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Is the Electronic Logging Device Doing Its’ Job?

The standards specified in 395.1 of the FMCSA were created to record the duty hours of drivers in an automatic system. The most important information to be recorded is the total time that they stay on the road driving. Law officers have free access to the information in the event they need to see it. However, as more truckers use Automatic Onboard Recording Devices that are meant to lessen documentation requirements, many are finding the electronic logging device confusing.

Electronic Logging Device for drivers

The premise of building a new rule regarding the electronic logging device in the trucking business seems partly based on past rules. This is where some of the confusion seems to be rising from. For example, one reason why authorities created the ELD is to check on drivers who had issues with HOS. However, not all of the trucks need to undergo HOS.

The original problem with ELD’s was that there was belief that it could be used for the wrong reasons by carriers and could lead to abuse of drivers. That’s why a new set of standards was implemented. The good thing is that ELD’s of today are now seen as a solution and not as a tool to take advantage of drivers.

The trucks of today are installed with improved ELD’s which are tasked to check and document all of the information that the vehicle and driver are supposed to log in. The information to be logged in includes the IFTA automation, the Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports, speed, hard braking, and idling.

There are also some ELD systems that have applications that show maps and routes to and from the drivers’ destination. These applications are meant to help the driver go to his destination by providing them the best, fastest, and most traffic free routes.