All about Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Electronic logging devices are used typically with commercial vehicles to track various information such as – hours driven (Hours of Service/HOS), vehicle status, driver behaviors, and mileage.
The history of ELDs goes back as far as the 1980’s. Initially, some motor carriers used ELDs to track driver HOS and in the late 80’s, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety began lobbying the Department of Transportation to mandate the devices. It was not until the early 2000s that FMCSA attempted to implement an ELD mandate – but there were legal challenges. Years later, as of 2017, a full mandate published by FMCSA required all motor carriers to use ELDs.
What does an ELD do?
An ELD communicates with the vehicle’s engine to record driving time and track additional vehicle logistics. This ensures an accuracy of HOS and helps prevent potential harm – such as driver fatigue, limiting opportunities for harm.
In addition, the devices record the following logistical information: time, date, location, vehicle status and miles, engine hours, driver ID, user authorization, and motor carrier.
Parts of ELD
For an ELD to properly operate and to be withing compliance, it should conform to set technical specifications, be certified by manufacturer, and be registered with FMCSA. A carrier can have an ELD device with a preloaded app or own device which the carrier can install existing hardware on.
Most ELDs have the following functionality and features:
- User Manual
- Audio Controls
- On-screen or printout of reports
- Driver Records
- Record of driving (mileage, location)
- Electronic Data Transfer
- Tamper-resistant
- Vehicle status
When is it Required to Use an ELD, and When is it Exempt?
In some cases, it is either mandatory or not for motor carriers to use ELDs. Here are some characteristics for vehicles that are required and those that are exempt:
Required:
- Drivers that have 8 or more days of duty logs within a 30-day period
- Have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or Gross Combined Weight Rating of more than 10,000 lbs.
- Transporting 16 or more non-paying passengers including driver
- Transporting 9 or more paying passengers including driver
- Transporting hazardous materials to warning placards
Exempt:
- Short Haul drivers which include local deliveries, pickups or jobs that don’t require an extended period. FMCSA refers to this as a 150 air-mile radius.
- Vehicles manufactured before 2000 – strictly based on vehicle engines. This does not exempt carriers from other requirements such as HOS. Also, carriers will need to keep documentation of engine information in case the engine is replaced.
- Services that are Driveaway-Towaway – typically vehicles delivered to a customer or dealership
- Record of Duty Status (RODS) will look different for exempt carriers, especially if they have an ELD waiver. FMCSA allows carriers to use paper forms for RODS.
For more information on requirements and exemptions, visit FMCSA.
Benefits of ELDs
ELDs provide numerous benefits for carriers to assist in running operations in an efficient manner. They include:
- Improved Driver Safety and Compliance With ELDs, it is easier to monitor driver behavior and vehicle status based on archived and real-time data. Fleet managers can then use this data to formulate the best practices for drivers through coaching and training while maintaining compliance standards. ELDs allow the ability to track vehicle and driver data such as RODS and HOS to reduce occurrences of violations.
- Simplifying Administrative Duties Reduces the need for paper forms and the occurrence of errors or misplaced information.
- Reducing Operating and Maintenance Cost As the ELD tracks the vehicle status, it’ll notify fleet managers of potential issues and when preventative services are due.
