COUNTRYWIDE MANDATE EFFECTIVE DEC. 18, 2017
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will require most commercial truck drivers to utilize an ELD effective December 18th 2017. Generally speaking, truck drivers who are currently mandated to maintain paper logs will be required to obtain an ELD. This would include most truck drivers who operate across state lines. Trucks that are older than model year 2000 are exempt. For more details on who is affected, visit the FMCSA website.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR TRUCK DRIVERS?
Overdrive reported that many truckers are in worries about switching to an ELD due to additional costs and the feeling of invasion of privacy. There is widespread concern that a significant number of drivers may choose to exit the trucking business, which may leading to a shortage of tenured truck drivers and changes in the market.
All ELDS ARE NOT THE SAME
ELDs can be permanently attached to a truck (cab device) or can be a hand-held device (smartphone). Both types make tracking hours-of-service easier and more accurate than paper logs, and also provide vehicle inspection reports and gauges featuring key engine stats. All ELDs must be certified with the FMCSA to be compliant. For additional information on compliant ELDs, visit the FMCSA website.
PREPARE AND GET AN ELD BEFORE THE DEADLINE
We recommend truck drivers to get an ELD well in advance of the December deadline. Drivers who switch early will have time to get used to the learning curve and become familiar on how to use it correctly when the mandate takes effect.