What Is The Electronic Logging Mandate & What Does It Mean?

1. How Does ELD Mandate Affect The Industry & Drivers?
2. Electronic Logging Mandate Resources

The electronic logging mandate is a rule dictated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) which enforces the use of electronic logging devices for transport drivers. The mandate was designed to make logbooks more efficient and as an effort to digitalize the logs in order to make them easier to use, access, and search.

Before the implementation of the electronic logging device mandate (ELD mandate), drivers use paper log books to record their hours on everything from hours worked to drive time to rest and sleep periods. Since there are laws that tightly govern the limits of these hours, the log books play a very important role in the safety and regulation of the industry.

The ELD mandate grew out of the MAP-21 (Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act), which created funding for surface transportation programs, while also making the industry more efficient as a whole. MAP-21 was passed in 2012 and part of the bill was aimed at mandating the electronic logging devices, with full compliance required by December 2017. There is a “grandfather rule” that extends the compliance deadline until December 2019 for those that already had an existing automated on-board recording device.

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How Does ELD Mandate Affect The Industry & Drivers?

There are many benefits to drivers that come along with the ELD mandate, the main one being that there is more accountability for the time spent and hours logged. Not only does the mandate offer some regulatory protections for drivers, but it also eliminates the need for paper log books and, since it is automated, means that drivers don’t have to spend any of their on-the-clock time recording the results of their stops, deliveries, and rest times.

As we noted in a recent blog post, the changes brought about by the ELD mandate have provided more opportunity for truck drivers, as well as better working conditions, and less down time during shipments. Maximizing the usage of space for deliveries and minimizing load times helps keeps shipments flowing and drivers on schedule.

Another benefit is that it helps dispatchers coordinate shipments. This has long been one of the difficulties in the transport industry, especially prior to the development and implementation of automated electronic advances. Dispatching was further complicated by outdated motor carrier laws that protected certain routes or even regions from competition, thereby creating numerous inefficiencies in a system that relies upon efficiency.

Electronic Logging Mandate Resources

• ELD Facts - A website that has a simple and straightforward breakdown of the electronic logging mandate, as well as a host of resources that offer further information, and a blog that covers related topics.
• Electronic Logging Devices - A resource from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that provides a brief overview of the ELD, as well as a FAQ section, and resources for drivers, manufacturers, and compliance.