What is the ELD Mandate?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published the final electronic logging device rule — or ELD Mandate. An electronic logging device is used to electronically record a driver’s record of duty status, which replaces the paper logbook for drivers to record their hours of service (HOS) requirements.  Fleets that were equipped with electronic logging technology (AOBRDs) before Dec. 2017 have until Dec. 2019 to ensure compliance with the published specifications.

Benefits of an ELDs:

• Save driver time by reducing paperwork to ensure it is recorded properly
• Keep a dispatcher up to date on driver’s status
• Reduce a hassle of keeping a paper log
• Easy tracking driver’s HOS
• Ensure driving segments are recorded from truck’s engine
• Ease of data transfer from driver to fleet manager where one can see e-logs

Rugged Handhelds:

The FMCSA addressed that rugged handhelds and tablets can be used as long as the system meets the ELD requirements. With the overwhelming adoption of rugged handhelds, truck drivers find them easy to use and easy to track their hours of service while they are on the road.

What are some mobile device options?

While there are hundreds of devices to choose from, here are some of the newest technologies that are ideal for the on-the-go driver:

• Zebra TC56
• Honeywell CT50
• Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1
• Panasonic Toughpad FZ-N1

To learn more about the ELD Mandate or need an ELD solution, reach out to our one of our dedicated account managers.

The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate took effect on December 18, 2017. Since then drivers were given some leeway. If they were caught without the proper ELD equipment, documents, or training they were written up, but neither they nor the companies they drive for were penalized for it. That leeway officially ended on April 1^st.

Under the Compliance, Safety, and Accountability program (CSA) any driver now caught without the proper ELD equipment will have CSA points levied against them and their companies. Furthermore, according to Kerri Wirachowsky, Director of the roadside inspection program at the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, trucks will be put into the penalty box, in most cases for up to 10 hours.

With the ELD Mandate drivers must have and be able to do the following.

1. Tell enforcement that there is an electronic user manual with instructions for using the device, on the device, in the form of help screens.
2. Be able to produce recent data and transfer it to an inspector electronically.
3. Instructions for reporting malfunctions and record-keeping procedures during malfunctions.
4. Have at least an eight day supply of blank forms for recording a driver’s hours of service in the event the mobile device fails.

April 1^st has come and gone, hence if drivers are not ELD compliant by now its important to do so. Mainly because just having an ELD does not mean the driver is in compliance. The driver must also be able to operate the ELD. Not being able to do so will be treated as if the driver didn’t have the proper equipment on board.

To comply with the ELD Mandate you’ll need a device, below are some of the newest mobile device options for ELD:

• Zebra TC56 rugged smartphone
• Honeywell CT50 rugged smartphone
• Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 rugged tablet
• Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet

To learn more about the ELD Mandate or to get a free consultation on an ELD hardware and software solution, reach out to one of our Barcodes, Inc. representatives.