The FMCSA ELD mandate applies to most commercial motor vehicle drivers. As per this new ELD rule, after December 2017 most CMVs will need to have electronic logging devices (ELDs).

As the December 2017 deadline approaches, most trucking companies are now going for ELD implementation as a result. If you are one of those companies, and need some help with the information, we are here.

Here are some most common questions that organizations ask during an ELD transition.

6 ELD transition questions and answers

1. Does the ELD Mandate apply to my fleet? What’s the deadline?

The ELD Mandate covers nearly all fleets and drivers that are required by the FMCSA to maintain their records of duty status. However, there are a few categories of vehicles and drivers who are exempt from this ELD mandate.

For instance, pre-2000 vehicles do not need to have ELDs. Apart from that, towaway drivers, drivers who do not have to maintain RODS, and drivers who maintain RODS for less than 8 days in a 30-day cycle are also exempt.

For more details on the different types of drivers and vehicles that are exempt, read ‘Is your fleet exempt from the ELD rule?’

The ELD Mandate requires almost all CMVs to transition from paper logs to ELDs by December 18, 2017. Here is an infographic that explains the timeline.

2. Is my selected ELD provider meeting all the mandate requirements?

Before choosing an ELD provider, you need to ensure that the product they are offering complies with all of FMCSA’s technical requirements. Motive is certified by the FMCSA and fulfills all the requirements put forward by the ELD Mandate.

3. What is the real cost of an ELD transition and implementation?

The FMCSA estimates that you can expect an annualized ELD compliance cost between $165 and $832 per truck. Picking a cost-effective ELD solution, therefore, is crucial.

4. Which ELD features are important?

The ELD Mandate requires devices to gather a limited amount of data. Some ELDs, like Motive, collect even more to help trucking companies.

Recording information such as vehicle-performance parameters, speed, rapid acceleration, and hard braking, can help you understand the overall picture of how your fleets operate. With Motive you get real-time vehicle visibility and driver status that you can use to implement good driving practices.

Furthermore, you also get access to our IFTA reporting feature that makes lives easier for fleet managers.

5. Do we need an employee training program?

Yes. Employee training is vital, transparency in the implementation of the ELD technology process is important. Drivers need to be made comfortable with the new technology, and you need to make sure they know how to use it.

Motive has one of the best-rated active support centers that help trucking companies, truck drivers, and owners find all the answers they might need.

6. If my fleet is exempt, will I still benefit from transitioning to ELDs?

Yes. Despite the exemptions, however, many fleets are choosing electronic logging devices because of the various benefits ELDs offer. With advantages like HOS Compliance, lower long-term costs, easy management, simplified IFTA Calculation, improved CSA Scores, etc. implementing ELDs becomes a no-brainer.

For more information about exemptions, read this article for small carriers and owner-operators, and check out the FMCSA’s ELD transition guidance.

Get on the ELD compliance train

Download the free Motive app for Android and iPhone and get your fleet on the road to compliance!

Request a demo for the Motive ELD, and a product specialist will get in touch with you with all the information you need.