The ELD Mandate: What To Expect From The ELD Mandate

The impending ELD Mandate deadline has everyone on edge. ELD is the evolution of automated DOT logs from the previous era of unaccountable paper records with better CSA points lowering the possibility of illegal alteration of drivers HOS records.

Although the deadline for the use of ELDs to track drivers’ HOS is December 17, 2017 but out-of-service order would not be imposed until April 1, 2018. Here are few things you need to know to better ensure compliance with regulation:

Who Is Affected By ELD Mandate?

Commercial trucks with model year 2000 or newer are required to automate Hours of Service using Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). Initially, HOS regulations were developed in 1937, and paper logging rules were initiated from 1960.

Commercial vehicles using (AOBRDs) Automatic On-board recording devices can continue using the devices until December 16, 2019 to comply with the ELD Mandate.

10 Hour Out-of-Service Order

This order is associated with non-compliance of the ELD Mandate for commercial motor vehicles. It will take effect on April 1, 2018. According to the commercial vehicle safety alliance, ELD Installation in the fleet cannot be avoided forever.

Fleets that do not have either grandfathered AOBRD or ELD, would be cited and fined from December 18, 2017 but won’t be taken out of service till April 1, 2018.

Simplify DOT Logs And Reduce Logging Violations

Although small scale fleets and owner-operators might have reservations regarding the cost corners and overall impact in the operation productivity, but with the impending Mandate extending the ELD installation till the Mandate deadline would result in last minute rush with the vendors.

It’s time to start looking for ELD vendors which can offer you services compatible with your operation. This will allow drivers to have learning curve before the deadline and eradicate driver paperwork with automated logs and minimize logging violations, with faster roadside violations.

Penalties For Drivers

Truckers who fail to meet December 18 deadline would face violation points in the FMCSA CSA scoring program. It is a Compliance, Safety, Accountability scoring program by FMCSA to ensure road safety.

The roadside inspections handled by the state enforcement agencies have the authority to impose fines on Non-compliant drivers after December 18, 2017. After April 1, 2018, truckers would be put out of service if they don’t comply.

The penalties for HOS violations can range from few hundred dollars to ten thousand dollars. Failure to keep a drive log would be average $2,867 with top fine reaching about $13,680.

The trucking company who don't have any business with transportation companies would need to make certain that they are in compliance with new ELD Mandate and latest technology is installed in the trucks.

Hutch Systems offer smart fleet management solutions that are in full compliance with DOT and FMCSA compliance in Canada and USA.