ELD Violations Will Be Reflected in Your HOS Compliance BASIC

As part of the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) looks at seven categories, known as the Behavio­­­­r Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs). In early May, the way that your hours-of-service (HOS) compliance BASIC is calculated will be changing – make sure you’re prepared!

What is the HOS BASIC?

The HOS Compliance BASIC addresses requirements outlined in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) 49 CFR Parts 392 and 395. Violation of these regulations relate to a driver’s records of duty status (RODS), HOS requirements, and driver fatigue

 

ELD Violations Will Be Used In BASIC Calculation

With the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate now under hard enforcement, the FMCSA will be changing the way that they calculate the HOS compliance BASIC as part of the CSA program. As of April 1^st, 2018, violations related to ELDs found during roadside inspections will be used in the Safety Management System (SMS) program.

These violations will not be applied retroactively; violations recorded prior to April 1^st, 2018, will not count on a motor carrier’s SMS report. Motor carriers that have received ELD-related violations will start to see them reflected in their HOS compliance BASIC in early May 2018 (when the next monthly SMS results are released).

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ELD Related Violations

Below you will see violations, listed in order of severity that will have an impact on your HOS BASIC moving forward:

 

Tips to Protect Your HOS BASIC
By violation group description, we’ve provided you with some tips to help you protect your HOS BASIC and keep a strong CSA score:

False Log
Have your supporting materials ready and easily available to provide to an officer when requested. Supporting documentation can include:

• • Bills of lading, itineraries, schedules or other documents showing start and end location of each trip
  • Dispatch records
  • Receipts related to “on-duty/not driving” activities (meals, lodging, fuels, etc.)
  • Fleet management system communication records
  • Payroll records

Incomplete Log/Wrong Log
To prevent violations in this category, you want to ensure that:

• • • • You are using an ELD or grand-fathered AOBRD if you are required to under the ELD mandate (non-exempt)
      • Your ELD is registered and listed on the FMCSA’s Registered ELD list
      • You can provide your logs for inspection on a portable display screen (mobile phone or table) that can be viewed outside of the vehicle
      • You have claimed or declined any unassigned driving that has occurred in your vehicle
      • You have noted any malfunctions that have required you to use a paper log until malfunction is addressed

        
        ELD-Related
        First, you’ll want to make sure that your ELD is mounted in an easily accessible location that is visible – don’t hide it non-accessible areas. Next, make sure you have the following items in your cab or downloaded on your mobile device:

        • • Your ELD user manual
          • The instruction sheet and malfunction guide
          • A supply of blank logs in case of malfunction

Other Log/Form and Manner
This category is focused on ensuring that you know how to properly use your ELD and you have a solid understanding of logging requirements under the ELD mandate. The BigRoad team has pulled together a library of guides and videos to help – here are some that you’ll want to make sure to check out:

• • • • • • Video – How to Change Your Truck, Trailer, and Shipment Information
          • Guide – How to Change Your Truck, Trailer, and Shipment Information
          • Video – Understanding ELD Inspection Mode
          • Guide – How to Use ELD Inspection Mode
          • Guide – How to Manage Unidentified Driving
          • Guide – How to Edit Logs for Drivers
          • Guide – How to Edit Logs for Fleet Administrators

 

How BigRoad Can Help?
BigRoad makes hours-of-service (HOS) compliance easy with our BigRoad Mobile App and DashLink ELD. No matter what type of logging you’re required to do, BigRoad has a simple, affordable, and flexible way for you to achieve compliance. Sign-up for a demo now and see our solution in action.

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