Safety officials also say it’ll save billions in paperwork costs, prevent injuries, and save lives.
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For over a decade this group representing 4,500 trucking companies says it has been lobbying the Canadian governments to introduce regulations that would force all trucks where the driver is now required to produce a paper log book in order to monitor compliance with the hours of service (HOS) regulations to be equipped with an ELD instead. Many drivers use paper logs to track these hours, which proponents of electronic logging devices, known as e-logs, say can easily be manipulated to skirt the restrictions. “This regulation will change the trucking industry – for the better – forever”.
Overdrive will be updating this post with more on the rule’s specifics today. Carriers that have already installed recording devices may continue to use them for two years past the compliance date.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration plans to release the rule Thursday. The Arkansas Trucking Association and the American Trucking Associations are in favor of the ELDs. Though the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, which sued to block the rule, calls it unproven technology.
“While TRALA understands the desire to make trucking as safe and transparent as possible, there are still questions that remain regarding the technology needed and the availability of that technology to satisfy our concerns given the unique nature of renting”, said Jack Jacoby, TRALA president and CEO. “Also, note that ELDs can be revised remotely by a carrier”. It also hopes to increase the efficiency of roadside law enforcement personnel in reviewing driver records.
In contrast, e-logs would automatically record driving time by monitoring engine hours, vehicle movement and location information. These limitations are created to prevent truck and bus drivers from becoming tired while driving, and they require that drivers take a work break and have a sufficient off-duty rest period before returning to on-duty status. FMCSA seeks public comment on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which would hold both trucking companies and commercial truck drivers responsible for making sure these passengers are buckled up. The use of this technology will be applied to all commercial truck and bus drivers, including those from Canada and Mexico who use domestic roadways.
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Smart phones and other wireless devices, can be used to record driving hours-as long as they meet the technical criteria and are approved by the agency.
