Learn About The Electronic Logging Device Rule
27 Feb 2017
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s enacted the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Rule in an effort to create safer roads for all, as well as to create safer work environments for trucker drivers.
How does the ELD Rule help keep the roads safer for everyone?
One of the key provisions of the rule requires all carriers to use qualifying electronic logging devices to track, manage, and share specific RODS (records of duty status) information. Here’s what you need to know about ELDs and the Electronic Logging Device Rule.
Why the ELD Rule Exists
In 2012, the U.S. Congress created a bill called MAP-21 (Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century). One of the requirements in the bill was that the FMCSA mandate the use of Electronic Logging Devices to replace outdated and inefficient paper logbooks drivers were currently using. The electronic logging device software is both more accurate and less susceptible to tampering, loss, destruction, etc. than paper logs.
Ostensibly the rule is about keeping the roads safe, but it also serves to keep drivers safe, which in turn, makes the roads safer for all people. It does this by eliminating the potential for log tampering and for the harassment of drivers to tamper with their logs or drive beyond what is reasonable or allowed by current laws.
What Electronic Logging Devices Log
In order to be effective, ELDs must track a driver’s hours of service. The device must be “integrally synchronized” with the engine of the truck so that it complies with the requirements of the ELD Rule. This ensures that all drive segments are recorded accurately and removes any doubts or concerns related to tampering.
The ELD software solution benefits trucking businesses as well as it streamlines the data collection and recording process – offering near real time access to driving logs for all drivers so that everyone is on the same page.
Unless you qualify for one of the exceptions to the rule, you must be ELD compliant by December 18, 2017.
GPS tracking technology and ELD software can be critical for accurate ELD reporting because it offers accurate location information automatically. In fact, many companies will find that GPS tracking devices offer many benefits that go beyond what standards ELDs provide, delivering a far better investment for their businesses than simply investing in any electronic logging device for the sake of compliance.
You’re actually leaving many potential benefits on the table if you fail to consider the additional benefits an ELD software solution has to offer your business.
To learn more about our ELD software solution and how it can help you to be ELD compliant, give us a call here at LiveView GPS at 1-888-544-0494 or email us at info@liveviewgps.com.
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