As a commercial motor vehicle carrier or driver, you need a truck logbook that complies with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s regulations. The fact that FMCSA certified electronic logging devices do not necessarily fulfill all the necessary requirements complicates matters. CMV carriers and drivers are left with the burden of researching their options before choosing one for their business.
Making sure that a truck logbook is in agreement with federal regulations starts with purchasing from a trustworthy supplier who is knowledgeable about the ELD mandate. This is important because any elog provider can self-certify and register their own device—even if it later turns out to be non-compliant with DOT requirements.
Do you have any questions? Talk to ELD Advisor: 650-405-3372 or Request Callback
The abundance of so-called “FMCSA certified electronic logging devices” makes the search for a reliable option difficult. But by keeping the following points in mind, the process of choosing compliant electronic log can be made much more straightforward:
- Remember that, although manufacturers can be taken off the list of FMCSA approved ELD providers, it is ultimately the motor carrier’s responsibility to ensure compliance. The carrier or owner-operator should regularly check the lists of registered and revoked ELD suppliers.
- Reading reviews on the Apple Store and Google Play is also helpful. This provides honest opinions from actual elog users.
- Avoid ELD suppliers that try to lock customers into long-term contracts. This red flag might indicate they are not confident in their solution and fear that customers will leave.
- Choosing an elog provider that has been in the business for years, as opposed to newly arriving on the scene, can also be helpful. Such providers know the ins and outs of the mandate and how to deliver a solution that boosts efficiency, safety, and revenue.
The FMCSA list of registered ELD suppliers is extensive, with over 700 self-registered logbooks. It is important to partner with a knowledgeable electronic logbook vendor who understands this complex technology and helps fleets and owner-operators comply with changing regulations and more efficient operations.
FMCSA’s List of Registered ELD Providers
As per the elog mandate, manufacturers have had the right to self-register their devices since February 16, 2016. The process of registration follows after the manufacturer checks all the necessary boxes. This is the list of all FMCSA certified electronic logging devices as of January 2022.
[INSERT List of FMCSA certified electronic logging devices]
HOS247 Is a Leading Electronic Logbook Supplier
HOS247 is a leading elogbook supplier with years of experience and knowledge of the ELD mandate. Drivers and carriers not only trust our brand, as indicated by online reviews but enjoy the following benefits:
- Multilingual customer support team. Our top-rated support team consists of individuals who speak English, Spanish, Polish, and Russian to help drivers manage their logs seven days a week.
- Flexible options with no long-term contracts. Thanks to our no-contract policy, you can scale your plan up or down at any moment to accommodate your fleet’s changing needs.
- Driver-friendly. Drivers and fleet managers alike value our user-friendly interface. With the current driver shortage, fleets need to do whatever they can to make a driver’s job easier on the road. Our app is top-rated on app distribution platforms. It can be downloaded to a driver’s own smartphone or tablet for their convenience.
- Visibility. Our solution makes it easy to keep records of duty status (RODS) in a way that provides complete visibility into all aspects of an operation. Such visibility allows carriers to focus on profitability instead of worrying about compliance.
- Hassle-free two-week returns. If you’re not happy with the solution, you can return it within two weeks and get a full refund.
- Reliable hardware. HOS247 elogs can be installed and sync with the driver’s smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth so it can be used immediately.
- Extra features. Additional options such as GPS Tracking, IFTA mileage calculations, fault code detection, optional tablets with data, and others are available for fleets of all sizes.
Device Name: HOS247 ELD Model Number: FLT2 ELD Identifier: ELD247 > Verify the FMCSA registration
HOS247 Logbooks Meets All FMCSA Requirements and Supports Multiple HOS Rules and Trucking Exemptions
Most drivers and carriers who operate CMVs must comply with HOS regulations to ensure drivers avoid fatigue and stay alert on the road. HOS rules set the maximum amount of time that drivers are allowed to remain on duty, as well as the amount of rest time.
Keep in mind the following DOT requirements:
- CMV drivers who must keep records of duty status for HOS must use an electronic logging device.
- All electronic logbooks must be tested and registered.
- Drivers must keep supporting documents in their vehicles as specified by the mandate.
There are a few exemptions to the ELD mandate that carriers and drivers need to know. HOS247 supports drivers and carriers who are not required to use elogbooks. However, using FMCSA certified electronic logging devices can still help boost revenue and safety.
The ELD mandate exemptions include the following drivers:
- Short-haul drivers.
- Drivers of vehicles with engines manufactured before the year 2000.
- Drivers who log RODS for only eight days out of a 30-day period.
- Drivers of a vehicle that is being towed and delivered as a commodity.
HOS247 is more than a truck logbook provider. We offer a solution that meets the needs of trucking businesses, whether they consist of 100 vehicles or just one. Our solution makes it easy to track vehicles, recognize and schedule vehicle maintenance, make dispatch more efficient, and much more, all while supporting multiple hours of service rules and trucking exemptions.
Our ELD has been extensively tested to meet the federal requirements and comply with regulations 49 CFR § 385, 386, 390, and 395 regarding electronic logging devices.
Electronic Logs Must Support the Updated Version of the HOS Rules
As of September 29, 2020, some HOS regulations have been revised to allow drivers greater flexibility while still ensuring road safety. Both the exemptions and the changes that have been made to HOS rules should be supported by FMCSA certified electronic logging devices. They include:
- An expanded short-haul exception to 150 air-miles, which allows for a 14-hour work shift.
- An expanded driving window during adverse driving conditions, adding two hours to the amount of time a driver is allowed to be on-duty.
- Required breaks of a minimum of 30 minutes in a row after eight cumulative hours of driving time, instead of eight hours of on-duty time (with any period on-duty but not driving qualifying as the required break).
- A modified sleeper berth exception allows drivers to split time in the sleeper berth to meet the 10-hour minimum off-duty requirement without counting against the 14-hour driving window.
Do you have any questions? Talk to ELD Advisor: 650-405-3372 or Request Callback
ELD-Related Fines and CSA Scores
Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) is a data-driven safety compliance and enforcement program that scores motor carriers according to a safety measurement system (SMS). The FMCSA updates motor carriers’ CSA scores monthly, basing their scores on the results of investigations, crash reports, and safety violations. The lower the score, the better. The highest score of 100 is the worst a carrier could receive. High scores put carriers at a higher inspection risk, reduce customer trust and raise drivers’ insurance premiums.
There are 22 violations related to electronic logs that can affect a carrier’s CSA score.
Examples of the number of points a carrier can expect to receive for violations include:
- 7 points for not using the required method to record HOS.
- 5 points for failing to note a elog malfunction or for keeping the display screen in an area that isn’t visible to inspectors from outside of the vehicle.
- 1 point for lesser violations such as not keeping the device’s manual in the vehicle.
In addition to high CSA scores, carriers also face the risk of recordkeeping fines, which can cost over $1,300 each day of noncompliance. Non-recordkeeping violations can result in a penalty of close to $16,000, and falsifying logs can cost over $13,000. Besides the costs of the penalties, drivers also risk being put out of service.
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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