FMCSA Releases ELD Rule to Enforce HOS Regulations
How Will the New Electronic Logging Device Rule Affect the Trucking Industry?
On December 10, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) finally released its rule requiring interstate drivers use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to enforce hours-of-service (HOS) regulations and reduce driver fatigue – a leading cause of industry accidents. The rule was published December 16, 2015, and the deadline for compliance is two-fold. Carriers and drivers who are using paper logs or logging software must transition to ELDs no later than December 18, 2017.
Carriers and drivers who use Automatic Onboard Recording Devices (AOBRDs) prior to the compliance date must transition to ELDs no later than December 16, 2019. After December 16, 2019, all drivers and carriers subject to the rule must use certified, registered ELDs that comply with all regulatory requirements.
“Today is truly a historic day for trucking,” said American Trucking Association President Bill Graves in a statement. “This regulation will change the trucking industry – for the better – forever. An already safe and efficient industry will get more so with the aid of this proven technology.”
What is an Electronic Logging Device?
According to the FMCSA, “an ELD is technology that automatically records a driver’s driving time and other aspects of the hours-of-service (HOS) records.” ELD technology allows more accurate, real-time tracking of HOS records. ELDs are integrated with vehicles engine to monitor whether the engine is running, if the vehicle is moving, how many miles have been driven and duration (in hours) of engine operation.
FMCSA Resources for ELD Rule Compliance
The FMCSA, anticipating possible questions and confusion around the ELD rule’s rollout, has published a variety of resources for carriers and drivers to assist in the implementation process.
These resources include:
- ELD Rule Implementation Timeline
- ELD Rule Checklist for Drivers
- ELD Rule Checklist for Carriers
- ELD Rule FAQs
Additionally, the FMCSA plans to hold training and events during the implementation process. As they are scheduled, information regarding those events can be found here.
