ELD Compliance Rules for Owner-Operators and Fleets

The ELD Framework: More Than a Digital Log

Essentially, an ELD is an engine-sync device that automatically logs a Record of Duty Status (RODS) for the driver. Unlike the old systems, an ELD that complies with the new rules must be integrally linked to the Engine Control Module (ECM) of the vehicle to accurately log information regarding its operating state, movement, and mileage.

Key Compliance Requirements

For it to be considered compliant by the FMCSA, the device has to meet the following requirements:

• Synchronize with Engine: Auto record engine power, status of vehicle in motion, and mileage.
• Record Location Automatically: Record the position of the vehicle at 60-minute intervals and on changes in duty status.
• Ensure Tamper Resistance: Prevent deletion of original driving time records.
• Facilitate Data Transfers: Enable Telematic or Local modes of transferring log data to law enforcement.

ELD Exemptions: Do You Need One?

Not all Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) are required to comply. Understanding who does not have to comply is very important to owner-operator carriers running special equipment and short-haul routes.

Managing Data Integrity for Fleets and Independents

The work of compliance does not end with the installation of the hardware. The active management of the data is what averts failure during safety audits and roadside inspections.

The “Unassigned Driving” Challenge

In cases where a vehicle is in motion without a driver logged in, unassigned driving time is automatically produced by the ELD.

• For Fleets: The administrators have to analyze these segments and allocate these segments to the correct driver or add a detailed AAI (e.g., 'Technician test drive').
• For Owner-Operators: You are responsible for reviewing your equipment for mileage gaps. Mileage gaps are a significant indicator of an issue when an IFTA audit or safety audit is conducted.

Edits and Annotations

You can't shorten driving time, but you can adjust other duty statuses (such as On-Duty Not Driving). You must provide an annotation-text note-explaining the reason for every change. Transparency is your best defense against charges of "falsification of logs".

Roadside Inspection Readiness

A motorist’s skills in dealing with a roadside inspection are often what are used to measure ELD compliance. In order to successfully complete it, the motorist must understand how to use the ELD in “Inspection Mode.”

The Cab Compliance Kit: In the truck, these four things must always be in the vehicle:

• User’s Manual: This will be a hard or soft copy manual that will provide the user with the necessary information for the use of how to operate the ELD
• Instruction Sheet: Explains how to transfer HOS records to an inspector.
• Malfunction Sheet: Defining the criteria necessary to document device malfunctions and record-keeping when a device malfunctions.
• Paper Logs Paper Logs: At Least 8 Days' Worth in the Event of a Complete Failure of the System

Leveraging ELD Data for Operational Excellence

In addition to these mandates, the data gathered from your ELD has significant value within fleet optimization. With the integration of your ELD with telematics solutions, you can:

• Automate IFTA Reporting: Leverage geo-verified mileage to remove manual calculation requirements for fuel taxes.
• Monitor Fuel Economy: Check on idling patterns and aggressive driving patterns that affect your bottom line.
• Predictive Maintenance: Leverage real-time engine analytics in order to schedule a repair before it happens. With this approach, the challenges of ELD compliance need not be viewed simply as mandates to be followed, but rather as the basis of an ongoing opportunity to optimize operations and stay competitive.