December 16, 2019 marks the date where full compliance of the ELD rule is required by all carriers and drivers. Implementation of the Rule has followed three phases:
- December 16, 2015 – December 17, 2018 – Awareness and Transition Phase
- December 18, 2017 – December 15, 2019 – Phase in Compliance
- December 16, 2019 onward – Full Compliance
Read on for all you need to know to make sure you’re compliant!
About ELDs
The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Rule applies to most motor carriers and drivers who are required to keep records of duty status (RODS). This includes commercial buses as well as trucks. It applies to drivers domiciled in Canada and Mexico, unless they qualify for an exception to the rule.
An ELD is technology that automatically records a driver’s driving time and other hours-of-service (HOS) data. This allows easier and more accurate recordkeeping. An ELD monitors a vehicle’s engine to capture data on whether the engine is running, whether the vehicle is moving, miles driven, and duration of engine operation (engine hours).
During Phase 1 of the ELD rule, law enforcement could review a driver’s hours of service by viewing the ELD’s display screen or from an ELD printout.
During Phase 2 of the ELD rule, all carriers and drivers subject to the ELD rule must use either an ELD or an AOBRD (automatic on-board recording devices compliant with existing regulations) by December 18, 2017. AOBRDs may be used until December 16, 2019, if the devices were put into use before December 18, 2017.
During Phase 3 of the ELD rule, which starts December 16, 2019, all carriers and drivers subject to the rule must use ELDs. ELDs must have the capability of either telematic data transfer or local transfer.
So, what exactly is changing as of Dec 16th?
Phase 3 of implementation requires that all drivers and carriers that are subject to the rule now use self-certified ELDs that are registered with the FMCSA. What this means is that the AOBR devices that some carriers use will no longer be compliant. AOBRDs and ELDs are alike in the fact that they both record a driver’s hours of service. The primary difference between ELDs and AOBRD is that ELDs track more information more accurately. ELDs also have a greater level of accuracy and HOS compliance. ELDs readily display log edit history—for review by DOT inspectors, for example—whereas AOBRDs do not.
Need more?
Do you have more ELD-related questions? The FMCSA has created a website, the ELD FAQ’s. Its objective is to provide plain language information regarding the ELD rule. Check in out today!
The FMCSA has also published a useful brochure for drivers: Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Rule – FACTS for the Commercial Motor Vehicle Industry
The brochure is also available in Spanish: Regla de Dispositivos de Registro Electrónico (ELD) – HECHOS para la Industria de vehículos comerciales
Many in the industry predict that it may affect capacity and rates – as some trucks and drivers many be unavailable due to non-compliance. So, make sure you are complaint; it will mean you are ready and available to take loads during the busiest season of the year for refrigerated trucking. Your availability means more money in your pocket!
