There is a lot of ground to cover when it comes to HOS rules. Owner-Operators in particular have a lot of questions about what they need to know; What are the rules? Who do they apply to? Why were they put in place? We answered these questions, and more in this week’s webinar. Watch the recording to find out what you need to know about hours-of-service rules.
Webinar Recap – Watch The Recording!
Click the image below to access a recording of our How Much Do Owner-Operators Need to Know About HOS? webinar that was held on February 13, 2017:
Questions & Answers
Q. Will the iOS compatibility with DashLink ELD be rolled out in time to be able to take advantage of the two year extension?
A. We’re finalizing iOS Beta testing as we speak, and we’re hoping to make it available to everyone shortly. Keep and eye on the blog next week for an update!
If you transition to our DashLink ELD today, you can run it as a fully compliant AOBRD until December 19th, 2019 (an additional 2 years from the first compliance deadline date). This will allow you to continue to have flexbility when it comes to generating and editing your logs while you get comfortable with ELDs. When you’re ready to transition to full ELD mandate compliance you can do so anytime with a simple software upgrade. There are no additional fees, you’ll continue to use the same hardware and device.
Q. When will the ELD mandate be in effect?
A. The ELD mandate is effective December 18th 2017, meaning all applicable commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) will need to have an AOBRD or ELD installed by that date.
If you have an AOBRD installed by the deadline, you will have until December 16th, 2019 to make the move to an ELD.
Q. Can you explain the split sleeper berth provision, or the 8/2 split rule?
A. To qualify for the split sleeper berth provision you need to be in sleeper mode for at least 8 hours but no more than 10 hours. This rest period will not count as part of the 14 hours of on-duty time. You’ll then need a seperate rest period that must be at least two consecutive (but less than 10) hours long. This period can be off-duty, in sleeper mode, or in combination of both. This does count as part of your 14 hours. It doesn’t matter which rest period you take first but after your second rest period is complete you will have your new hours available.
Q. We are exempt from the ELD rules, how should our drivers offer an explanation to a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer?
A. This comes down to enforcement officers being educated by the FMCSA, and we aren’t sure exactly how this will play out. We would recommend that your drivers print out the ELD mandate final rule, highlighting the drive-away/tow-away exemption to have proof. Remember, you can always challenge violations and fines using the Data Q’s.
Q. Are private, passenger carrying vehicles for a church or ministry exempt?
A. If you require a Commercial Driving License (CDL) and are currently keeping logs, then it’s likely that they will need an ELD. However, you might qualify for an ELD exemption, depending on the distance you’re traveling and/or how often you are operating your vehicle.
Q. What is the total cost for each truck/driver with BigRoad. Are there any hidden fees at startup?
A. For a single operator/single asset it’s $25 per month. There are no installation or maintenance fees, just a simple one-year contract. There are no hidden fees, but we do require one year upfront payment.
Q. Can I get more information on the new electronic onboard recording device?
A. Absolutely! This would be our DashLink ELD which is an electronic logging device. For more information, visit our DashLink ELD page.
Q. Will this be legally mandated? Does it apply to all states?
A. Yes, it is a federal requirement for all commercial motor vehicles that are required to keep logs (unless qualified for an exemption). There are different rules for different states, so you’ll need to check with the FMCSA to make sure you’re following the right rules and regulations for your state, but it will apply to all states.
Q. What is the difference between Canadian and US HOS rules?
A. Canada and the US have very different rules for the amount of drive time available to drivers. The rules can vary based on the type of driving, the state or province being driven in, break requirements, and more.
You can see on the chart to the right an overview of the Canadian rules, as we primarily covered US HOS rules in the Webinar. Follow the link here for a closer look.
Keep in mind that you need to follow the rules for where you are driving, so if you are a US driver, but you are driving in Canada, you will need to follow the Canadian HOS rules.
Q. Do trucks older than model year 2000 need an ELD?
A. Trucks with a model year 2000 and newer will need to operate using an ELD under the mandate. Trucks with a model year of 1999 and older are exempt from the mandate as they are too old to be compatible with the electronics required.
Q. Can you edit your logs using BigRoad? Will that be visible during an inspection?
A. If you are running the device as an AOBRD, you are still legally able to edit them. However, once you update the device to function as an ELD, your logs will no longer be editable, and information is pulled directly from the engine. This is a requirement from the DOT/FMCSA (as outlined in the ELD mandate) and will be the case with all ELD providers.
Under the ELD mandate, a supervisor is able to make changes to a driver’s logs, but the driver will need to approve of the changes. There will be a trail of any changes made that the inspecting officer will be able to see.
Q. Will I need to use an ELD if I’m currently using a time clock?
A. If you are currently required to keep records of duty status (RODS), you will not need to run an ELD. You will continue to log your hours the way you have been required to prior to the mandate.
How BigRoad Can Help
Get your fleet on the path to compliance with our DashLink ELD – the easiest and most affordable ELD compliance solution available! Request a demo to see DashLink in action today!
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