ELD Mandate: What you need to know

Earlier this year, it became official that the federal deadline for the ELD (electronic logging device) mandate in the United States would be Dec. 18, 2017.

The mandate will require replacing paper logs with a regulation-compliant device that connects directly to the engine ECM (vehicle’s computer). 

Truck drivers, carriers, owner operators, company owners and industry leaders have since been trying to alter or delay the mandate. However, with Congress on their summer break until September, it may be unlikely. Oversize load drivers and carriers are included in this mandate. 

So, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is preparing motor carriers and drivers on what’s to come in December. 

First off, the mandate applies to most motor carriers and drivers of buses and trucks who currently maintain a records of duty status (RODS).

Drivers of such are required to use a compliant ELD by Dec. 18 as well as annotate and edit RODS, and collect any supporting paperwork. An ELD is considered compliant only if it is one of the FMCSA’s registered ELDs. The list can be viewed here. Self-certified ELDs can be used during the initial two-year phase-in compliance period from Dec. 18, 2017 through Dec. 16, 2019. 

There are some exceptions. 

Exceptions

Any drivers who use paper logs no more than eight days in a 30-day period are exempt. Also, drive-away/tow-away drivers, as well as motor homes or recreational trailers are exempt. Lastly, drivers of vehicles manufactured before model year 2000. 

 What Should Drivers & Carriers Do?

Each carrier must evaluate and pick a fitting and compliant ELD and install in all trucks, as well as ensure that all drivers and staff members are aware of how to operate the devices.

Furthermore, understanding how to display and transfer any data to safety officials when requested is crucial. 

What to Expect After Compliance Date? 

After the two year full compliance date is met, which is Dec. 16, 2019, all drivers and carriers must use self-certified ELDs that are registered to the FMCSA. 

Drivers will immediately be expected to log into the ELD as soon as the vehicle is in motion. Also note that an owner-operator must have a single account as a driver, and a separate account for administration purposes. 

All approved FMCSA ELD will warn the driver if he or she does not immediately log into the ELD upon entering the vehicle. The ELDs are all programed to only allow any logging to the ELD when a vehicle is in motion. 

What are ELDs Recording?

ELDs are constantly tracking location to the nearest city, town or village, but are not capturing exact addresses. Location is recorded within an approximate one-mile radius. When the purpose is considered “off-duty,” the location of accuracy is 10 miles. 

Duty Status

Duty Status is an ELD records actual time for each duty status entered or automatically started. ELDs are not able to record minimum duty status. 

ELDs record data every hour when a vehicle is moving, and there has not been a duty status change or intermediate recording in the previous hour.

ELDs use several Duty Status categories, including driving, on-duty not driving, off-duty and sleeper berth. 

Categories of Driving

There are a few categories of authorized personal use, which are considered off-duty, and include yard moves, adverse operations and oilfield operations. 

For more detailed information about the ELD implementation, click here. 

In the near future, Canada may follow suite and implement an ELD mandate with all the cross-border business between the US and Canada. The Canadian mandate is still in development.