J. J. KELLER’ S COMPLIANCE CORNER
J. J. KELLER’ S COMPLIANCE CORNER
• • • By Daren Hansen • • •
EOBRs, E-Logs, ELDS... Oh My!
NO MATTER WHAT you call them, electronic devices that track drivers’ hours of service are coming to a commercial motor vehicle near you.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration( FMCSA) is finalizing its plans to require interstate drivers to replace their paper logs with electronic logging systems, capable of tracking vehicle movement down to the minute and the mile.
With many drivers already adopting“ e-log” technology— whether compliant or not— and motor carriers contemplating what the future holds, it’ s a good time to review the regulations as they exist today, make sure your current logging devices are compliant, and assess where the FMCSA stands on the road to new e-log regulations.
AOBRDs vs. digital logs
There are two types of electronic logging solutions in common use today, each with its own benefits and pitfalls:
• Automatic on-board recording devices( AOBRDs) that automatically record engine data to track drivers’ hours of service. These devices collect data directly from the vehicle, are regulated under 49 CFR Section 395.15, and must meet specific criteria. If you’ re using an automated logging solution today in place of paper logs, chances are it’ s an AOBRD.
• Logging software used to create digital logs. These include applications running on laptops, smartphones, and other devices that are not connected to the vehicle to capture engine-use data. The devices may include GPS capability to capture vehicle movement and location, but are not compliant as AOBRDs. As a result, they are subject to the rules that apply to paper logs: Section 395.8. What is the key difference between these two systems? AOBRDs replace paper logs entirely, whereas drivers using logging software must be able to print their logs onto paper, upon demand, during a roadside inspection. Officers are not required to accept a driver’ s lap-
14 DrivingForceMag. com August 2013 • • •
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