Trucking Info

Fleet FAQ

Got Questions? ELD and Telematics

Q. Can you define the various duty status categories?

A. There are four driver duty status categories: driving, on-duty, sleeper berth, and off-duty.

Driving time is defined as the time the driver actually spends behind the wheel of a truck in operation. Driving time is recorded automatically by the ELD and cannot be edited or changed to non-driving time.

On-duty time is the time a driver is working for a fleet. It includes activities such as time at a fleet terminal or shipper location, time spent inspecting or servicing the vehicle, driving time, time loading and unloading the vehicle, training time, etc. Time spent resting in the vehicle is not considered on-duty time.

Off-duty time is when the driver is “relieved of all duty and responsibility for performing work,” according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. The driver must be free to pursue other activities of his or her choosing during this time.

Sleeper berth is time the driver spends in the sleeper getting some or all of the mandated 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time. The sleeper berth can also be used to extend the 14-hour limit. If the driver is in the berth for at least 8 consecutive hours, that time “does not count as part of the 14 hours and therefore, allows [the driver] to extend the time which [he or she] can use their maximum 11 hours of driving,” according to the FMCSA regulations.

Expert Bio

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.

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.

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Got Questions? ELD and Telematics, Questions?

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Q. I have an AOBRD, why do I need an ELD?

A. Technically you do not need to switch your automatic onboard recording device (AOBRD) to an electronic logging device (ELD) until December 16, 2019. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), trucks equipped with AOBRDs that meet the requirements of CFR 395.15 have two additional years to meet the ELD rule.

Q. What is an ELD?

A. ELD = Electronic Logging Device An electronic logging device (ELD) is a device that attaches to a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to synchronize with the engine and record Hours of Service (HOS)...

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