Facts relating to ELOG Mandate which you must know

What is ELD Mandate?

ELD Mandate is a web based vehicle management solution which is used by the fleet operators in order to track the hours of service of each vehicle as well as its location. It provides real time data to the fleet operators. It has been proved to be the best electronic device which connects users through software to provide compliance and make operations efficient and less time taking.

With the use of ELDs, it is believed that the drivers will not be able to cheat on hours-of-service. Also, along with ELD installed, vehicles need to carry documents like dispatch records, trip records, expense receipts, settlement sheets and other dated materials if they are on a trip for more than 8 days. The documents help to link a driver with the dates for the specific trips and on-duty hours.

The ELD rule was effective from February 16, 2016 but the drivers and carriers have been using it since December 18, 2017. Truck companies using automatic onboard recording devices (AORDs) currently need to replace them with ELDs from December 16, 2019.

When and why did it come into existence?

ELD Mandate was published by FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) in the year of October 2015. The mandate came into existence on December 2017 and has become essential for all truck drivers and carriers across the nation to have ELOG mandate or electronic logging devices installed in their vehicle. All commercial vehicles including trucks and buses can use ELD Mandate.

It is to be remembered that the drivers who are obliged by the law to keep the records of duty status (RODS) and log their Hours of Service (HOS) only can install ELD. They have to replace their paper logbooks with ELD.

Guidelines to be followed by the ELD manufacturers

ELD manufactures must meet the guidelines set by Federal Motor Carriers. They must ensure –

  1. ELD device must connect to the vehicle’s computer
  2. Device must be able to send stored data via new and upcoming technologies like – wireless network, email, USB 2.0 and Bluetooth
  3. The data displayed by the device should be in graphic format

Fleet exempted from using ELD

The ELD rule is not applicable for every fleet. Fleets exempted from it are –

  1. The model of any commercial truck older than year 2000.
  2. Regional and local carriers operating within 100 miles of their terminals.
  3. Drive-away or tow-away trucks that transport new or used trucks from factories to dealerships.

Are you looking for electronic logging devices for sale?

ELD devices were promoted by many hi-tech companies in the name of ELOGs which are On-Board Electronic Recorders (AOBRDS) and uses outdated technology. But the technical specifications of AOBRDS and ELDs are different.

The main issue with the electronic logger is the lack of connection with the computer. Drivers themselves have to enter duty modes and locations manually. Also, they cannot send information via any wireless networks or Bluetooth. The market is flooded with electronic logging devices for sale and will be phased out by December 2019.

Keep track of your fleet and hours of duty through installation of elog Mandate device in your vehicle.

Josephine