Do you need to be compliant with the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate? Are you currently just using BigRoad’s Mobile App? This is a great start, but you’re going to need BigRoad’s DashLink ELD by December 18, 2017 in order to be compliant!
BigRoad’s Got Your Back When it Comes to Compliance
The ELD mandate is coming and most of you are looking for a solution to make sure you’re running in compliance by the December 18, 2017 deadline. A very important thing that you need to know is the difference between an electronic logbook (eLog) and an electronic logging device (ELD). We’re hearing from many FMCSA and DOT inspectors that drivers and fleets are confused about exactly what they need to have to be compliant – and we’re here to help!
The BigRoad Mobile App is an electronic logbook. An eLog is basically an electronic version of a paper logbook. Drivers must manually enter the majority of information to create their records of duty status (RODS). The app provides notifications and warnings to make compliance easier.
An electronic logbook (eLog) alone is not enough to be considered ELD mandate compliant. Why? Because eLogs are not engine connected. They can be easily edited and manipulated which is one of the main reasons behind the mandate.
What is an ELD?
An ELD (electronic logging device), is a piece of hardware that plugs into the ECM of a vehicle. When plugged in, an ELD automatically records information from the engine to record the driver’s hours-of-service (HOS) and other vehicle information. It’s an engine-connected device. BigRoad’s version of an ELD is our DashLink.
What is BigRoad’s Mobile App?
The BigRoad Mobile App is an eLog, which basically replaces paper logbooks. There is no engine connection. The BigRoad Mobile App runs on a drivers’ mobile device – phone or tablet.
What Does the ELD Mandate Require?
In section 395.2 of the ELD mandate, the FMCSA states that an ELD “must be integrally synchronized with specific operations of the motor vehicle in which it is installed.” This means that you must use an engine-connected device in order to be compliant. As we covered, our BigRoad Mobile App alone is not engine connected. To be compliant with the ELD mandate, you’ll need to be running the BigRoad Mobile App along with our engine-connected DashLink ELD.
DashLink is plugged into the vehicle and sends information via Bluetooth to the BigRoad Mobile App on the mobile device. The good news here is that if you’re already familiar with the BigRoad Mobile App, DashLink seamlessly connects to the Mobile App and functions in the exact same way! You’ll be up and running in no time because there’s basically no learning curve.
AOBRD vs. ELD – What’s Right for Me?
You’ve probably heard another name floating around: AOBRD. AOBRDs (automatic onboard recording devices) have been around since 1988. Like an ELD, AOBRDs are engine-connected devices that automatically and accurately record a driver’s duty status. They are also compliant with the ELD mandate. Where ELDs and AOBRDs differ is in how much information they record and allow you to edit.
AOBRDs* must record:
- Truck data
- Shipment and other carrier information
- Hours-of-service summary
- Duty status changes
- Vehicle location
- Drive time
- Device malfunctions
*AOBRDs allow drivers to have some ability to edit their logs
ELDs** must record all the data that AOBRDs record as well as:
- Intermediate driving events
- CMV status including powering on/off and logging in/out
- Diagnostic data and engine malfunctions
- Unidentified driving records
**ELDs allow very limited edits to driver logs with most requiring annotation
AOBRD Grandfather Clause
ELDs are more restrictive than AOBRDs, which probably makes them much less attractive to you. Although ELDs are being mandated on December 18, 2017, if you get an AOBRD in place before the December 18, 2017 deadline, you can take advantage of the AOBRD grandfather clause!
Under this clause, you can continue to use an AOBRD until December 16, 2019 before transitioning to an ELD. When you transition to ELD is up to you – you can run AOBRD for a few months or wait right until the last minute to make the switch to ELD. It’s important to note that you cannot buy an AOBRD after December 18, 2017.
When you first get BigRoad’s DashLink, it functions as an AOBRD. You can choose to keep it functioning as an AOBRD until December 2019 or transition to ELD sooner. We recommend you take advantage of this extra flexibility for 2 more years. When you’re ready to switch to an ELD, you can do this with a simple software update.
How BigRoad Helps Drivers
BigRoad’s DashLink ELD is the #1 choice for electronic logging device (ELD) mandate compliance. Why? Because it’s simple, affordable, and flexible – the way compliance should be! If you are ready to become compliant, request a free demo of DashLink by clicking on the button below:
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