The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) passed a final rule mandating utilization of electronic logging devices. This proposal was carried from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in White House. Its final approval is expected to be finalized towards the end of September 2015. The electronic logging device proposal is expected to go into effect two years after acceptance.
The core of the electronic logging device (ELD) proposal is to require drivers who currently use paper logs to switch to electronic logs. It also covers technical standards, as well as the supporting documents that regulators need to confirm compliance. Also, it includes accurate measures to ensure that electronic logs are not used to harass drivers.
As the e-log mandate has evolved, a myriad of opinions came from various sectors of the transportation industry. Some agencies and drivers supported the proposal. Others expressed uncertainty of the proposal’s capacity to fulfill the MAP-21 requirements.
What people are saying about E-Log?
Numerous owner-operators expressed their disapproval as they believed that e-logs have the tendency of pushing drivers harder during their operation time. Some drivers stated that they’re afraid the mandates will force unsafe driving during unfavorable weather or while tired. Others find it unrealistic to afford updates needed to meet requirements.
Despite negative feedback, other personalities expressed support and gladly welcomed the proposal. American Trucking Association President, Bill Graves, commented positively. “ATA supports FMCSA’s efforts to mandate these devices in commercial vehicles as a way to improve safety and compliance in the trucking industry and to level the playing field with thousands of fleets that have already voluntarily moved to this technology.”
Love it or hate it, few shipping and transportation companies have any influence on the mandate. Without being able to predict the future, your best option is to plan for the worst and hope for the best. Either way, we can all come together to aim for the best development of the trucking industry.