Hours of service limits for truckers were first established in the USA in 1937 to prevent driver fatigue. Since then, HOS rules have been revised many times, and electronic logging devices have changed the landscape of the trucking industry.
The FMCSA’s ELD mandate requires elogbook usage to keep records of duty status (RODS) of drivers that engage in interstate commerce, creating a huge demand for these devices that has been met with hundreds of options. This article will give truckers some pointers to narrow down the search for a compliant and dependable logbook in the USA.
Do you have any questions? Talk to ELD Advisor: 650-405-3372 or Request Callback
HOS247 Is a Leading Electronic Logbook Provider in the USA
HOS247 is a leading ELD service provider. We offer clients a reliable electronic logbook service with top-rated support. Our customers receive unlimited free consultations to help them achieve optimal elogbook usage and solve any potential issues. We offer a wide array of benefits and advantages for our clients, including:
- Efficient technical support. Our customer service team is well-trained and knowledgeable. They assist customers Monday through Sunday in English, Spanish, Polish, and Russian.
- Dependable hardware. High-quality hardware is essential for compliance. HOS247 has tested the device rigorously to make sure it performs as it should at all times. It provides a stable Bluetooth connection that allows for accurate and timely HOS records.
- Multiple device compatibility. The HOS247 e logbook app offers versions for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets to suit the preference of drivers and it is top-rated on app distribution platforms.
- Trial-period. Take HOS247 for a test drive for two weeks and become familiar with the system. Customers may return their purchase within this period and get a hassle-free refund, no questions asked.
- No contract policy. The service is provided as a subscription, so users do not need to commit for long periods and can decide to scale their plans as they see fit. Payments can be monthly or yearly.
- Extra features. With these features, efficiency is improved and the workload is reduced:
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- Fleet maintenance. Keep the fleet in peak condition and increase vehicles’ useful life by scheduling preventative maintenance. This avoids breakdowns and downtime, improving productivity.
- Vehicle diagnostics. Get real-time alerts for diagnostic issues to prevent violations and increase driver safety.
- IFTA mileage calculations. Automated calculations eliminate human error and make management more efficient.
- Idling monitoring. Reduce fuel consumption and increase profitability.
ELDs Must Comply with Updated HOS Rules and Exemptions
HOS regulations have changed over time to improve the driver’s time management while on the road. There are three basic rules regarding the trucker’s driving time management during a shift:
- The 14-hour rule. Property-carrying motorists are not allowed to be on the road after they have been on duty for 14 hours. Truckers cannot drive again until they have completed 10 consecutive hours off duty. Passenger vehicle drivers may drive up to the 15th hour on duty. Off-duty time, however long it is, does not extend the 14-hour limit.
- The 11-hour rule. According to the 11-hour rule, a property-carrying motorist can only drive for 11 hours in a 14-hour period following 10 consecutive hours of rest. Drivers carrying passengers must be off duty for 8 hours to be allowed to drive up to 10 hours.
- 30-minute rule. According to the 30-minute break rule, drivers are not allowed to drive after 8 hours past their last 30-minute break. This break can be spent on duty, but not driving. Driving for up to 10 hours after eight straight hours off the clock is permitted for passenger-carrying drivers.
On June 1, 2020, the FMCSA updated four different provisions of the hours of service regulations. This modification is meant to allow drivers more flexibility while maintaining safety. Beginning on September 29, 2020, motor carriers have been held accountable for complying with the new HOS requirements, which are:
- Short-haul exception. The short-haul exemption has its range increased to 150 air-miles, and it is now possible to put in a 14-hour shift while still falling within the limit.
- Adverse driving conditions. Increases the amount of time available for driving in situations where driving conditions are not appropriate due to unforeseen weather or road conditions by up to two hours.
- 30-minute break requirement. Drivers are now required to take a break of at least 30 consecutive minutes after 8 cumulative hours of driving time (instead of on-duty time). Any non-driving time is valid to qualify as the mandatory break.
- Sleeper berth provision. If the driver spends at least 7 hours of the 10-hour minimum off-duty period in the berth, they may complete them by spending at least 2 hours of that time inside or outside the berth, as long as the two periods add to a total of 10 hours. The 14-hour total is not reduced when both qualifying periods are used according to the rules.
FMCSA Requirements to Verify ELD Compliance
Many trucking businesses have struggled with electronic logbook systems due to a general lack of knowledge on how the FMCSA verifies compliance. Essentially, the digital logbook uses automation technology to reduce paperwork and simplify record keeping. By replacing paper records in this way, there is significantly less chance of error and the data can be stored in an electronic database (not to mention, it needs less space).
An often overlooked but important aspect of this transformation is having compliant drivers who understand how to use the necessary technology systems required for safe and efficient operations on the road. ELD Compliance is a huge topic and the learning curve is steep. We have put together everything you need to know about ELDs into a single handy guide.
If drivers do not comply with this law, they could be subject to fines and worse CSA Scores. Drivers who have been penalized for non-compliance can also get their drivers’ licenses suspended or revoked.
Non-Compliance Can Lead to ELD-Related Penalties
In the USA, the SMS (Safety Measurement System) scores motor carriers on compliance with safety regulations. A carrier’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, and Accountability) score is updated on a monthly basis according to FMCSA investigation results, crash reports, number and severity of safety violations, and results of roadside inspections. A percentile number (100 is the worst possible score and 1 is the best) indicates how safely a carrier operates. As motor carriers commit violations, their score and insurance premium costs will increase.
There are 22 direct violations related to the use of ELDs that negatively impact the carriers’ CSA score. The most common of these violations and their penalties are:
- Failing to use the correct method to record HOS. Up to 7 points.
- Incomplete logs or errors. These add 5 points and include failing to document a device malfunction or not setting up the screen to be visible from outside the vehicle.
- Lesser violations. These add one point: not having the ELD manual available, not certifying logs, and missing information that needs to be input manually such as shipping documents or location descriptions.
The CSA score is affected by these infractions, but there are also expensive fines that come with them. The FMCSA increased these fines in May 2021. Penalties now start at $338 for a first-time violation and reach $196,992 for transporting hazardous materials with a vehicle declared unfit.
Log-keeping fines can be as high as $1,307 for violations in a single day. The highest daily penalty related to keeping records is $13,072 for deliberately falsifying logs. Violations such as not equipping a digital logbook without a valid exemption or federal approval will also get the driver suspended or put out of service.
Do you have any questions? Talk to ELD Advisor: 650-405-3372 or Request Callback
Final Note
Elogbooks in the USA keep truckers anonymous while they are on the road. They are pre-filled with information, including the date, time of day, and GPS coordinates.
At HOS247, we provide dependable electronic devices for truckers. We offer a wide range of elogbook USA with different features and prices. We have elogbooks that come with a built-in GPS tracker and some that have a solar power charger that will help you save money on fuel costs along with helping the environment.
I’ve co-founded, built and managed several transportation-related businesses. Now, I’m a founder and CEO of HOS247 – an AI Transportation Platform for trucking companies, freight brokers and other logistics operations. We are transitioning old-style operations to technology-advanced logistics entities and help them to grow their businesses. ELDs (electronic logging devices), fleet tracking and management 2.0 combined with AI-powered dispatch tools.
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