Q. In adding ELDs, should I consider what telematics data might also be useful?

A. Yes. While the functionality of electronic logging for HOS is the core of what trucking fleets need to maintain compliance, choosing a provider that offers advanced vehicle diagnostic data and an open platform enables a greater impact to increasing your fleet's safety, productivity and overall profitability. Light-and medium-duty fleets have been capitalizing on the benefits for several years, so now is the time for the trucking industry to enjoy those same benefits.

Answered by : Scott Sutarik from Geotab

Associate VP, Commercial Vehicle Solutions

Scott Sutarik is the Associate VP of Commercial Vehicle Solutions at Geotab Inc. He has extensive experience within the truck manufacturing industry, specializing in medium duty and heavy duty trucks. He previously worked in sales and marketing at Navistar Inc. where he supported over 700 dealerships, worked with suppliers and telematics providers, and managed the OnCommand Connection Program. With his expertise in telematics, regulatory compliance, engine diagnostics, and alternative fueled vehicles, Scott provides training and works with Geotab's partners to develop leading-edge fleet management solutions for the trucking industry.

Q. What information will ELDs be required to collect?

A. ELDs are required to record the following data elements

Q. Are there any vehicle exemptions under the ELD Mandate?

A. Vehicles with an engine model year before 2000

Q. For the week preceding the implementation of the ELD mandate (Dec. 11-17), can drivers use paper logs prepared during that time, or will they be required to present their RODS on ELDs?

Yes, drivers will be able to present their logs from the seven days...

Q. How can the ELD display screen be configured to reflect special driving categories such as yard moves or personal conveyance?

It is not required for fleets to configure its driver user accounts to authorize...

Q. I know that drivers must have an ELD information packet available, but can this information packet be in electronic format?

Yes. The user’s manual, instruction sheet, and malfunction instruction sheet can be in...

Q. ELD records can be “edited” and “annotated” according to the rule, what’s the difference?

A. According to the FMCSA’s technical specifications, an edit is a change to an ELD record that doesn’t overwrite the original record...

Q. If a driver can’t transfer ELD data electronically to an official at a roadside stop, will the driver be ruled out of compliance?

A. No the driver will not be ruled out of compliance in this situation...

Q. What is driver harassment in the context of the ELD mandate, and how is it addressed?

A. In the context of the ELD mandate, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines harassment as an action a fleet takes toward one its drivers that it knew...

Q. Is an ELD provider required to notify its fleet customers if its ELD solution has been removed from the FMCSA’s ELD registration list due to non-compliance?

A. No, ELD providers are not required to notify its customers their devices have been removed from the ELD registration list due to non-compliance...

Q. During a roadside inspection, is it required to have unassigned driving reports available?

A. Yes, it is required that the inspected driver’s profile and the unidentified driver profile be available as separate reports during a roadside inspection...

Q. I’ve heard that there are two new exemptions to the upcoming ELD mandate. Is that true? And if so, what are they?

A. Yes, it is true. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has granted two temporary exemptions to the ELD mandate...

Q. I’ve heard that ELD violations aren’t going to count against CSA scores. Is this true?

A. This is true at least during the first months after the ELD mandate comes into effect. The federal government recently announced that drivers cited during roadside inspections for not complying with the ELD mandate after the Dec. 18, 2017, deadline will receive a “no points cite” that will not affect the safety measurement system that feeds into the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores. While there will be no points assessed with these initial citations, the fines associated wi

Q. Can drivers operate an ELD-equipped truck even if they aren’t required to track their RODS with an ELD?

A. Yes, drivers can operate an ELD-equipped truck and still use their exemption...

Q. How do I know if my drivers or vehicles may be exempt from having to use or be equipped with an ELD? Can you tell me all of the exemptions under the rule?

A. There are a number of ELD recordkeeping exemptions and exceptions that may affect certain fleets...

Q. I haul gas locally within 150 mile radius and go home every night. Do we have to have electronic logs?

A. You may be exempt if...

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