In anticipation of the upcoming deadline for motor carriers to transition from paper logs to electronic logging devices (ELDs) to record driver hours of service, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is conducting a public education and outreach effort. The ELD Implementation National Tour, taking place through November, is geared towards helping commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers transition to ELDs.
In cities around the country, FMCSA subject matter experts will lead driver-focused presentations and panel discussions on ELD implementation. Tour dates and locations are as follows:
- July 13–15: Iowa 80 Truckstop Jamboree (Walcott, Iowa)
- August 24–26: Great American Trucking Show (Dallas, Texas)
- September 25–27: North American Commercial Vehicle Show (Atlanta, Georgia)
- October 14–15: California Trucking Show (Ontario, California)
- October 21–24: American Trucking Associations Management Conference & Exhibition (Orlando, Florida)
- November 6–8: Women in Trucking Accelerate! Conference & Expo (Kansas City, Missouri)
With a few exceptions, all motor carriers covered by the FMCSA’s hours of service rule must implement ELDs for recording driver hours of service by December 18, 2017. Carriers that currently use automatic on-board recording devices (AOBRDs) have until December 16, 2019, to make the transition to ELDs.
An ELD synchronizes with a vehicle’s engine to automatically record driving time. According to the FMCSA, their use will lead to easier, more accurate hours of service recording, and will provide valuable information to drivers and motor carriers to help manage fatigue and schedule issues.
ELDs must be registered with the FMCSA and must meet certain technical specifications detailed in the ELD final rule, which was published in December 2015.
The following groups will not be required to use ELDs, but may choose to do so:
- Drivers who use paper logs no more than 8 days during any 30-day period
- Driveaway-towaway drivers (those transporting an empty vehicle for sale, lease, or repair)
- Drivers of vehicles manufactured before model year 2000