The Importance of the FMCSA Requirement for ELD Specific Devices
In 2014, the FMCSA announced its intention to mandate the use of Electronic Logging Devices (or ELDs) for all motor carriers in the country, with a few exceptions. As of 2019, all non-exempt commercial drivers must be using compliant ELDs in order to log active hours of driving. This mandate was put in place to reduce the number of fatigue-related accidents caused by exhausted commercial drivers, thus improving driver health on the road.
Currently, these digital logs are used by full time drivers across the country. However, there are other devices on the market that can be beneficial to commercial drivers, beyond keeping track of their driving hours or navigation by GPS.
Fleet telematics are after-market devices can be used to monitor driver habits, unauthorized or illegal use of cell phones while driving, and more. These small and powerful devices can sense a hard brake or turn, the impact of an accident, or excessive speed, and log that information for the company’s review. This type of data is valuable to a moving company when assessing their driver safety protocols. With the FMCSA enforcing the use of these devices have helped keep drivers safer while on road and helps create less liability for the moving and storage companies.
While there is there room for improvement, we have come a long way from the simple dash cam. Technology is constantly evolving, and the current goals of commercial telematics include making these devices faster, more accurate, and more secure. The purpose of ELDs are intended to keep the road safe for everyone and the enforcement by the FMCSA has made that more possible.
Use of ELDs when supported by fleet telematics can greatly assist a moving company to better identify where their drivers’ performance can be improved. Company awareness of driver habits results in fewer avoidable accidents. From a financial perspective, many moving and storage insurers will refer to CAB reports, which provide information about a company’s DOT violations. Compliance with Hours of Service mandates can directly affect a company’s premium, with prices potentially going up if drivers are constantly violating the HOS limits.
While there may have been some push back when the FMCSA initially mandated these devices, it’s acceptance in the moving and storage industry has been more welcomed. By utilizing ELDs, we can improve the personal health of drivers and reinforce safety protocols while behind the wheel which in turn will hopefully lead to safer roads.
Written By: Gabby Boubonis
In Gabby’s 4 years with Paul Hanson Partners, she first worked directly with the independent owner/operators in the Biz Choice program before moving on to underwriting in Mover’s Choice. Gabby’s free time is spent hanging out with friends, longboarding, or taking pictures of her cats.
Sources:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/electronic-logging-devices
https://keeptruckin.com/blog/eld-mandate-guide#What_is_the_ELD_mandate
https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/commercial-telematics#:~:text=Commercial%20telematics%20are%20fleet%2D%20and,or%20mobile%20and%20aftermarket%20devices.
https://www.manufacturingtomorrow.com/story/2021/01/top-5-trends-in-fleet-telematics-2021/16427/