Commercial driver log book regulations established by the FMCSA in 2017 have significantly changed how truckers deal with HOS rules. Paper logs were replaced by electronic logging devices to record driving activity more accurately by synchronizing directly with the vehicle’s engine. Besides driving time, ELDs also provide useful information that can be used by fleet managers to identify areas of opportunity and optimize operational processes.
Automatic notifications sent by the system help drivers avoid HOS violations and expensive fines, and most logbooks will offer features to improve fleet visibility, manage maintenance, reduce fuel waste, and more. In this article, we will touch upon the legal aspects of the ELD mandate, discussing commercial driver log book regulations in detail, and see how a reliable electronic logbook can help your business. Let’s start with the principal requirements of the elog rule.
Do you have any questions? Talk to ELD Advisor: 650-405-3372 or Request Callback
The Key Requirements of the ELD Mandate
The trucking law requires drivers of property- and passenger-carrier vehicles to keep their records of duty status using electronic logging devices. These commercial driver log book regulations apply to most CMV operators, however, under certain circumstances, drivers may be exempt from using an ELD:
- The short-haul exception: drivers are allowed to work a 14-hour work shift without using an ELD if they operate within a 150-air-mile radius from their work location.
- Drivers keep RODS for up to eight days during a 30-day period.
- Drive-away-tow-away: the vehicle being driven is the actual commodity.
- The vehicle’s engine was manufactured before the year 2000.
The rule also establishes standards for ELDs. In order to comply with the mandate, providers are required to undergo a self-certification process and declare that their product is compliant. These devices are then registered with the FMCSA and the official list can be consulted in their web page.
Drivers are also required to keep the following supporting documents in the cabin:
- A driver’s manual with instructions on how to operate the ELD.
- An instruction sheet on how to produce and transfer RODS to an authorized safety official during an inspection.
- An instruction sheet on what to do in case of ELD malfunctions and how to maintain compliant RODS in the meantime.
- A supply of blank graph-grids the driver’s to keep RODS and other related information for at least 8 days.
There are more than 800 electronic logging devices available in the US market. However, the quality offered by providers vary and malfunctions can lead to downtime and additional expenses related to delays in deliveries and penalties. Since the authorities do not guarantee that every FMCSA-approved device complies with the technical requirements to keep motor carriers compliant, it is advisable to invest some time in choosing reliable elogs.
HOS247 ELD for Commercial Drivers
HOS247 is a top-rated provider that offers a high-quality ELD solution, top-rated by truckers on Google Play and the Apple App Store. What distinguishes HOS247 from other providers is our customer-centered approach that allows our clients to get maximum benefits from the solution. Here are the characteristics that define the HOS247 electronic logging device:
- Top-rated customer support. Hanging on the phone for hours is one of the most frustrating experiences a driver can have when trying to solve a problem with their elogs. No matter how straightforward the system is, there will be reasons customers need assistance with technical or compliance issues and will need to speak with someone qualified. The HOS247 service is backed up by accessible multilingual support agents available seven days a week. Our experts will help you troubleshoot, solve doubts about commercial driver log book regulations and provide all the necessary instructions to make the use of the system as smooth as possible. Thanks to our callback policy, no customer will be left unattended: if the call drops, we will call you back immediately.
- High-quality hardware. HOS247 offers dependable hardware for every commercial truck vehicle in your fleet. The devices are easy to install and are compatible with different vehicle classes. The HOS247 hardware has a warranty: we offer a free replacement if the product presents malfunctions within the first year of service.
- Straightforward software. Our app has a friendly interface so drivers can manage their logs with a few clicks. Fleet managers can obtain drivers’ HOS information and can analyze the metrics collected by the system via the online portal.
- Flexible customer policies. At HOS247, we have developed a system to accommodate different businesses’ needs. Instead of long-term contracts, we offer monthly or yearly subscriptions that can be scaled or canceled at any time without hassle. Our trial period allows potential clients to test the system for two-weeks with the option to receive a refund if they are not satisfied. Also, HOS247 pricing is always transparent; our services have no hidden fees.
- Additional features. The HOS247 ELD can be enhanced with extra features such as real-time GPS tracking, idle reporting, IFTA mileage calculations, fleet maintenance, and vehicle diagnostics. These digital tools help significantly reduce the cost of operations, facilitate administrative processes, optimize dispatch tasks, and boost operational productivity.
Designed to achieve maximum compliance, the HOS247 ELD supports all applicable HOS rules, notifying drivers about possible violations that may result in hefty-fines. In the next section, we will discuss the specifics of these commercial driver log book regulations.
HOS247 ELD Supports Current Commercial Driver Log Book Regulations
The main FMCSA commercial driving rules are built around timeframes that establish on-duty and off-duty limits to minimize the risk of overworking among drivers. On-duty is a period when drivers work or are required to be ready to work. It includes: driving time, dispatch (loading, unloading, supervising), inspection, truck service, and repair, driver’s training, and paperwork for shipments. A gray zone in commercial driver log book regulations is called “traveling time.” It refers to when a driver is transported to a new location while not performing any driving on the trip, as in the case of team drivers.
For RODS purposes, traveling time is considered on-duty time. A timeframe when a driver is free of work activities is called off duty, and it refers to the following: time spent resting in or on a parked vehicle; a required 10-hour off-duty period called the sleeper berth; and up to 2 hours riding in the passenger seat of a property-carrying vehicle before or after a period of at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth.
How many hours can a commercial driver drive? There are two officially established limits: 60 hours in 7 days and 70 hours in 8 days. Within these work periods, some regulations specifically control on-duty time, driving limits, and rest breaks. These requirements are reflected in the three main rules:
- The 14-hour rule establishes that after being on duty for 14 hours, drivers should take 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- The 11-hour rule refers to a maximum of 11 hours a property driver can operate after 10 consecutive hours of duty. Passenger vehicle drivers have a more rigid time limit — 10 hours after 8 consecutive hours off-duty.
- The 30-minute rest break rule requires drivers to take a break after 8 hours of driving.
Do you have any questions? Talk to ELD Advisor: 650-405-3372 or Request Callback
Ways ELDs Can Help Your Business
ELDs help motor carriers achieve compliance with the mandate by keeping accurate HOS records, automating log management and creating reports for roadside officials. Additionally, the data collected by an ELD can be used by truckers to optimize operations and improve productivity. These are some of the benefits of electronic logbooks:
- Automated IFTA calculations. By automating the proportion of fuel taxes to be paid per jurisdiction, elogs help motor carriers reduce administrative burden.
- Reducing liabilities. The data recorded by ELDs can be presented as evidence to protect drivers from false claims.
- Lower insurance premiums. Insurance companies offer better rates to companies using electronic logging devices, as they have been proven to reduce accidents.
- Better CSA scores. A reliable electronic logbook helps motor carriers avoid violations of commercial driving regulations, improving their company’s CSA scores, which results in better business opportunities.
Enjoy these and many other benefits with the HOS274 ELD.
As an expert in B2B and B2C sales, I’ve dedicated myself to perfecting sales processes and client retention strategies in the logistics and trucking industry. I have significantly contributed to the expansion of the ELD service, catering to retail and wholesale clients in need of HOS247 ELD solutions. My unwavering commitment to implementing state-of-the-art sales techniques and technologies ensures the continuous growth and success of businesses I work with.
Effective management of a commercial vehicle fleet is a complex and demanding task that requires a high level of attention to detail. Fortunately, the emergence of monitoring systems has greatly simplified this process. These advanced digital platforms provide real-time visibility
Today no business associated with vehicles will do without smart fleet management. A combination of hardware and software includes, among other things, various vehicle tracking and maintenance systems. Maintenance scheduling, unnecessary driving/idling time reduction, and accurate record help to minimize
All applicable hotshot drivers and carriers must comply with the ELD mandate. Drivers should be aware of their responsibility to keep Records of Duty Status (RODS), electronic logs, and maintain their electronic logging devices (ELD). For more information on DOT