Keeping logs is an essential part of the trucking industry to ensure safety. In 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandated that these logs now be kept by an electronic logging device (ELD). This mandate protects the public from a safety standpoint as it keeps an accurate record of duty hours. It also prevents drivers from being harassed by carriers into taking actions that would lead to endless hours of service violations. An ELD is an excellent tool, and following these best practices for using one will help keep you compliant and safe on the roads.
1. Check Your Device
Before you start driving, make sure your device is functioning properly. Make sure the battery is charged and ready to go. If your device is not functioning properly, you should bring it to the attention of your carrier in writing. Putting it in writing protects you in case of a device malfunction.
2. Carry Your Device Documentation and Manual
Make sure you have a copy of your manufacturer’s Transfer Guide, Operating Manual, and Malfunction Guide with you. If you do not already have these documents available, you can get them from the device manufacturer. These guides will be valuable in case you are required to electronically transfer data on demand.
3. Have Blank Paper Logs Ready
You should always have at least eight days of blank paper logs on hand in case your ELD malfunctions. If you get pulled over for an enforcement inspection, you must have four thighs onboard at all times, or you could be in violation:
- ELD Transfer Guide
- ELD Manual
- Malfunction Guide
- Blank paper logs
Make sure you have these things with you before you head out on the road.
4. Make Sure Your Driver Interface Is Positioned Correctly
To comply, you must have your device mounted so that it is clearly visible. You are not allowed to mount it on your windshield, and you must make sure the device is plugged in.
5. Double Check Before You Start Your Workday
When you take a 10-hour break, the first ON duty log begins your consecutive workday. This day ticks down from 14 hours regardless of any log that comes after it, and you cannot edit it. This means that if you start your vehicle and move it before your workday begins, it will start ticking down. For example, driving your truck across a yard to hook up a trailer would make the timer start ticking. Call ahead to make sure your load is available before you start your truck. If you get there, and the load is not ready, you are losing hours.
6. Be Careful with Moving the Truck During Rest
Sometimes, you might have difficulty finding parking, which means having to move your vehicle to accommodate security or other vehicles. This can result in a DRIVE status that interrupts the required 30-minute break. If you are taking a 10-hour or 30-minute break, make sure to choose “Personal Conveyance” before you move the vehicle. This will keep you off duty. You can use this mode only if the move is not for the benefit of the carrier.
7. Complying with Enforcement
If you are stopped by an officer, the first thing you should do is to find out what method of transfer they support. It will either be “local” by USB or Bluetooth, or it will be “telematic” which is wireless through the ELD provider and email. Follow the directions in your transfer guide and make sure you do not get an error on transfer. If you do, you can display and print out the information. If an error occurs, you should report it to your carrier immediately so that it can be repaired.
8. Allow Time at End of Workday
Make sure to allow time at the end of your shift to allow you to find parking and complete your final bit of work before you switch to off-duty. Make sure to log out if another person will move your vehicle while you are off duty because this could run out your hours for the next shift.
Following these best practices will help you make sure you are compliant and safe. If you have any questions regarding your ABC ELD, you can contact us with any questions you might have.
