The electronic logging device (ELD) compliance date of 12/18/2017, is getting closer. With few exceptions, all drivers will be required to log their hours electronically rather than using paper logbooks because of the ELD mandate.
If you are still at a point where you are in the process of choosing your ELD device, here’s a checklist of what specific functions and capabilities you’ll need to look for when selecting an ELD for your trucking staff.
ELDs must be able to maintain separate accounts for drivers and non-drivers, referring to individuals who do administrative work.
ELDs need to have integral synchronization with the engine control module. This is so required data, such as vehicle motion and power status, can be automatically recorded. ELD time must be also be synchronized to Universal Coordinated Time (UTC).
Driving data must be recorded at 60-minute intervals. The required data includes engine hours, driver ID, vehicle miles, time and date, and location.
Location must be recorded with an accuracy of a one-mile radius. Location accuracy can be reduced to a 10-mile radius when vehicles are used for authorized personal use by a driver.
ELDs must be able to retain driver data for a 24-hour period. Additionally, data needs to be available for the seven days prior to the current 24-hour period.
ELDs need to have some type of protection against tampering. Data should not be able to be altered or erased. This doesn’t mean legitimate errors can’t be corrected.
Drivers should be able to access and review any unidentified records. The ELD should require drivers to either claim the record as theirs or mark it as not belonging to them.
Drivers must be able to use their ELD to obtain a copy of their records on demand. Records should be able to be viewed as an electronic file or with a printout.
ELDs must be able to support the transfer of electronic data in one of two ways. The first is with local transfer using Bluetooth technology or USB2.0. The other is via email or wireless Web services.
Required standardized data needs to be instantly accessible on demand when such info needs to be viewed by safety officials. The display (either printed out or on a display screen) must include daily log data, graph info showing driving duty status changes, and a daily header. When printed, the graph grid has to be 6″ by 1.5″, at a minimum.
ELD users can edit records. However, there should be a feature that requires user certification and annotation when changes are made so a clear explanation is on record.
ELDs need to require driver record certification. This process needs to be done at the end of every 24-hour period.
ELD providers need to include a user’s manual. Make sure it includes instructions for transferring ELD hours from service records to safety officials and what to do if there is a record-keeping malfunction.
There must be a volume control for audio features on an ELD. This includes a mute option.
If you’re looking for a deal on ELDs, two companies are offering free units or delayed monthly payment options. KeepTruckin offers a 20-30 dollar per month subscription with no costs upfront. Truckers Solution also has no upfront costs with its ELDs. There is also no service fee until March of 2018.
Run your trucking business with greater clarity and certainty by exploring the solutions available from Pay4Freight. From free truck stop scanning to fuel cards and factoring programs, we make trucking easier for our clients with sensible, affordable, nation-wide freight factoring solutions.
Contact us today at 888-479-4378 to learn more about how we may be able to help you do what you do better.
