Small fleets and owner-operators caught a big break from the Federal Motor Carrier Administration's recent changes to its stand on electronic logging software programs on laptop computers, tablets and smartphones. National Association of Small Trucking Companies and e-log provider, BigRoad, applaud the agency's move, saying the guidance confirms that electronic logs are indeed official records of duty status under federal law.

“This is a huge victory for drivers who boldly took the road with our innovative smart phone technology for electronic logs and risked citations because of ambiguous regulations”, says Terry Frey, co-founder and COO of BigRoad. “We salute all those early pioneers. They are the leaders in the movement of making modern day low cost mobile technology available to all drivers."

Frey says the company has been working executives of various State DOTs for almost a year discussing and resolving driver complaints surrounding the interpretation of the regulation, which ultimately led to FMCSA's revised guidance.

"Together we have paved a road towards better compliance," Frey says. "We extend our thanks to the FMCSA and the many officers who listened to our concerns without exception. As we all know, compliant drivers make for safer roads.”

David Owen, President of the National Association of Small Trucking Companies, with many members using hand-held logging devices, says the FMCSA's change of heart will allow all fleets and operators to move off paper logs and adopt new low cost technology producing error-free electronic ‘paperwork."

“The FMCSA’s guidance recognizes the legitimate interest of the small fleets and owner operators who represent our membership,” Owen says. "It also makes verification easier for roadside enforcement officials, who are now permitted to accept the electronic logs as presented on a tablet or smartphone.”