Three Steps to Get ELD Mandate Compliant Now

It’s 75 days to ELD mandate and if you haven’t decided on an ELog system, or worse yet, haven’t even started evaluating providers, you need to take action now. Really.

You may have heard that the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) announced it won’t be putting drivers out of service (OOS) for not having an electronic logging device on 12/18/17.  But that delay doesn’t mean a driver won’t get a violation. And the motor carrier won’t get a free pass either.  CVSA’s policy is only delaying OOS orders — ELD violations will be noted on roadside inspection reports, and the potential for fines and penalties still exists. In addition, drivers may be placed out of service for other HOS violations.

So, we’ve created a 3-step plan to get you started toward ELD compliance before the deadline.

• Take a physical inventory of your current trucks and determine which trucks need ELDs. Take note of make, model, and production year. WHY? You need this information in order to get pricing from ELD providers and to ensure their solution will work in your units.
• If you aren’t the decision-maker on ELogs, you need to get that person’s buy-in and direction on what’s important to them in an ELog solution. For example:  Do you only want to meet the mandate requirements? Do you want extra features? If so, write them down. Most add-ons cost extra. Here’s a few common ones.
  • Location tracking to see your drivers
  • IFTA reporting
  • Fuel use, hard braking, out of route miles

• Go to the FMCSA ELD registry and consider the names on the list. Make sure to select a provider you recognize as an industry leader or with whom you have dealt with previously.  Contact them to see a demo of the solution and get pricing. Two heads are better than one and if you can, include another person from your company on those calls.
• If you are looking at a system that qualifies as an AOBRD rather than an ELD, it will not be on the ELD registry (AOBRDs can be installed up until December 8, 2017). In this case, ask the manufacturer for a certification letter stating the device is compliant with §395.15.
• Take into consideration your 3 and 5-year business plans when asking questions. Providers should take your future plans into consideration when selling you the solution. Ask about these important items:
  • If I order today, how long till I get my ELDs?
  • How long does installation take?
  • Do you have a customer care department? What are there hours? Does it cost extra?
  • How will I get trained on how to use the system?
  • What training resources do you offer so I can train my drivers and staff?

• Evaluate everything you’ve received from the providers and make a decision. It’s imperative that you take the plunge. Pick the solution that best meets your fleet needs and make the call.
• Once you have your electronic logging device order placed and know the arrival date of your ELDs, schedule your training and installation dates and include all impacted personnel. If you are able, start collecting training materials and instructions on how to use the system from your ELD provider. Go public with your drivers and staff and let them know this will happen and has your support.

Installing ELDs and training drivers and impacted staff is a full-time job. Fortunately, you still have enough time to comply before the mandate deadline, but only if you take action soon. Good luck on your journey to ELD compliance. And don’t wait another day to get started!