Your ELD Mandate Checklist

On December 18, the ELD Mandate will enter Phase Two of its implementation and any fleets that haven’t complied may face serious consequences, including citations and penalties. This second phase, known as the “Phased-In Compliance Phase,” requires fleets to use self-certified and FMCSA-registered ELDs or automatic onboard recording device (AOBRD) systems that were installed before December 18, 2017.

With less than three weeks until the compliance deadline, companies have nearly run out of time to switch to electronic recording devices. To avoid non-compliance fines and citations, use this checklist to make sure your fleet is fully compliant by the deadline.

1. Know how your fleet is affected

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created the ELD Mandate to eliminate paper logging and more accurately record Hours of Service (HoS) data. For many fleets, the mandate affects the way you record driver time and vehicle use. While electronic recording will be more efficient and accurate than manual recording, it may take some time to familiarize your employees with the new process. Whether you have already installed your ELDs or not, use the next few weeks to understand what’s expected of your fleet and train your drivers accordingly.

2. Explore your options

If you have up-to-date telematics, there’s a good chance you may already have ELD capabilities for your fleet. If your fleet isn’t compliant, connect with your telematics provider to see if your devices have ELD options and are FMCSA-approved. Before settling on this option, however, be sure to check your provider’s compliance record and software/hardware upgrade capabilities. If ELD requirements change over the next few years, you want to be sure you can comply without having to replace your entire system. Most important, make sure your ELDs fit with your company’s needs. If your telematics’ ELD option doesn’t work with your fleet, you will save more time and money by getting a better system and keeping your telematics in its current role.

3. Prepare your fleet

Your new, state-of-the-art system is completely useless if your employees can’t operate it. You need ELDs for compliance, but these devices also offer numerous benefits for your day-to-day operations. As you implement your new logging devices, educate and train all of your employees in their operation and benefits. Use these next weeks to create a seamless system that meets compliance requirements and improves your overall operations.