Trucking Info

Fleet FAQ

Got Questions? ELD and Telematics

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

A. Yes. The user’s manual, instruction sheet, and malfunction instruction sheet can be in electronic form, which conforms to the federal register titled “Regulatory Guidance Concerning Electronic Signatures and Documents” (76 FR 411).

No matter the format, beginning Dec. 18, 2017, a driver using an ELD is required to have an ELD information packet onboard his or her vehicle. The information packet must consist of:

  • A user’s manual for the driver describing how to operate the ELD
  • An instruction sheet describing the data transfer mechanisms supported by the ELD and step-by-step instructions to produce and transfer the driver’s hours-of-service records to an authorized safety official
  • An instruction sheet for the driver describing ELD malfunction reporting requirements and recordkeeping procedures during ELD malfunctions

In addition, the driver should have a supply of blank driver’s record of duty status (RODS) paper graph-grids sufficient to record his or her duty status and other related information for a minimum of 8 days in the event the ELD malfunctions or is deemed non-compliant.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recommends that drivers have this packet and graph-grids in their vehicle prior to the Dec. 18, 2017, ELD Mandate deadline.

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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