Fleet FAQ

Got Questions? ELD and Telematics

October 24, 2018

Q. My fleet has been using AOBRDs for years. I know we can move older systems from truck to truck, but we’re expanding our fleet and I’d like to continue using our AOBRD software. Can we install new AOBRDs and still be covered under the grandfather c

A. Yes, per guidance issued in March by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), fleets that fall under the AOBRD grandfather clause can install additional AOBRDs only if it is an ELD-capable device that runs compliant AOBRD software. Even if you fall under the grandfather clause, you will have to transition to using ELDs throughout your fleet by December 16, 2019, and should be already making plans to make the switch now.

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.

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Got Questions? ELD and Telematics, Questions?

Q. When it comes to editing their RODS with their ELDs, can drivers use the back office support systems after they leave their vehicles or do they have to make the change while they’re in the cab?

A. Yes, drivers may edit their RODS using the ELD’s back office support systems...

Q. There’s been some controversy among my team about when an ELD starts to automatically record a driving mode or status. Can you clear that up for us?

A. Sure. According to the ELD rule, an ELD must automatically switch to driving mode once the vehicle is moving to a set threshold of 5 mph...

Q. Some of my drivers have been confused about whether they should record their on-duty not driving status on their ELDs prior to driving. Do they need to keep track of these hours using their ELD?

A. Yes, all of your drivers’ hours of service must be accounted for if they are subject to the HOS rules...

Q. I have drivers who also operate in Canada. How should they record the hours they spend outside the U.S.?

A. Your drivers can use their ELD to record the hours they spend outside the US...

Q. We’ve had a couple of instances recently when we’ve had unassigned driving records from an ELD. How should we handle those?

A. There are two actions you can take. You either must explain why the time is unassigned or assign the time to the appropriate driver...

Q. There’s been some confusion among my fleet’s drivers and their managers about supporting documents. Can supporting documents be limited to only those acquired at the beginning and end of the workday?

A. No, they cannot be limited to only those acquired at the beginning or end of the work day...

Q. I need to track my drivers’ mileage for IFTA reporting. Can I use our ELDs to do that?

A. Yes, your ELD provider may offer IFTA reporting as part of a fleet management package...

Q. Who is responsible for the accuracy of records of duty status (RODS) regarding edits and certifications — the driver or the fleet?

A. The short answer is both of you...

Q. What supporting documents does our fleet need to keep if one of our drivers has more than eight documents for a 24-hour period?

A. The fleet is required to keep the first and last documents and six others for a 24-hour period. However...

Q. Some of my drivers don’t need to keep an electronic log because of an exemption. Can they operate our trucks that are equipped with an ELD?

A. Yes. Your drivers can drive trucks equipped with an ELD and still use their exemption...