Avoiding Common ELD Mandate Violations

Hard enforcement for the ELD Mandate has been in place for nearly two months, but many fleets are still experiencing issues and receiving citations for violations. These penalties are costly and inconvenient, so training your drivers and team should be a top priority.

As you develop an ELD training program for your fleet, be sure to cover these common issues to ensure your company is fully compliant and able to pass every inspection with ease.

1. Understand the device

The number one issue for ELD compliance is driver use and understanding. When vehicles are selected for inspection, your drivers are expected to use their ELDs to provide the information the inspector needs. As you train your team, make sure they know whether their device is an Electronic Logging Device (ELD) or an Automatic On-Board Recording Device (AOBRD). Teach them how to access and share HoS data. Work with your drivers until you are confident in their ability to use your devices and pass any inspections.

2. Confirm your compliance

Even if you think you’re doing everything right, there’s a chance your fleet might not be ELD Mandate compliant. To avoid unnecessary penalties, check your devices and procedures to ensure your compliance. Make sure your ELDs are registered with the FMCSA so you don’t incur a five-point CSA penalty. Some companies, such as ONE20, have already announced the discontinuation of their ELD solutions, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on your ELD manufacturer’s developments. Nothing is worse than believing your fleet is compliant and finding you’re wrong, so get confirmation on any exemptions that you believe apply to your company. Paying fines or dealing with a service suspension will be costly penalties, so do the research now to avoid problems later.

3. Know the requirements

Once your drivers know how to use your devices, make sure they also know what is required of them for each inspection. Your ELD screens should be visible from outside of the vehicle, so make sure each device is properly placed and remains unmoved by your drivers. Other important requirements include creating a written notice when an ELD malfunction forces the driver to use paper logs and managing unassigned driving time. Ultimately, your fleet’s compliance depends on you and your knowledge of the requirements you must meet, so stay aware of any potential issues.