If you currently work in the trucking industry, you have probably heard about the FMCSA’s ELD mandate since it’s no longer considered a “new rule.” This may impact all drivers’ HOS or hours of service, including independent contractors and significant truck drivers. Whether you are a long or short-haul driver, this regulation will now have an impact on you. This blog will look at the ELD mandate for American truck drivers.
What is an ELD?
ELD is the abbreviation for Electronic Device that can aid truck drivers to accurately tracking their driving hours. It also certifies that they followed the hours-of-service rules (HOS). The electronic logging device is plugged into an electrical port under the dashboard. All daily driving activities are recorded by synchronizing with the truck’s engine.
The ELD devices have successfully digitally replaced the traditional paper logbooks that track and record various data types. With their enhanced capabilities, ELD systems go a step further and establish a benchmark for the commercial vehicle industry. Everything that you used to record in paper logs is included in the data that has been logged and much more.
What Does an ELD Mandate Imply?
The ELD Mandate, which is applicable to fleet carriers and truck drivers who are required to maintain records of duty service, states that an electronic device must be installed and functional at all times while your HOS is being performed in your truck. The Mandate was implemented gradually with tax enforcement and allowances for exemptions on older vehicles before becoming more stringent over time.
Long story short, you should ensure that you are aware of the requirements and follow them because failing to do so could significantly negatively impact your business and even result in you being forced out of service. They can check reports in-depth, like your hours of service and records of duty status while conducting these inspections on the ELD system.
More About ELD Compliance
Any registered device may not be compliant with the ELD requirements, according to the FMCSA. According to the rules, the ELD provider or manufacturer must first certify their own e-log devices before registering them. This procedure, known as “self-certification,” entails that ELD providers must confirm that their ELD solution complies with the technical requirements in the ELD rule.
You can hop on to the FMSCA website, where it maintains a list of self-certified and registered ELDs. You must take into account that even if the provider is on the list of Registered ELDs, it does not guarantee that the ELD is in full compliance with the regulation. Thus, in order to confirm quality, dependability, and security, buyers are advised to conduct their own research on ELD providers.
To Sum Up
ELDs are designed to increase traffic safety and prevent fatigue, which will assist you in remaining in compliance with the law. Get fleet management software with ELD compliance like TruckSmartz and begin your driver training to ensure a smooth transition to full compliance. These measurements all support your fleet’s safety level, compliance status, and CSA ratings.