Running Legal: Editing Logs Under the ELD Mandate

One concern we hear from fleets using KeepTruckin is that they will no longer be able to edit driving time when the ELD mandate is enforced. It’s a valid concern, so the KeepTruckin team sifted through the FMCSA’s ELD ruling to see exactly what log edits are allowed under the new regulation. While the rule is restrictive on log edits in some regards, there’s more flexibility than many think.

What log edits are allowed?
ELDs are required to capture and record all driving events, but a driver can make an edit to their log anytime he or she feels an entry is incorrect. The rule permits drivers to make annotations indicating the change, but the original recorded driving status is not erasable.

What log edits aren’t allowed?
While annotations on recorded driving events are allowed, the following data cannot be adjusted by the driver or fleet manager according to the ELD rule:

• Drive time
• ELD malfunctions and data diagnostic events
• An intermediate log
• Vehicle engine power up/shut down
• A driver’s login/logout activity

Are fleet managers allowed to make edits?
No, only drivers are permitted to make direct log edits. Approved fleet managers are allowed to make log edit suggestions on a driver’s log, which the driver can approve or deny. The driver has ultimate sign-off.

Why aren’t fleet managers allowed to make log edits?
In their ELD ruling, the FMCSA wanted to avoid driver harassment. By allowing drivers to make the final call on edits, their belief is that it will limit harassment from fleet managers.

ELD Mandate Official — 2-Year Adoption Window Commences

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.

Four of our favorite stories from Truck Driver Appreciation Week

Truck drivers keep our economy and world moving forward. Every day truck drivers safely deliver the materials, products, and food we depend on. It’s easy to forget how critical trucking is to us all, which is why we love National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW).

This week we’ve seen a lot of appreciation. From handouts and concerts, to meals and refreshments, here’s a few of our favorite stories from NTDAW…

1. Handouts at the Port of New Orleans

After resolving driver protests back in June, we loved seeing the Port of New Orleans take the high road this week when volunteers handed out water bottles, barbecue, and other giveaways.

2. The #ThankaDriver campaign by ATA

Through the Trucking Moves America Forward campaign, the ATA has been running local ads urging citizens to thank our drivers.

3. Celebration concert in North Little Rock

In partnership with the Arkansas Trucking Association, The Petro Stopping Centers along I-40 in North Little Rock hosted a lunchtime concert with country music singer-songwriter Linsday Lawler. Refreshments and lunch were served as drivers played games.

4. Hot coffee, doughnuts and battery charges at Universal Lumpers facilities

Drivers on the West Coast dropping off at grocery distribution centers may find tables with coffee, doughnuts, and charging stations upon arrival reported Overdrive.

Trucking is the backbone of our economy, and the KeepTruckin team would like to say “thank you” to our drivers for your commitment, professionalism, and dependability.

Top 5 Pictures & Trends from GATS

The KeepTruckin team paid a visit to the Great American Trucking Show. It was our first visit to the event, and with a fresh set of eyes, we wanted to share our experience:

1. Trucks Galore — Photos from the pride & polish floor

          

2. ELDs — Managing the cost of compliance

ELD compliance has been a hot topic, leading Overdrive to issue a comparison of vendor prices. Newer players (like KeepTruckin), are coming in at far lower price points though, attempting to reduce the overhead burden on smaller fleets and owner-operators.

 

 

 

 

 

3. America’s Road Team — Million mile accident-free club

We loved seeing our ATA partners from America’s Road Team. Gary Babbit (right) has over 5,000,000 miles of accident-free driving! We appreciate the great work he and the others from the Road Team do to spread the word about highway safety.

 

 

 

 

4. Controversy — Howard Abramson’s NYT op-ed column

Murmurs floated through the floor over last week’s New York Times op-ed on trucks killing us. Bill Graves from the ATA issued this response, and talks of the debate was abuzz.

5. Recruiting Drivers — CNBC’s trucking CEO panel

In a panel that included leadership from Covenant, Swift, and Werner, solutions to take on the driver shortage were addressed. The concern is that more drivers are expected to retire soon, and many are worried that younger drivers won’t fill the void.

Check out KeepTruckin’s piece on recruiting millennial drivers if you’re curious!