The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate has been in the spot light for quite some time now since its first publication in December 2015, and as the deadline approaches, the pressure for the trucking industry is on. As motor carriers prepare for the FMCSA’s upcoming ELD mandate, Fleet Complete’s goal is to help you better understand its phases and what to expect. To facilitate a smooth transition to the ELD rule, it is implemented in 3 planned phases that we have condensed and outlined below.
Phase 1: Awareness and Transition
This phase is a 2-year period, following the ELD rule publication, that is taking place from February 16, 2016 to December 18, 2017. During this time, motor carriers and drivers that are subject to the ELD rule are encouraged to start proactively complying by deploying ELDs, while having the option to use any of the following for records of duty status (RODS):
- Existing paper logs;
- Hours of Service software;
- AOBRDS (Automatic Onboard Recording Devices that meet the technical requirements of U.S. Part 395.15);
- ELDs that are registered and listed on the FMCSA website.
Phase 2: Phased-in Compliance
The second phase is a 2-year period starting from December 18, 2017 to the full compliance date of December 16, 2019. Motor carriers and drivers that are subject to the rule have the option to use the following for RODS:
- AOBRDS that were installed prior to December 18, 2017;
- ELDs that are certified and registered.
Phase 3: Full Compliance
After December 16, 2019, all drivers and motor carriers that are subject to the rule must use certified, registered ELDs that comply with the requirements of the FMCSA rulemaking.
This phased approach to the ELD mandate allows drivers and motor carriers to have a reasonable timeline to deploy the technology, and to use it correctly and effectively. In order to ensure this smooth transition, motor carriers are encouraged to get ahead of the ELD milestone dates and deploy the technology to leverage the benefits from the outset.
Some motor carriers may prefer waiting until the last minute to deploy, but it is recommended that you beat the rush and move forward with new ways to automate your business.
The ELD mandate is going to be a reality soon and deploying the technology will benefit not only motor carriers and drivers, but all road users, as the end result is a safer transportation system that levels the playing field for everyone moving goods or people.
Get in touch with us today and learn more about ELD and our HoS Solution.
