The Electronic Logging Device compliance date is less than a week away. On Monday, December 18th, most commercial trucks must have their ELDs installed and operating to be in compliance with federal regulations.
We’ve known this moment has been coming for years now, and yet many in the industry are still unprepared. With less than a week to go, surveys are being conducted to see how many carriers still have not become compliant. According to a survey of 985 carriers conducted by CarrierLists, 74% of respondents are in compliance. Another survey of 1620 respondents published by PrePass’s parent company found that only 33% of carriers surveyed are currently ELD compliant. Of those who have not yet selected an ELD provider, 38% claim that they are not planning to ever install an ELD on their trucks.
Some of those holdouts may belong to groups which won’t have to worry about a December 18th compliance date. Drivers of vehicles manufactured before 2000 won’t have to install ELDs. Carriers who already had Automatic On-Board Recording Devices installed won’t have to switch over to ELDs for another two years. Drivers in some specific segments of the industry have also secured exemptions. Just recently the FMCSA approved a 90-day ELD waiver requested by the Truck Renting and Leasing Association for all short-term rental trucks.
Still other groups are still waiting to find out if their exemption or delay requests will be granted by the FMCSA. A recent request for a delay benefiting livestock haulers has been making its way through Congress with bipartisan support.
Those who are hoping for a last-minute reprieve are running out of time, but some of those fighting against ELDs still have not yet thrown in the towel. OOIDA for example is still reaching out to state Attorneys General to try and persuade them to emulate Indiana’s Attorney General and lean on the FMCSA for a delay.
If you need more information on ELDs, you can visit the FMCSA’s FAQ page for ELDS here.
Source: fmcsa, fmcsa, truckersreport, carrierlists, gobytrucknews, truckinginfo, fleetowner, overdrive, gobytrucknews
Gary Williams says
No ELD’s big company’s want them fine they got the big bucks to replace drivers an equipment after wrecks. It’s all about safety !!!!! Then go stand by a construction zone on any given highway theses already eld equipped trucks don’t slow down for them, they are in the wrong lanes trying to pass. They are passing in tunnels on sharp curves. Going throug towns running red lights speeding in school zones, even in truck stops. You get two slow trucks riding side by side down the highway for miles and why. Cause they are racing that clock got to get as far as they can in the time allowed. Eld create a lot of road rage and it’s gonna get worse. It’s gonna get ugly.
Anthony Suarez says
I did not like it but you get use to it. It is going to happen so try to make the best of it. This is the ******* you get for trucking. Be safe out on the road.
Dave says
I have to disagree, you do not get used to it… At all! Been there, done that. 2001FLD, over the road, the day I get a damn eld is the day I quit driving all together, it’s a goddamn shame these truckers can’t unite for a good cause and avoid more governmental control. Maybe we’ll get lucky and people will do the job they’re supposed to do and I don’t mean sitting around keeping the drivers seat warm.
Mack says
Yes Anthony, there are two kinds of people in this world: Those that get used to chains, heck even learn to like ’em, and those that don’t, because they just love the freedom too much. You can think of it in categories of dogs and wolves. I don’t have to explain, which are you, do I? The funny thing is that those who make peace with their chains won’t shut up about it until and unless all others do too. Good dog.
Roger says
Mack, I’ve gotta have it to you. THAT was the ABSOLUTE BEST retort I have EVER heard! Hope you don’t mind, but I WILL be using that “dogs & wolves” analogy in the future. EXCELLENT!
Andrew Hunt says
I bet every weigh station will be open for some time and the ticket books will be hot.
Carroll McCoun says
E.L.D.s are going to kill more innocent people than they save truckers lives. The United States is fixing to hit the panic mode as well. Because of, like of product in the stores. And there is fixing to be the greatest demand for experience in the trucking world that there has ever been.
Redjeb says
The 14 hour clock combined with the ELDs will cause a hurry up stressful environment. Not healthy or safe.
Andrew says
Agree, I have been on E logs now for 2 weeks and I can feel myself more stressed out driving much faster than I used to
Mark says
I work for a small carrier with about 50 trucks, this law is costing our company about $100,000.00 just on the equipment and an additional $2,500.00 per month, and that’s just on the equipment. When the total cost of this garbage law is tallied it will be in the billions of dollars for our industry, and will hurt every single business in America.
This law is not about safety. This law is about dragging down the small businesses to the level of the huge corporate carriers, they don’t try to hide it, they say “level the playing field”. Business in a capitalist country and not a communist country isn’t done on a level playing field, it’s competitive and that’s part of what keeps this country moving.
clee says
PRODUCE IS IN TROUBLE!
gary macdonald says
A lot of stocks in trouble too
Jules says
How so. We get our produce loads back from the West Coast to east coast in about 32-36 hrs to the yard and then 8 ours to the customer via regional driver. It’s to the costumer within 40-42 hrs. On Qualcomm & Don’t cheat time and use it to the fullest extent.
zee says
propane is too!
Mike says
Already working on transitioning out of the industry… 30 years, I have had enough of this bs.
Trucka T says
Well I guess the next thing to change is possibly how we get paid. It only makes sense to tweak the pay since we’re all gong digital logs.
Dave says
It’ll happen for awhile, then jb, Warner, swift and the rest will get greedy again and watch the pay go down since they’re rushing morons in a truck at a incredible rate.
Jon says
I’ve got a solution. The bunks come off all the trucks, everybody goes home at 5pm for their quality home time, and the guys in the suits with the big salaries can figure out how to make all this #### work from there. I think about $30/hr would be about right too.
Paula says
It would be nice, but the next thing will be speed limiters. They will have a huge amount of documentation from the ELD to prove the trucks are are speeding. Excessive speed will be the cause of accidents when they can no longer blame them on driver fatigue and log falsification.
Ralf Malf says
I’ve been saying the same thing. Spot on analysis.
Allen Martinez says
Yep
Patricia Munsch says
I agree when you have to sit at the site for several hours and only get paid by the load.
Glen says
I enjoy having a guaranteed 8 hours off after my 16 hour day.
Michael Lamparyk says
Thats Illegal is 14 hrs with 10.off
John says
America, where everyone is trying to force some “freedom” down your throat.
Go away.
P Harney says
We ordered our ELD but won’t get it til after Dec 30th due to demand.
Orland says
You get what you pay for, Americans have become nothing but a bunch of cowards who don’t have the balls to fight back and strike, the trucking industry is going down even more, politicians don’t know anything about trucking but we still allow them to make the rules for us, there is no way to make money this way, I’m out, you cowards can deal with that
RT says
You know drivers kept cheating the old way log books so they did this today..drivers mess over each other..no courtesy treat each other like crap..won’t stick together on nothing..so if the gov’t screws you live with it you get what you deserve…
Calogero baccanelli says
Utter horses*. The only people who benefit from this are companies who make electronic devices and big trucking conglomerates who would love nothing more than run small businesses out even if it means disrupting the economy. Its amazing how these congressmen are in the pocket of the ATA but if the economy is disrupted and there is a spike in the accident rate these assholes own it
Most people who have been out here 30 years know better how to run their truck better than the nanny state. This makes me a slave in my truck in that I have to watch a timer all day instead of having my mind clear so I can operate safely . I can’t stop for a little rest in the afternoon if I need it. If I can’t find a place to park at the end of the day I may end up going all the way to my destination/customer so where do I put my piss and shit at ?
Mark G says
You’re all upset because you can’t cheat on your logs anymore with ELD’S. I know that means less money. But actually have to follow D.O.T. regs can make for a much safer driving environment. I drive in Texas (Midland area) and I see so many accidents involving big trucks. A lot of them are fatalities and most are the truckers fault. I have been using ELD’S for about 6 years now. Once you get used to them it’s not so bad. The only real bitch I have is having to take the 30 minute break. Give it a chance my fellow truckers. Safety is always our top priority. If it’s not then you should not be behind the wheel of a big truck. Be safe and keep on trucking.
Gregory says
“I know that means less money”… Are you serious with that comment? That’s why we all go to work!! I don’t drive a truck all over the country because I have nothing better to do!! I drive a truck all over the country to make a good paycheck. The eld’s are going to decrease my paycheck. At that point, it will no longer be worth my time away from home to drive a truck all over the country.
Joe blow says
80% of truck accident is car at fault. Everyone in the industry knows that
Pat says
Oh well.
Fast Rek says
We ordered our but haven’t received then yet. Hopefully it wouldn’t create a ticket.
Jim C says
14 hour clock screws the driver. Too much of the time is spent to load and unload! Shippers/Recievers don’t give a crap about your clock!
robin says
I am assuming that the Qualcomm qualifies as an ELD? My biggest bitch and moan about either one of these is that it monitors everything that you do in the truck. I always referred to the QUALCOMM as a tattletale device
Joe blow says
The Qualcomm has been in the big companies for years now. It isn’t because they wanted them. They have them because the government was using them as a penalty against unsafe carriers. Some how ATA turned it from a way to monitor unsafe companies, to a way to make everyone run the same. Too bad it makes everything unsafe.
Max says
It will be interesting on how the different states decide to enforce this law. Reminds me of the old 55mph law…some states like Washington decided to vigorously enforce it to the letter of the law, others like Montana tended to turn a blind eye (at least during daylight hours).
Will they shut you down at the scale and require the truck be towed to a shop?
Will they arrest the driver for a third violation within a specified period of time?
Going to be interesting.
Jim says
Better built more truck stops…or rest areas. I have noticed that between 5pm to 6pm…you can’t hardly find a place to park anymore .
Linda Merritts says
This is just the beginning of more accidents because drivers are trying to beet the clock. when that station wagon comes over truckers are not going to brake now due to saving time. but it will be the truckers fault as always.
Thanks government for closing a lot more companies. Pretty soon there will be more unemployed people that employed.
Then were will you get your tax dollars that to piss away.
Hello Welfare, Food Stamps and disability.
Luther McKinney says
ELD IS TO KILL TRUCKING ON DEC 18 2017 AND DRIVER LOSS MONEY
gary macdonald says
Wow stupidity runs rampant in the United States edl’s are a bad idea everybody’s racing to beat that clock they’re doing this to save 27 accidents per year they say they’re going to cause thousands of accidents by using these there will be no place for truckers to park bad idea most definitely
Mike J. says
ELD’s, a truckers best friend when used correctly. Started OTR back in the early 80’s and paper is all we had. Left trucking got back in about 7 years ago and found that ELD’s were easy for me to transition over to. Like having my own secretary/co-pilot to do my paperwork and navigate for me. If you are a professional, then act the part and take on the responsibility that is afforded you.
JOEL says
I’ve been a commercial driver for twenty years. Though I do miss the day when I wandered up to the fuel desk seeking the answer to one very important question….”Where am I.?” (That was then and This is now) I began my cross country adventure with a map and written directions received during a “pay phone “ conversation. My first cellular cost me $2.45 a minute. Did make for a quick conversation though.
Arguably transportation is ridiculous to say the least. Everyone using a paper logbook (or multiples of) has at one time or another driven beyond what they should have chasing a financial goal. I can tell you that it takes fifty four and one quarter hour to get from Boston to Los Angelos. Wasn’t the right thing to do…sure was fun…and if I could get away with it I’d do it again.
Digital removes that.
We each have at one time or another been dispatched beyond that which is reasonable and at times unsafe. Digital removes that too. I’ve been on the ELD three years now….it sucks but I’ve gotten used to it. Realistically it only takes away that which you shouldn’t have been doing anyway.
Rethink yourself before your aggressive argument against ELD. Follow the rules and use the new way to protect yourself not cause yourself a mental breakdown. It sucks to be forced to park your truck while your mind is active….equally it sucks to be forced to run when your mind is not. Digital removes that too.
I have come to enjoy being able to tell my employer “Nope. Can’t do it. Log book restriction.”
Be safe drivers….hope y’all make it home to see your loved ones.
Brian Schroeder says
Once the accident levels double from the ELD mandate, expect speed limiters to come next. Until then just turned mine up to the full 560hp gonna wear my helmet and gloves. Its not just driving at top speeds but the ELD mandate encourages you to reach top speedlimits quickly. Oh….and I think you get to park and piss anywhere you want. That info is deep into the regulation. Lastly, Trump sure fooled me with that anti regulation B.S.
Louis says
Hi this is bad news they keep track of us more now why is this going in like to now thanks
Les_gvt says
In case anyone missed it- on 12/13/17 a state assemblyman from .CA proposed “Electronic logging devices for ALL vehicles” as a means to tax ALL VEHICLES BY THE MILE. As I have been yelling peep for years. These have exactly ZERO to do with safety and EVERYTHING to do with governments ability to tax
george says
What needs to be done is has to start with the’s guys in the office,{brokers who have never been in a truck and they are looking at google maps,and say Oh its only an hour away, but they don’t have a clue about the traffic your in and that hour away pick-up time is really going to take you three hours and when you get there someone is going to shit on you because your late, so you have to set a later load time and you call dispatch and they are pissed, then you tell them you will have to reset for 8 or 10, but here’s the good part they want you to shut off you E-Log hide it some where and run paper,
Stanl says
I saw yesterday a california state assembleyman is proposing a law requiring ALL vehicles have electronic logging devices so they can start taxing you by the miles you drive
Red says
I for one can’t wait to be a lazy fat a$$ piece of crap like the all of you drivers at the mega carriers. I’m excited to not make any money and rot away in truck stops. I just ordered my flip flops and short pants off of Amazon. I’m pretty excited for this lower pay, less miles, lifestyle. Thank you so much to all of the steering wheel holding queers at the ATA affiliated companies for turning this industry into a McJob.
Allen Martinez says
Preach it
Orland says
Agree with you 100%
Samuel Wilkerson says
They don’t give a dam about the fact truckers have no place to park
Checkmate says
I just don’t understand why we as owner operators are bending over and taking this . We bought or trucks to make a living for ourselves and our familys and now this communistic government is telling us how much we can earn . To all drivers doesn’t any one realize WE HAVE THE POWER . THE solution is simple just say No, shut them down . The government will be on their knees in less than 12hrs after the shut down . Stand together for once . TAKE BACK YOUR FREEDOM!!!!!!!.
Skinner Diggs says
They’re not giving out log violation tickets until after April 1st. Theyre doing us a favor. HAH!! Theyre scared we might strike and they wont get their coco puffs in the morning!!!!
William Gyori says
Warehouses are the culprit to driver down time, and appointment time delivery, Also the brokers in this industry do not know how much time you have already used of your day to pick up and continue driving to make the next delivery, getting loaded in the afternoon to make an morning appointment with an 11 hours drive doesn’t work with Electronic Log
Cliff says
Oops… my new ELD broke. And they can not replace it..
zee says
get out the paper roll..or borrow one from the truck stop.
Kevin says
I won’t be getting one installed!!!!
Scary G says
It is time to do some serious striking in the very near future, we are now going to lose thousands of dollars!
Walt says
I’ve been trying to put this into words but Mack you hit the nail on the head thank you so much I have a 99 motor and screw the chains !!!
Wilson says
It’s good to in America laws always change and do some serious damage in both parties pockets. Here in Africa we run 24-7 no limits of time as long as you feel that you are strong you go
know your enemy says
this is what happens when you have truckers abuse the system and not get the proper sleep and pop or snort amphetamines to stay up and end up killing people. next that will be forced down our throats will be hair follical testing and those that use amphetimines/coke/heroin will not be able to get away with just not using for 3 days…
Chuck says
Produce is not going to “hurt” I run with a small company that has Elogs and no problem’s. Of course the trucks do 72 and haul produce back. Are truck stops going to be packed? Yep they sure will. Trucks being towed? In some cases but, time management is a must. Are shippers and receivers gonna get pissed when there places turn into truck stops? Yep! More parking on the on ramps and off ramps? Yep. Bottom line the insurance companies, ATA, mega carries all pushed this for “safety!” But, if we come together and be the most professional people that we can be.. . It’ll be alright. Another thing smaller companies, independents aren’t going away. Y’all be safe!
Roger says
Have you taken notice at how quickly the big truck stop chains have made, in some instances, over HALF of what used to be FREE parking RESERVED parking now? Yeah, the TA’s & Flying J’s knew once this mandate came down it would be just another opportunity for em to get into our pockets.
Unclefungus says
Well guess who got a citation for no ELD today? I was a day late getting back to the yard. It seems I blew a head gasket in Edinburg Texas after loading avocados. I was on my third day of feeding that radiator (62 gallons) when I got pulled into The Immigrant pass scale house. The boss got a ticket for not paying his Oregon PUC.($435.00) I got a ticket for only having 5 chains ($435.00) and a big fat, “you better comply” warning for no ELD. On my way back to the truck my angel told me to check behind my passenger side fairing. Hot Damn! There was a unopened bag of chains.
Took that ticket back pronto. Cha ching! Now I’m sitting in front of Del Monte with my engine off and looking for a local job. This wolf ain’t gonna get use to any chain! I’ll take my 28 years of accident free driving and shuttle trailers. And on my breaks I’ll read Truckers Report and see how safe the roads have become because of ELD’s.
I wonder if they having instructions to those ELD’s in Spanish,Nigerian, Bosnian, Russian,Serbian, Ethiopian, By the way I read somewhere that investing in parking lots especially those close to Interstate’s is a hot topic.