The electronic logging device (ELD) rule, implemented by the United States Department of Transportation as part of MAP-21, is intended to help create a safer work environment for drivers. Effective December 18, 2017, many motor carriers operating interstate are now required to use an ELD, in lieu of paper hours of service (HOS) logs.
For most operations, if you were required to use paper logs, you are now required to use an ELD. This includes commercial buses and trucks domiciled in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The ELD rule can also include contractors with large fleet operations who meet the standards. Operations exempted from the new ELD rule include:
- Drivers who use paper logs eight days or less during any 30-day period
- Drive-away/tow-away drivers (if the vehicle driven is the commodity), or the vehicle being transported is a motor home or a recreation vehicle trailer (at least one set of wheels of the vehicle being transported must be on the surface while being transported)
- Drivers of vehicles manufactured before model year 2000
Driver safety is the top priority
The purpose of the new rule is to improve roadway safety, by requiring motor carriers to employ technology to strengthen compliance with hours of service regulations. In addition to saving lives, the final rule requiring ELDs will result in an estimated annual net benefit of more than $1 billion in the reduction of required paperwork. It will also increase efficiency of roadside law enforcement personnel in reviewing driver records.
In addition to creating a safer work environment for drivers, the rule will improve efficiencies in tracking, managing and sharing HOS data. The ELD synchronizes with the vehicle engine to automatically record driving time, thus improving the accuracy of HOS data.
Due to the ELD rule, these two major shortcomings of the paper logging system will be rectified:
- Drivers failing to properly complete paper HOS logs
- Drivers failing to complete the paper log when required
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that, on an average annual basis, the adoption of ELDs will result in 1,844 fewer crashes, 562 fewer injuries and 26 fewer deaths.
More information
The ELD Final Rule permits the use of smartphones and other wireless devices such as ELDs, as long as they satisfy technical specifications, are certified and are listed here. Canadian- and Mexican-domiciled drivers will also be required to use ELDs when operating on U.S. roadways.
For more information on the new rule, visit the FMCSA website or contact your local Amerisure Loss Control Consultant at (800) 257-1900 or [email protected].
Sources: Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; 49 CFR Parts 385, 386, 390, and 395; Electronic Logging Devices and Hours of Service Supporting Documents; DOT Final Rule
