More than 3 million drivers on the road today will be affected by the new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandate regarding electronic logging devices (ELDs). Here’s what you need to know to make sure you’re prepared.

What is the new Mandate? On Dec. 16, 2015, the FMCSA published its final rule requiring the adoption and use of ELDs by all drivers currently required to complete paper logs. The mandate went into effect on Feb. 16, 2016, and the compliance date is Dec. 18, 2017.

What is an ELD?An ELD is an electronic device that automatically records a driver’s hours of service and duty status (or RODS). Such devices, used by many drivers and fleets today, also are known by names such as AOBRD (automatic onboard recording devices) and EOBR (electronic onboard recording devices). ELDs are designed to help fleet operators reduce paperwork and violations. The mandate doesn’t change the rules regarding logging hours of service (HOS), but it does require the logging process to be electronic.

How will this affect my fleet?By 2017, all CDL drivers that are required to keep RODS must use

an ELD to document their compliance with HOS rules. As per the mandate, ELDs must:

• Be “integrally synchronized” with the truck’s engine

• Capture the driver’s HOS electronically

• Graphically display RODS

• Have data that’s accessible by law enforcement at a roadside inspection

If your fleet is currently using paper logs, you’ll need to switch to an ELD in two years (by Dec. 18, 2017). If you have already adopted an AOBRD or EOBR, your current system will be grandfathered for an additional two years (Dec. 2019).

The proposed ruling will affect any interstate commerce driver that is operating a vehicle with:

• An actual weight or rated weight of 10,001 pounds or more (single or combination)

• More than eight or 15 passengers (depending on compensation)

• Any amount of hazardous materials requiring placarding

Preparing for the ELD MandateWHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

2015 2016 2017 2019

December 2015 February 2016 December 2017 December 2019

ELD mandate published ELD mandate in effect Compliance date

Last date to use 395.15-compliant

AOBRDs

Are There Exemptions to the Mandate?As per a CDL short-haul exemption within the final rule, CDL short-haul drivers operating within a 100 air mile radius or non-CDL drivers operating within a 150 mile radius won’t be required to install an ELD. Remember, if the requirements to meet the short-haul exemption are broken, you will need to keep RODS for those days and for days that you use the 16-hour short-haul exemption.

Additional exemptions include drivers who conduct driveaway-towaway operations, where the vehicle being driven is the commodity being delivered.

CDL drivers are exempt from logs and 30-minute breaks if they:

• Stay within 100 air mile radius of base (A driver may cross state lines and still claim exemption.)

• Return to base at end of each day

• Drive no more than 11 hours in a 12-hour span after a minimum of 10 hours off duty

• Do not exceed more than 8 days out of any 30-day period

Non-CDL drivers are exempt if they:

• Stay within 150 air mile radius of base

• Return to base each day

• For 5 of 7 days: Drive no more than 11 hours in a 14-hour span after a minimum of 10 hours off duty

• For 2 of 7 days: Drive no more than 11 hours driving in a 16-hour span after a minimum of 10 hours off duty

• Do not exceed more than 8 days out of any 30-day period

Operators of pre-2000 model-year trucks are exempt due to vehicle connectivity concerns and retrofitting costs. Exemptions are based on Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Requirements of ELDs Under the Mandate• All data transfers from the ELD must be encrypted.

• Data must be in a standardized format and easily transferable to law enforcement officials.

• Data elements (location, mileage, time stamp, etc.) must be uniform.

• ELDs cannot be used to harass drivers or infringe upon their privacy.

• ELDs must use evolving technology that can adapt to the changing needs of carriers and drivers.

• Providers must self-certify to ensure they meet the technical requirements.

Benefits of ELD’s• Save driver time by reducing paperwork

• Keep a dispatcher updated on a driver’s status, letting him or her better plan for loads in light of HOS compliance needs

• Reduce the hassle of keeping a paper log

Let Penske Help You Update or Maximize Your ELDIf you need an expert to help you find the right ELD for your fleet, at Penske we can help you:

• Identify the right solution for your fleet

• Finance your purchase

• Coordinate installation

• Oversee implementation

For more information about the ELD Mandate or devices, contact our specialist: Samantha Thompson at samantha.thompson@penske.com 610-775-6280

ELD Mandate Timeline

©2016 Penske Truck LeasingPDF 7/16