Earlier this morning the much anticipated electronic logging device (ELD) rule was officially announced by the FMCSA. Carriers and drivers who use paper logs have from now until December 2017 to transition to ELDs.
Included in the mandate are 500-pages of rules that outline what constitutes an ELD. The KeepTruckin engineering team is already going through these rules to ensure our solution complies. In January 2016 when you return from the holidays, our first batch of fully compliant ELDs will be available to purchase for those who want to adopt early.
Who is required to adopt an ELD?
All drivers currently maintaining a record of duty status (RODS) must adopt ELDs within the two year grace period. It’s estimated that over 3-million drivers will be impacted by the ELD mandate.
Mobile devices allowed
The official ELD rule allows for smartphones and tablets to wirelessly sync with ELDs. This is great news for KeepTruckin users — it means that drivers can keep operating with the same electronic logbook app they’re accustomed to using. It also means we can issue low cost ELDs because our ELD leverages the driver’s smartphone.
ELD mandate exemptions:
1. Drivers who maintain RODS for 8 days or less in any given 30-day period.
2. Drivers conducting towaway/driveaway operations where the vehicle itself is the item of delivery.
3. Drivers who have pre-2000 vehicles, as many of these vehicles lack the required diagnostic port for ELD connection.
The publishing of the final rule has been long awaited and we are excited to offer our users a state-of-the-art device that will ensure FMCSA compliance. To learn more about the ELD Mandate and what you can do to keep your compliance costs down, check out KeepTruckin’s Resource page, or contact us directly at (855) 434-ELOG.
Electronic Logbook | KeepTruckin Blog 
I work for a drive away company and would still like to require our drivers to use the Keep Truckin Ap without having to carry a printer. Do you see any hopes of the regulation requiring that a driver having to print 7 days worth of logs if stopped at an inspection be abolished if we use your program?
Hi Judith – Thanks for your question, drive-aways are exempt from the requirement to get the ELD. If you choose to use our free app, you will, at least for the mean time, fall under 395.8, for which the guidance states that “drivers must be given an opportunity to print”. Most officers are okay viewing your logs on the mobile device, or receiving an emailed/faxed copy (which we support). That being said, there have been some instances in which drivers have been ticketed for not being able to print on demand. As an extra precaution, we recommend carrying a printer just in case. Thanks.
What will these ELD’s cost us, I’m only one driver in my company.
Hi William – Our ELD packages start at $20/month. No upfront costs, and works with the KeepTruckin Logbook App. https://keeptruckin.com/pricing
Thank you, sorry just posted the same question this morning.
I would like to now more about this
Hi Patsy! To find out more about the new rule, you can contact our support team at 1855-434-3564 or email us at support@keeptruckin.com
How will ELD’s work on hotshot operations? That means one ton pickups. Semis and small vehicles do not have same diagnostic port and operating system, so what will the cost increase to for the small amount of hotshot operations.
Hi Kharon. The KeepTruckin ELD can be connected to different types of diagnostic ports and will support variegated operating systems as well. Each customer will select a suitable cable type from the ones we offer at the time of order. We will make sure that our product caters to the needs of every driver, no matter the vehicle type.
How much will the box cost me,since I already use KeepTruckin in my truck, u knows that it is a white box that plugs into my truck, I just purchased a 2012 international, thanks Wild Bill
The KeepTruckin ELD basic package costs $20 per month per driver. You can find out more details here: https://keeptruckin.com/pricing