 if they were installed prior to the new ELD mandate’s enforcement date.
  1. Data Transfer: If a driver is unable to transfer the data from an ELD to an authorized safety official, it’s the same as having no log book. That driver is considered to have no record of duty status and faces 8 consecutive hours out of service. As of this date, data-transfer software has not yet materialized. However, officials indicate that they anticipate a data transfer in print format. Basically a driver hands over the ELD to the official who prints off the logs. Some states are already transferring data via email. Needless to say, even if data-transfer software is not available by the deadline, alternative methods will create viable solutions so everyone can keep their drivers working the hours they legitimately have available.

 

For more information on the latest developments in regulations, stay connected with professionals in the freight industry who can assist you in the best solutions for your carrier issues.