E-Log Devices to Comply with FMCSA Rules

When it comes to maintaining a trucking company, every business owner needs to ensure that they have the best equipment and software available. Finding out which companies both meet and exceed industry standards can help business owners to make a wise decision with their companies. The right software can make for happier truck drivers and a better bottom line for the business. 

HOS247 is an industry leader providing e-log devices (ELD) so that trucking companies can spend more time focusing on the things that matter. Our customer support team will assign each company a dedicated account manager to help implement and maintain these devices. The multilingual team can converse with drivers and business owners in English, Spanish, Russian, or Polish. Unlike some of our competitors, trucking companies who work with us can expect to receive personal attention and dedication to resolving their issues quickly and efficiently. 

Do you have any questions? Talk to  ELD Advisor:  650-405-3372 or Request Callback

Flexible plans whether you have 1 or 500 vehicles

Perhaps the best part about implementing the ELD devices we offer is our guarantee. We do not require long-term contracts or an upfront commitment to stick with our products. We are so confident in our product that companies are free to try the elogs for two weeks with the guarantee of a hassle-free return if we do not meet your expectations.

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E-Log Rules

Some companies have stayed abreast of all the changes in the trucking industry, but they can primarily be summed up with just a few simple rules. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) aimed to improve the safety of drivers and improve road traffic by instituting a new policy. All truck drivers would be required to use new electronic logging devices once the mandate goes into effect in all parts of the country. 

What are e-logs? E-logs are an electronic device or software system that calculates a driver’s hours of service (HOS). To make it simple, these electronic logging devices are used to calculate the amount of time that a driver spends behind the wheel. 

Under the DOT rules, truckers would need to use electronic logging devices to capture their HOS data. This means that all important aspects of operation can be tracked as a result of these electronic hours of service logs. Company owners can quickly identify GPS location, the number of miles driven, and engine hours. 

These devices are easily preventing drivers from violating the HOS rules and regulations that have been put in place for everyone’s safety. It offers a great accountability system that cannot be tampered with because the ELD connects directly with the engine of the truck. It saves time, improves safety outcomes, and makes companies more efficient than the previous system of keeping paper records.

Compliance Timeline

Many companies may wonder what the mandatory date is for implementing these electronic hours of service logs within their company. The final rule was first published in December of 2015, but some state regulators postponed the full adoption. The requirement was first enacted and notice was given in February of 2016. 

By December 18, 2017, commercial motor carriers were required to use an automatic or electronic on-board recording device or an e-log device. There was still some time to make the switch to an ELD, but that deadline is quickly approaching now. 

The ELD mandate update requires that all vehicles currently equipped with an AOBRD or an EOBRD (automatic or electric on-board recording device) must upgrade or replace their system with e-logs. Full compliance with the new regulations must occur by December 16, 2019. 

hos247 elogs software

Who is Affected by the E-Log Mandate Update? 

Most motor carriers and drivers should pay close attention to the new regulations that must be in place by the end of the year. They will apply to most commercial truck drivers. Anyone who is currently required by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to maintain records of duty status (RODS) is required to comply with the mandate. Drivers required to keep RODS include situations where:

  • The driver is involved in interstate commerce. 
  • The vehicle weighs more than 10,001 pounds. 
  • The vehicle is designed to transport nine or more passengers for a fee.
  • The vehicle is designed to transport 16 passengers or more for free.
  • The transportation load includes hazardous material and required placards.  

There are also a few exceptions to this rule, including: 

  • Drivers who operate under short-haul exceptions
  • Drivers who use paper RODS for less than eight days out of every thirty-day period
  • Drive who conduct drive-away-tow-away business
  • Drivers of vehicles manufactured before 2000

If any of the above rules apply to you or your company, you may not be required to implement e-log devices within your business structure. However, most commercial businesses will find that they do indeed need these devices.

Are E-Log Apps FMCSA Compliant?

One of the more common questions encountered when discussing the new regulations and mandatory update is whether the elogs apps are FMCSA-compliant. The answer is not quite as straightforward as it may seem. According to the ELD rules, an app could be compliant with the FMCSA requirements if it is a part of an ELD system and connects with an elog device.

To explain the concept further, many solution providers offer an ELD system that allows drivers to bring their own device instead of purchasing one directly through the manufacturer. This approach allows drivers to use their smartphones instead of a built-in device located in the cab of their truck. Under this system, the device must be connected to the engine so that it can automatically record hours of service or records of duty status. 

A free e-log app is not compliant with these standards on its own. However, it does meet the criteria when there is a hardware device that connects directly with the engine and is tamper-resistant. 

Do You Need Better E-Log Devices Now? 

Understanding the requirements of the mandatory update is important, but so is finding the right company that offers the proper solution. If your company experiences any of the following problems with your current driving logging service, it may be time to consider making the switch to HOS247.

Poor Customer Service

Do you spend an entire afternoon on hold with the customer service department in order to correct a minor issue? An inaccessible or unhelpful customer support team should be a major red flag that it is time to change companies. Businesses should be able to rely on customer service to efficiently resolve their questions and complaints.

hos247 elogs app

Complicated Systems

Elogs devices should make everyone’s life a little easier. In the back office, maintaining records should require just a few clicks of the mouse. When office staff complain that takes just as long or longer to perform basic tasks, it is time for you to move onto another solution. Trucking companies should find it easier than ever to run reports and calculate their bottom line using this new software.

Similarly, truck drivers must also find the logging devices easy to use and intuitive. It may require an initial adjustment period, but it is time to switch if your company continues to hear prolonged complaints. Driver who hate the technology they are confronted with will find themselves unhappy in their position at your company.

Lack of Transparency in Pricing

How much does that device really cost? Some companies find that they are hit with major hidden fees once they sign on the dotted line. ELDs that are advertised at ultra-low prices often make up for that in hidden fees. Trucking companies may be hit with additional fees for training, customer service support, and more. Make sure to go over every fee in great detail with each potential company before making a final decision.

New Providers

All trucking companies should be aware of how long their solution provider has been in business. Many companies did not start popping up until well after the new regulations were announced. They developed a quick solution in order to make a few dollars without much effort. Instead of going with the latest and greatest company, consider finding a well-established and trusted solution provider to help you stay compliant with the ELD mandate.

Do you have any questions? Talk to  ELD Advisor:  650-405-3372 or Request Callback

Add options as you grow when you need them

Contact HOS247 Today

Finding the right solution provider for your trucking company is an important decision that must be made as soon as possible. As the new regulations go into effect just a few short months from now, every trucking company must decide which electronic logging device will meet their needs and sustain their company for the future. 

When the time comes to reach out for an e-log solution provider that would better suit your business, consider contacting HOS247 for more information. Our multilingual customer service team is dedicated to assisting you as an individual. There is no risk at all for companies that want to try our system. We are so confident that you will love our solution in the first two weeks or we will offer you a hassle-free return. Give us a call today to talk about what HOS247 can offer your business!

5/5
"Awesome. Easy to install and use. Top notch customer service! I recommend it to everyone.”

Abigail Freemantle
Schrader Co
5/5
“Great company to deal with. The support team is very responsive and competent. They provided a great deal of education for our company.”
Evgueni Stoupine
GMS Global Group
5/5
“Customer service is great. They helped me to set up everything and showed how to edit my logs. Thank you.”

Manuel Jenez
Owner-Operator
Free hardware options, no monthly fee options
semi truck on road
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