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ELD stands for electronic logging device. An ELD connects to the engine of a commercial motor vehicle. It automatically records data to ensure the integrity of the driver’s record of duty status (RODS) and compliance with hours-of-service (HOS) rules. In 2019, the ELD mandate deadline passed, and all commercial vehicle operators were required to use ELDs instead of paper logs or automatic onboarding recording devices (AOBRDs).
Whether you aren’t up to date on the regulations surrounding ELDs or want to learn more about staying compliant, this comprehensive guide will provide all the information you need to get started.
An ELD automatically records driving time and additional information for accurate HOS reporting. It also captures vehicle data, including vehicle movement and mileage. The ELD keeps you informed of your driver’s status in real-time to support fleet compliance and inspections. ELDs are made up of a tracking device that plugs into the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics port and pulls data directly from the engine. It also typically includes fleet management software combined with a mobile app. Manufacturers must self-certify that ELDs meet specific technical standards and register with the FMCSA. Drivers can only use ELDs that are certified and registered on FMCSA’s website because other devices may not be compliant with the ELD mandate.
At any point, inspectors can pull your drivers over to review the driver’s RODS for the past seven days and confirm there are no violations. At a minimum, your ELD must be able to share data with the inspector via USB or Bluetooth, but some ELDs also have built-in WiFi that you can use to transmit information. Built-in WiFi provides mobile connectivity for drivers to access email, electronic work orders and other applications while in transit. Two additional approved methods for sharing ELD data include wireless web services and email. However, the FMSCA recommends that your drivers use the wireless web method because it is more reliable than email.
The ELD mandate is a U.S. Federal Government regulation published in 2015 stating that commercial motor vehicle operators covered by this law must use ELDs. The government instituted the rule to create a safer work environment for drivers and facilitate accurate tracking and sharing of RODS data. By making it easier to record HOS, the mandate helps reduce driver fatigue and minimize potential accidents. The goal of the law is to modernize the compliance process while saving lives. The final ELD deadline was December 16th, 2019. Any commercial drivers who maintain RODS must have an FMCSA-approved ELD installed in their vehicle to avoid possible fines and penalties.
The first federal law that required commercial drivers in the U.S. to keep HOS records was passed in 1937. Drivers would enter the information in paper logs. Given that paper logs are not always accurate, the industry evolved technologically. Over time, AOBRDs were introduced. Now years later, the federal government requires the use of ELDs.
Below are some key dates leading up to the requirement of full ELD compliance:
The FMCSA allows exemptions for certain drivers, including the following:
Once the ELD mandate was implemented, motor carriers were allowed to fully adopt ELDs via a phased approach. The ELD rule implementation timeline was divided into three phases:
During this time, drivers and carriers subject to the rule could prepare to comply and voluntarily use ELDs. In addition, they could use any of the following for RODS:
This phase is the two-year period from the compliance date to the full compliance phase. Carriers and drivers could use either AOBRDs installed and in-use before December 18th, 2017, or self-certified ELDs registered with FMCSA.
We are currently in the third phase of implementation. All drivers and carriers subject to the rule must use self-certified ELDs registered with FMCSA or be subject to penalties.
An AOBRD connects to a vehicle’s engine to record date and time, engine hours, miles, drive times and locations. The display and data recorded on an AOBRD are not as detailed as an ELD. While both AOBRDs and ELDs record a commercial driver’s HOS, an AOBRD doesn’t meet all the requirements specified in the ELD mandate. According to the ELD mandate, all commercial motor vehicles operating in the United States subject to the law must have drivers recording their HOS using a registered ELD.
Both AOBRDs and ELDs are more reliable and accurate than paper logs. For one thing, they can both electronically transmit HOS information to a database or make it available to the Department of Transportation authorities. Yet, there are many key differences between AOBRDs and ELDs. The main distinction is that AOBRDs are not as accurate and do not record or display as much data as ELDs.
Learn more about the differences between AOBRD vs ELDs
ELDs are only required to collect information to confirm compliance with HOS regulations. An ELD automatically records the following data:
An ELD must record location data at 60-minute intervals when the vehicle is in motion and when the driver starts and shuts down the engine, changes duty status, and indicates personal use or yard moves. However, vehicle location information is not precise enough to identify street addresses.
Motor carriers must retain up to eight supporting documents for every 24 hours that a driver is on duty. Drivers must submit RODS and supporting documents to the motor carrier no later than 13 days after receiving them.
Under the ELD mandate, many different types of businesses that operate commercial motor vehicles must have ELDs. For example, if your driver has eight days or more of duty status logs out of 30 days, they must use an ELD. In addition, drivers must record their status on the ELD, including whether they are off duty, sleeping, driving or on-duty but not currently driving.
Commercial vehicle carriers mainly use ELDs to record drive time and HOS to comply with the ELD mandate. But because ELDs record such a wealth of information, they have become a crucial part of any state-of-the-art fleet management system. Fleets in multiple industries, including construction, food and beverage, local government and other sectors, often find that ELDs effectively improve efficiency and safety.
Because ELDs record a large amount of data beyond HOS, they offer the following benefits:
ELDs record HOS electronically, eliminating the need for paper logs. Under the ELD mandate, most commercial vehicles must have an ELD to maintain compliance.
Because ELDs automate HOS, they reduce the amount of time your compliance managers spend preparing for audits and inspecting logs. You can easily find the data you need and be confident that it’s accurate.
ELD systems provide real-time visibility into fuel usage, enabling your staff to train drivers more effectively. In addition, by helping reduce engine idling and increase fuel efficiency, ELDs can save your company a great deal in fuel costs per year.
Dispatchers can work faster because they have real-time visibility into the location of your vehicles. ELDs also eliminate the need to call drivers. Instead, you can update their routes and provide accurate ETAs using your ELD.
ELDs are easier to update and maintain than paper logbooks, making for a better driver experience. Recording their duty status and HOS on a mobile app is also more convenient.
Safety managers can use harsh event data from your ELD system to instruct drivers on reducing dangerous driving behavior. By combining this information with dash cam footage, ELDs can help you decrease accidents and improve CSA scores.
With the ability to identify the location of your trucks, ELDs can assist in exonerating drivers from false claims. In addition, when paired with dash cam footage, you can also exonerate drivers from accidents where they are not at fault.
The real-time GPS data that ELDs provide offer a competitive advantage. For example, less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers use location data to share vehicle locations with broker apps, earning more per load. In addition, passenger transit fleets use this information to share live ETAs with their customers, increasing client satisfaction.
ELDs can record essential engine data for scheduling preventative maintenance and responding quickly to critical repairs. Drivers can also use the mobile app to complete electronic driver vehicle inspection reports, reducing paperwork.
The best ELD solutions include software that helps you leverage your data to improve safety. For example, ELDs equipped with a geofencing feature let you create a virtual boundary around any location. That way, you can be notified when a vehicle leaves your geofence—possibly preventing security issues or even theft.
ELDs provide powerful reporting features that help you identify areas to improve efficiency and reduce costs. For example, by having visibility into idling time and harsh events, you can more effectively train drivers and minimize dangerous driving behavior.
To ensure your ELD is compliant, make sure the solution is included in the FMCSA’s list of self-certified ELDs. These vendors have self-certified that their product is compliant and registered each ELD model with FMCSA. You will also want to check the list of revoked ELDs to make sure your ELD is not on that list. Once you narrow in on a provider, check with the Better Business Bureau and read online reviews for their products. While some ELDs are part of a fleet management or telematics system, it is not required.
If you haven’t upgraded to an ELD or are looking to switch systems, the cost can be a concern. In a study conducted several years ago, FMCSA estimated the cost at $41.25 per month per truck. Since then, prices have declined although they vary greatly. During the FMCSA study, hard-wired tablets were the most common type of ELD hardware. But the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) option has grown as tablets and smartphones have become more prevalent.
Here are a few points to consider that will impact the cost of your ELD:
Choosing the right ELD device is critical. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating different ELD solutions:
One way to integrate a compliant ELD solution into your fleet safety and compliance strategy is to consider IntelliShift’s Logbook. Logbook is an ELD point solution on the IntelliShift enterprise operational intelligence platform that provides complete driver data visibility. This solution helps you accurately track and record mandated HOS to increase safety and avoid costly violations. Using a convenient checklist, it also allows drivers to perform comprehensive inspections before and after their shift efficiently. Then when issues arise, send real-time alerts to dispatch and operations staff to initiate maintenance. In addition, mobile-friendly software and applications offer a full suite of compliance features, including meeting the ELD mandate, driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) safety inspections and IFTA fuel tax.
Achieve total operational excellence by integrating a compliant ELD solution into your fleet safety and compliance strategy. Request a free demo today to get started.
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