Truckload carrier Werner Enterprises Inc., Omaha, Neb. today will host a ceremony to mark its exemption from Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration driver log rules.
The rules require drivers to maintain traditional log books or to have onboard recording devices that meet FMCSA specs.
Werner Enterprises developed its own paperless log system that differs from other automated systems. Rather than retaining driver log data onboard, Werner uses the Qualcomm OmniTRAC system to transmit data to Werner headquarters where it is processed and stored. A Werner driver can produce logs at a safety inspection two ways. He or she can call for the current log to be displayed on his Qualcomm screen, or the log can be faxed to a phone number.
Meanwhile, Werner's computer always knows a driver's status and, critically, how much time he or she has available. On its web site, Werner says that better planning enabled by their remote log system has increased driver miles.
According to the Werner press release, the two-year FMCSA exemption is a milestone. “After six years of pilot-testing and monitoring Werner's use of this GPS technology application since June 1998, the FMCSA approved the exemption that no longer requires Werner drivers to prepare handwritten paper records of drive and work time. Based on this experience, FMCSA stated its belief that the exemption achieves a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, that provided by using the current paper log system,” the release said.
For more information on Werner, visit www.werner.com.