The ELD mandate rule replaced the current hours of service regulation in December 2017. It was introduced by the FMCSA, requiring American transport companies to comply with this new rule. The ELD device acts as a recording device for managing hours of service.
Things To Know About ELD Mandate:
This article will look at six facts you didn’t know about the ELD Mandate.
Implementation In Two Different Phases:
In the first phase, all transport companies were required to install a device that complies with the ELD rule (FMCSA 395.20) under the grandfather clause.
The second phase started in December 2019. According to this phase, all transport companies must install an ELD-certified device in their vehicles.
ELD Mandate Application:
The ELD mandate applies to all heavy-duty trucks and buses operating on American soil. It also applies to Canadian trucks traveling to the U.S., but some exceptions are sometimes made for these trucks.
ELD Suppliers Need To Self-Certify Their Products:
Transport companies can only install FMCSA approved devices listed on their page. So, suppliers of ELD devices need to certify that their products comply with all the regulations’ technical requirements. Then only can they register their products at the FMCSA website?
Supporting Documents Needed By The Driver:
Just the installation is not enough to comply with the mandate. You also need the following documents to be compliant:
- A user’s guide that describes the proper usage of the device
- An instruction sheet that enlists data-transfer mechanisms supported by the ELD device and step-by-step instructions for transferring data regarding service hours to the authorities should be present with the driver.
- The installation sheet holds information about the malfunctions and damages in the device.
- A blank logbook allows a driver to record his service hours for at least eight days.
ELD Must Be Visible During Driving:
If you have installed a portable ELD device (on a phone or tablet), it must be fixed in a position so that the device is visible to the driver from his driving seat.
Logbook Editing:
Both driver and fleet’s authorized personnel can edit the hours of service logs. Each edit needs an explanatory note. Also, the driver needs to confirm the change made by the company personnel. Drivers can’t delete the old logs; they should be present in the device.
- Driving Status: If the device is working correctly, it should automatically switch to driver status once the vehicle goes 8 km/h. Also, it should stop on its own when the vehicle becomes immobilized.
- ELD is not an additional expense, as some drivers believe. According to a Transport Canada report, the savings from the ELD device outweigh the costs of installing the device. There are several benefits, including time saved in managing electronic devices, reduced costs from paper logs, reduced hours of service infractions, and improved road safety.
FAQs
Q1- Who is required to have ELD in trucks?
The ELD mandate applies to most motor carriers and drivers. These drivers have to maintain records of duty status (RODS) per Part 395, 49 CFR 395.8(a). All buses and trucks, and to Canada- and Mexico-domiciled drivers also have to comply with the mandate.
Q2- Who is exempt from ELD?
According to the ELD mandate, if drivers are logging for less than eight days in a 30-day cycle, they are spared from the ELD rule. It means that if the driver breaks the short-haul exception and drives less than eight times in 30 days, he doesn’t need an ELD.
Conclusion:
ELD mandate has proven to be very helpful for the trucking industry. Some components still oppose it, but they are not aware of the full benefits of this small electronic device.
Also Read: How To Minimize The Potential Of Damaged Freight?