Do you have unanswered questions about complying with the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate? You’re not alone! Watch this recap of our recent webinar on the topic to get the answers you are looking for.
Webinar Recap – Watch The Recording!
During this webinar, we went over answers to the most common compliance questions we get asked, then opened the floor for a Q&A session. The purpose of this webinar was to make sure you have the answers you need to run in compliance with the ELD mandate.
Click the image below to access a recording of our Your Top Compliance Questions, Answered webinar that was held on May 8, 2017:
Questions & Answers
Q. When does the ELD mandate go into effect?
A. The ELD mandate is effective December 18th 2017, meaning that all applicable CMVs will need to have an AOBRD or ELD installed by that date. If you have an AOBRD (which is slightly more flexible) installed by December 18th, then you will have until December 16th, 2019 to make the move to a fully compliant ELD device. In the case of BigRoad’s DashLink ELD that would just take a simple software upgrade — there is no need to swap out hardware.
Q. Does this rule apply to owner-operators and small fleets? Or just larger fleets?
A. Under the ELD Mandate, owner-operators are required to use an ELD, there is no exemption based on being a single truck operation or owner-operator. However, you might qualify for another type of exemption. For a full list of ELD mandate exemptions, check out this post on the BigRoad Blog.
Q. Why were HOS rules put in place?
A. The main goal of HOS regulations is to prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue. To do this, HOS regulations limit the number of hours a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver can drive their vehicle and work, while regulating breaks. This includes both truck and motorcoach/bus drivers. Fatigue is prevented by keeping drivers on a 21- to 24-hour schedule to maintain their natural sleep/wake cycle.
Q. If I’m signed up with BigRoad’s DashLink before the mandate deadline, will I be able to run it as an AOBRD until 2019?
A. BigRoad’s DashLink can be installed and used as an AOBRD until the extension deadline of December 16th, 2019. When you are ready to make the move to a more restrictive ELD (before the December 16, 2019 deadline), it can be done with a simple software update. There is no need to purchase new hardware. Once you have it installed you can make this switch anytime – either wait until December 2019, or sooner, depending on your comfort level. To learn about the benefits of using DashLink as an AOBRD, watch the recording of last month’s webinar, ELogs, ELDs and AOBRDs; What’s the Difference? Or, check out this blog post.
Q. The FMCSA has a list of ELD providers, but since this is a self-certification process, how can you tell which providers are legit or just jumping in due to the mandate and have little to no previous ELD experience?
A. The ELD self-certification list is exactly that, a list where vendors have said that their device is compliant with the FMCSA’s guidelines. However they do provide an optional (extensive) test that vendors can use to ensure their device meets all of the requirements of an acceptable electronic logging device (ELD). This test is not mandatory, and it is a self-certification list, so you’ll notice that a lot of the providers that registered early might not really meet the FMCSA’s requirements. Be cautious of any devices listed on the first page of the self-certification list. Many of them listed within days of the final spec being made public, which would not give them enough time to build a fully-compliant product.
BigRoad has been taking the time to create a fully compliant device, which is why we haven’t listed yet. Now we’ve taken the time to ensure we have checked all of our boxes. We’ve gone through extensive field and in-house testing, thoroughly checking against the FMCSA’s requirements and participating in their tests, and we’ve submitted our documentation to get on the list. We are just waiting for the FMCSA to add us, and that should be in the coming days.
Q. What device do you recommend for a small trucking company (under 5 trucks)?
A. Well, this one is easy! DashLink ELD is great for small operations because it is one of the most affordable options- there’s no upfront hardware fee, and our licensing cost is very low. It’s also very simple, and easy to use – drivers are always commenting on how simple using BigRoad has made their jobs.
Another great thing about DashLink is it’s flexibility – you can use it in AOBRD mode and continue to edit your logs until you are ready to switch to ELD mode.
And then, there’s how much DOT officers love BigRoad! You don’t know how many times we’ve had our customers comment on how when a DOT officer sees that they are using BigRoad, they wave them off, or speed through their inspection because they know and trust our solution.
How BigRoad Can Help
Are you ready for a compliance solution? Let BigRoad help! Our DashLink ELD is the easiest and most affordable ELD compliance solution out there. Request a demo to see how easy using DashLink can make compliance!
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