What Is the Electronic Logging Device Mandate?

Big changes are happening in the trucking world. One of the most significant changes is a recent mandate requiring all trucks to have an electronic logging device (ELD) attached to the engine. These ELDs send real time data from a truck’s engine back to the fleet manager. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about ELDs and how they’ll affect hot shot trucking in Houston, TX.

What is an ELD, and how does it work?

An ELD is attached to a truck’s engine and tracks all of the vehicle’s movements throughout the day. The driving data is automatically sent to the fleet manager, so the manager can easily track how many miles the truck has driven, where the truck has been and how many hours the driver has been behind the wheel. The hope is that ELDs will increase safety and improve trucking efficiency!

When did the ELD mandate go into effect?

As of December, 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ruled that all drivers using paper logs must switch to an ELD. Drivers using automatic onboard recording devices (AOBRDs) have until next year to switch to an ELD. It might sound like a pain to switch to ELDs, but it’s sure to be worth it in the long run.

Benefits of the ELD rule

The ELD mandate might seem like a headache at first, but it certainly has its advantages! Here are a few of the things that will benefit trucking companies:

• Save time on paperwork: Think of how much time drivers spend logging their hours manually on paper. That’ll be a thing of the past when the ELD mandate goes into effect! All hours will be recorded in real time, so drivers just have to worry about driving, and nothing else.
• Reduced fatigue: Since ELDs are directly attached to a truck’s engine, they’re able to track a driver’s every move. Anyone who’s thinking about getting behind the wheel without adequate rest will have to rethink his decision! There certainly won’t be as many sleepy drivers out there thanks to ELDs.
• Increased safety: One of the biggest benefits of the ELD mandate is improved safety. Reducing driver fatigue will increase safety, and fleet managers will have better insight into any truck’s safety issues before they get out onto the road. In fact, the FMCSA estimates that ELDs will prevent over 500 accidents and save 26 lives each year.

Are you exempt from the ELD rule?

As we’ve seen above, everyone could benefit from an ELD. However, some folks are exempt from the mandate. Drivers who don’t need to record their miles and those who drive less than eight days in a month don’t need to worry about an ELD. Anyone who’s driving a truck that was built before the year 2000 is also exempt from the mandate.

Regardless of how the ELD mandate affects you or your business, be sure to use Pro Delivery LLC for all of your trucking needs! We’re your number one choice for hot shot trucking in Houston, TX.

Categorised in: Hot Shot Trucking

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