The new federal rule,
as imposed on 2017, requires the trucking organizations to record the service
hours on ELDs. According to the government regulators, the ELDs not only
enhance safety and efficacy in trucking but also make tracking and reporting of
drivers’ hours comparatively precise. Well, there are varied opinions on
whether or not ELDs are mandatory. Some owner operators are still of the
opinion that E-logs hardly benefit the industry. Being unaware of the advantages, the truckers
also threatened to quit their jobs if they are forced to install ELDs.
Are you keen on knowing
how this rule affected the industry? If yes, go through the following write-up:
Mixed
Reaction
ELD requirement was
proposed in 2014 to which varied industry groups had different opinions. FMCSA
ELD mandate was supported by American Trucking Associations as they
believed that the device will enhance safety on the highways. However, opposition always came from OOIDA
questioning whether or not the ELDs record the hours-of-service
accurately. Also, they expressed their
concerns that it may violate the privacy rights the drivers.
Compliance
Time
The rule suggests the
carriers making use of paper logs should opt for ELDs within a year or two. As
per the estimation of FMCSA, nearly 3 million drivers are still reliant on the
paper logs. The trucking companies using the automated onboard devices for
recording still have almost 4 years to make a switch to ELDs.
Technology
Requirements
Drivers that filed the
record-of-duty status should make use of e-logs, which enable data transfer
accurately to law enforcement. Well, this can only be done via Bluetooth,
Smartphones, printouts and UBS. The ELD mandate needs e-log devices that should
be properly synchronized with the truck’s engine. Also, it should be
manufactured by the FMCSA-certified expert. The drivers are always permitted to
use wireless devices such as ELDs and smart phones to meet the technical
specifications as mentioned on the official FMCSA website.
Privacy
Protection
According to the
regulators, the new rule enables the drivers to keep trucking with ELD at ease instead of being pressurized to
work for extra hours. The ELD rule also allow the drivers to file harassment
complaints if they are forced to work while being ill or fatigued. Also, the
federal regulators suggest that ELDs are harder and accurate manipulate as
compared to the paper logs. ELDs also save
the trucking companies ample amount of money, paperwork and time as well.