As transportation stakeholders prepare for the FMCSA's new Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate, our goal is to help guide you in your efforts.
Today's topic: the WHEN and the WHY of the ELD mandate.
The FMCSA's final rule was published on December 16, 2015. It will become effective 60 days after publication, on February 16, 2016. The rule is being implemented in three phases.
Phase 1: Awareness and Transition
Phase 1 is the two-year period following publication of the ELD rule, February 16, 2016 to December 18, 2017. During this time, carriers and drivers subject to the rule should prepare to comply and may voluntarily use ELDs. Carriers and drivers subject to the rule can use any of the following for records of duty status (RODS):
Phase 2: Phased-in Compliance
Phase 2 is the two-year period from the compliance date (December 18, 2017) to the full compliance phase (December 16, 2019). Carriers and drivers subject to the rule can use the following for RODS:
Phase 3: Full Compliance
After Decmeber 16, 2019, all drivers and carriers subject to the rule must use certified, registered ELDs that comply with the requirements of the ELD regulations.
The WHEN of the mandate is designed to allow for ample preparation time and appropriate training for users on every side of the ELD equation. The bottom line: there is no rush. Evaluate your options and determine the best WHEN for your situation.
Agatha Christie once said, "The why must never be obvious. That's the whole point." I'm sure that many readers would prefer the status quo, but we must keep pace with technology and move forward with new ways of doing things. The ELD mandate is no exception.
According to FMCSA:
"ELDs make tracking hours-of-service (HOS) easier and more accurate. This helps prevent both deliberate and unintentional HOS violations and helps drivers avoid fines due to mistakes in paper logs. Improved compliance with HOS rules helps ensure drivers have time for adequate rest and to operate commercial vehicles safely. More accurate and consistent HOS records also facilitate enforcement and support carrier business operations, such as effective dispatching."
Whether you agree with FMCSA's assertion or not, the ELD mandate is here to stay. Hopefully it will result in a safer transportation system and ultimately level the playing field for everyone moving freight. Like any change that is forced upon us, we must first digest and understand what is to come, and then do what is required of us in order to move forward.
Education is essential in these uncharted waters. HNI is offering two fantastic opportunities for you if you feel unprepared, or if you just want to brush up on the basics. Join us on March 22 or March 23 for a full-day workship covering basic DOT compliance.
March 22, 2016: Basic Compliance for Non-Trucking Entities
This course will cover basic DOT compliance for those who find themselves under these regulations, but don't consider themselves a conventional motor carrier. It will include a review of compliance requirements as well as updates on the new ELD and driver coercion rules.
March 23, 2016: Basic Compliance for Trucking Entities
This workship is for the true motor carrier and will include a reivew of basic DOT compliance requirements as well as updates on the new ELD and driver coercion rules.
Both workships can serve as a refresher course for experienced personnel, or as an introductory course for those new to the industry.