With the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) delay initiatives stalled out, it looks like the mandate will go into effect on December 18th, 2017 as planned. But now even mega-carriers are applying for exemptions, claiming that they need more time to safely make the switch over to ELDs.
YRC Worldwide, one of the largest carriers in the United States, requested an exemption from the FMCSA from some aspects of the ELD mandate. Their request was almost identical to the exemption that UPS requested back in June.
Both UPS and YRC are requesting four main exemptions that would “maintain a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety achieved without the exemption.” They are as follows:
1) to allow an alternative ELD phase-in method for fleets using compliant automatic on-board recording devices (AOBRDs);
2) from the requirement that an ELD automatically record certain data elements upon a duty status change when a driver is not in the vehicle;
3) to allow ELDs to be configured with a special driving mode for yard moves that does not require the driver to re-input yard move status every time the tractor is powered off; and
4) to allow vehicle movements of less than one mile on YRCW property by non-CDL YRCW drivers to be annotated as “on property—other.”
The request was posted and made open for comment by the FMCSA on Tuesday, and some drivers have already been leaving their thoughts. Some are opposed to the ELD mandate and just want it gone, others are for mandatory ELDs, and still others oppose the ELD mandate, but don’t want to see mega-carriers exempted from the same rules that everyone else will be required to adhere to.
“No exemptions for anyone with the ELD!!” wrote one commentor. “The big carriers wanted [these] things and now they want to be exempted!! Absolutely Not!! They were forced down our throats as “safety”, so let them get the same “safety” as everybody else!!”
Others took the opportunity to voice their support for H.R. 3282, the ELD Extension bill that was proposed by Rep. Brian Babin that Congress likely won’t have time to vote on before the mandate goes into effect.
If you’d like to file a comment on the Public Register, you can do so here. Also let us know what you think about YRC’s exemption request in the comments below.
Source: overdrive, overdrive, FMCSA, FMCSA, overdrive, freightwaves, truckersreport, truckersreport, FMCSA
John says
ELDs have been forced on the rest of the trucking industry without significant planning. Carriers are not ready, drivers are fighting it, shippers and receivers are not ready, law enforcement is not ready, and the list goes on. And there is no proof that ELDs make you a safer driver. Only tons of evidence that prove they make for unsafe situations. Why do you think the ATA wanted the CSA scores hidden from public view?
Kevin X says
If u live loading unload damn near impossible take two days run 300 miles drive two hour to pick up 2.5 load got 6 hour make it thru atlanta ga at 4 . Made it but by law I was 20 miles away run outta time so 10 hour break before I can drive 20 miles dumbest rule ever want a perfect system in a industry that deals with people before that day before made appt on time 6 hours get unloaded
Old man says
The longest run on sentence in history.
T says
I think E. A. Poe still holds that distinction. O.o
In this case, I spied a period after the 4, but it may still hold the distinction of being the longest, incomprehensible sentence in history.
John says
Yea….and didn’t make a bit of sense either.
MrBigR504 says
Hahaha….I thought it was just me…lmao!
C.W. says
I read your entire comment and have absolutely no idea what you’re trying to say…
Daniel says
They said:
If you’re live loading/unload, it’s damn near impossible. It takes two days to run 300 miles. You drive 2 hours to pick up; 2.5 to load; 6 hours to make it through Atlanta, GA at 4. I made it, but by law, I was 20-miles away when I ran out of time. A 10-hour break before I can drive 20-miles is the dumbest rule ever. They want a perfect system in a industry that deals with people. Before that day, I made the appointment on time, but 6-hours get unloaded.
What the driver is saying may be little southern drawal-on-sentence, but their point is gold. Drivers shouldn’t be held down from completing their run for a matter of 30 minutes over hours.
CURT says
All or nothing’ no brakes for any one, I’m not giving up my career so ata can by pass the restrictions they payed lobbyist to impose on the rest of us,
That’s rite It’s not a safety or evan the FMCSA that think’s this is about safety’
they have the data that show’s eld’s create unsafe conditions for drivers these are the drivers that make up most of the accident’s’ It’s our government being payed of once again by corporate interest’
ATA want every one to quite that’s not working for them they need eld’s to control there mega fleets but they also understand the loss of performance they Invoke and want those same restriction imposed on evan the Owner operator.
John says
Just a fair question here. Having been both a company driver and an owner operator. Do I understand your comment correctly, that owner operator drivers should not have to adhere to the same rules as company drivers? The H.O.S. rules have always been the standard of compliance, for better or worse, across the board. ELD or paper, your either obeying the law, or, you are not. It’s pretty black and white.
Bill says
Here’s black and white for you. And I guarantee not one driver in the country follows them. However, they are all listed under 395.2 under the FMCSA regulations.
All times when a driver is “On Duty”
1. All time at a carrier or shipper plant, terminal, facility, or other property, or on any public property, waiting to be dispatched, unless the driver has been relieved from duty by the motor carrier.
2. All time inspecting, servicing, or conditioning any commercial otor vehicle at any time.
3. All time spent driving a commercial motor vehicle
4. All time loading or unloading a commercial motor vehicle, supervising, or assisting in the loading or unloading, attending a vehicle being loaded or unloaded, or in giving or receiving receipts for shipments loaded or unloaded.
5. All time repairing, obtaining assistance, or remaining in attendance upon a disabled vehicle.
And the list goes on. Most people don’t realize they are falsifying their logs, but they are. When you bump that dock and are waiting for hours to get loaded you are supposed to be on duty because you are in a state of readiness awaiting your truck to be loaded. I know many will argue against this, but is seems pretty “black and white” according to the FMCSA regulations. So I love it when someone on elogs tells me that the only reason I want to stay on paper is so I can fudge my logs. I simply look at him and say “You fudge too. You just don’t know you’re fudging” Everyone does it. If you didn’t you’d be out of hours on your 70 inside of 4 days. So stop acting as if you are fully compliant when those of us who know the rules know that you are not. Wait until lawyers start figuring out that they can subpoena video camera footage at shippers to investigate accidents. If they can find any time where you logged sleeper while you were actually out tarping a load or they spot you at the back of your trailer talking to the guy loading you when you logged sleeper they got you. Falsifying your logs.
SlabCamp says
ELD’s are a double edged sword good for some bad for others, in my opinion the root issue lies more with FMCSA hours of service regulations not a device. What is currently in place now is a entanglement of laws and regulation that nobody understands, including the FMCSA too much government interference.
Bill says
They need to completely eliminate the 14. Or at least bump it to 16 or 18. Many times by the time you get unloaded, deadhead to your next load, get reloaded it eats up half your day sitting. Many times its all I can do to get 7-8 hours of driving in.
Tom says
If one gets an exemption, we all should get an exemption. After all, with the exception of politicians, don’t we still have equal protection under the law?
Alan says
They will not give us an exemption!!! And if they will not give it to us they should’t and will not give it to UPS and YRC as well!!! We are all the same people living under GOD and all same commercial drivers obeying same rules and regulations.
C.J.Moore says
Get Ready America… Her comes biggest driver shortage ever with the highest rates to go with it. You want to Rule and Regulate by the minute your going to PAY 💰 for toilet paper as if it was GOLD…!!!
Shel says
Yes, and our pay should go up…… probably won’t. …..
Alan says
Absolutely agreed. I thinks they will rethink this when the store shelfs start to get empty. Everybody is going to suffer from this.
Oliver Von Bell says
There won’t be a driver shortage bigger than the one that is now. The new wave of drivers coming in never knew paper logs. They won’t know any different.
Lane2Lane says
Exactly!!
Joe Velaz says
Thats right..!!
Ricky says
ELD SHOULD BE MANDATORY to teach a lesson specially to big crocodiles…. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🚔🚔🚔
Alan says
I have stoped the other day at arround noon in a truckstop and properly parked on a parking spot. I was only a few miles away from my early 4:00am delivery destination. I was stationary for about 14 hours. The company I was going to do not let you check in early. May be an hour ahead of your app time but no earlier. So I wake up at 2:00am took a shower and some breakfast, usuall staff for a driver, I came back to my truck at 3:00am thinking that I will check in about 40 min early and everithing will be ok. And I see three lines of trucks parked by the curb on No Parking signs so I couldnt get out. I staryed waking them up so they can let me out. Nobody moved an inch. The guys thet blocked me in said they are out of hours. I got late. My load was recheduled for few days after. I was sitting in a truck waiting and not making money to provide for my wife and son. And this was not the first time. It happens often this days. This is about to become a serious issue. I think towing companies and local police are about to get busy to dealing with this kinda things
Alan says
This dumb people are sitting in their offices thinking they know everithing about trucking but they don’t There are many aspects why we don’t need your stupid ELD’s. They are useless to everyone else but dot officers coz they got less job to do with ELD’s they dont need to check em. But remember it will bring us drivers and owner operatorstonns of headace and problems. Its not about obeying HOS. Its about much much more.
Max says
It’s not the ‘dumb’ people in the office. ELDs are a pain in the butt for many of us inside. Driver gets 5 miles from destination and has to shut down. you think we enjoy calling the receiver and telling him/her their load is just down the street, but can’t be delivered? And I guarantee you those large shippers are pressuring us to ‘figure a way to work around it or we’ll find another carrier’.
No, it’s the government and their huge fines that cause the office staff to ‘support’ these devices. We hate them. We have no choice either. And keep in mind, many of us inside are former drivers. I’ve logged over 2million miles before coming inside.
you want someone to blame? Blame your washington bureaucrats!
George says
With all due respect, the drivers didn’t move their trucks because they didn’t want to.
I dislike ELDs, but I have one in my truck now and had some early models years ago, and I know that you can move your truck in the parking lot, even if you’re “off duty”. There’s also the option of driving on “personal conveyance”, which will keep you “of duty”, if you need to go further than the parking lot.
Things are bad enough, but sometimes people will make them look worse just to prove their point.
Jon says
If I am Out of hours, then the Qual comm will scream and blast lite / sound at me just to adjust the truck position so I can exit the cab if other truck is too close. My computer does not report that movement of a few feet/meters.
Some Companies lock down even that small movement and by policy will not allow movement. I once saw a drive shut down 15 feet from the dock for HOS.
Just remember that when telling a Cop you are out of hours, Cops and Tow-trucks can move the truck without you.
………..
It is Not about the ELDs reporting truck movement vs HOS, it is about “Black and White” rules controlling a multi-variable Industry that needs Extreme flexibility in order to keep the freight moving, shiny side up, and driver’s with a life outside of the sleeper and not parked on side of the Road.
So far, the Drivers life outside of the sleeper has been the most ignored voice in Congress, FMCSA, ATA, all anti-truck lobbyists. They only focus on what spot of interest or what they can control or the least insignificant Factor.
Bill says
I agree. There are way too many variables in this industry for a one size fits all.
JudgeRightly says
Yeah, but get caught using that personal conveyance, which is only to be used while traveling home while not under a load, for anything other than it’s intended purpose, and you’ll be in some hot water.
JudgeRightly says
Oh, and “personal conveyance” isn’t even an option on some companies’ ELDs. My company has no “line 5” for Off Duty driving, and I even got told to change some time I drove logged out of the qualcomm to driving even though I was bobtailing home for the weekend.
Lee Hall Jr says
Excellent reason as to why ELD’s will be creating a larger issue: ‘Parking’! It is an issue now… But by then, your situation will be all too common!
Dan pelsey says
Eld for everyone or exemptions for everyone they want everyone to be on the same level playing field then make it the same for everyone
Mark Threatt says
owner operators should shut down November for at least one day and let them feel what we are saying to the trucking industry….starting in Memphis TN
James Dean Fisher O/O says
James Dean here…I have already shut down. I am ready to STRIKE NOW! ELD SYSTEMS WILL NOT WORK AND NEVER WILL!! DOES ANY OF THE REAL TRUCKERS HAVE THE BALLS TO STAND UP FOR OUR WAY OF LIFE AND OUR BUSINESS/WAY OF LIFE?
NOW, IF SO, LETS DO WHAT WE HAVE TO DO!!! LETS SHUT DOWN UNTILL THIS ELD IMPLICATION IS DEAD.
No food on the table, no eggs and bacon and this ELD business will end!!!
Jack says
No exemptions for anybody or anything! None, doesn’t matter what you haul, animals, ammunition, bread, chemicals, anything! We all play by the same rules or throw away the rules and go back to the way it was! If your cows die, Oh Well, you’ll figure it out! As far as Mega Carriers go! You are the Clods that brought us ELDs, so sit down and shut up, suck it up Cupcake!
Mack says
Done been said it will take states up to a year to get on board at I think bout 2 million dollars cost who’s paying this fmcsa ya rite broke ads gov. employees that can’t find their way out of a wet paper sack like I said funny
Craig says
No exemptions for the people who pushed for the ELDs . If they are granted these exemptions it should be proof to all this is truly not for safety but to increase their tonnage. Maybe they have Russian investors if we could prove that we could tie this up for years.
Chris Gromek says
Safety? Really? Is there still anyone out there who believes that ELDs have anything to do with safety? Common my fellow Americans….. you cant be that naive. I know that we are an uneducated bunch but for Gods sake use your head! Just like with everything in this country its ment to cut out the small owners out of the business. In 15 years from now you will have 5 trucking mega carriers controlling the whole market.
Lee Hall Jr says
Correct!!!
Samuel Gallezzo says
Pay drivers by the hour and then the ELD mandate becomes an irrelevant issue
Adrian says
Right.100%
Lee Hall Jr says
Yes sir. But it’ll have to be a fair wage. Which wouldn’t happen.
CURT says
All or nothing’ no brakes for any one, I’m not giving up my career so ata can by pass the restrictions they payed lobbyist to impose on the rest of us,
That’s rite It’s not a safety or evan the FMCSA that think’s this is about safety’
they have the data that show’s eld’s create unsafe conditions for drivers these are the drivers that make up most of the accident’s’ It’s our government being payed of once again by corporate interest’
ATA want every one to quite that’s not working for them they need eld’s to control there mega fleets but they also understand the loss of performance they Invoke and want those same restriction imposed on evan the Owner operator.
Maurice L. Payne says
Bad idea!.. How about, for every person that turns an ignition on, gas, diesel, electric, or…whatever type of vehicle. Log it!
Anonymous says
We are still waiting for the results to show that drivers with an ELD are more safe than without.
It is very clear that $$$$$$$ was the deciding factor to have these implemented. As long as you throw the word “safety” in with your pile of regulations, you too can become an overnight millionaire.
The price of goods and services is about to go through the roof.
Bill says
That was a stipulation. They were not supposed to move forward with this until a thorough study was conducted. That is straight from congress.
D dub says
America is a Corporation…and it’s Congress/Senators and all answer to who pads their pockets, … it’s Always been this way, ….we are just seeing it now because it’s so blatantly obvious……Never was or is about safety….I talked to an older Driver last week at a Walmart DC…..he said he’s never been so tired as he is now ,that his company is on E-LOGS……the 14 hour rule is the main stupid issue……But, if the children must eat the brussel sprouts, then so do the parents.
DEM says
I am so glad I got out of trucking, I miss the open road, but not the b.s. Good luck to all you drivers that have to stay in the game, it’s going to be an interesting 2018 in the trucking industry.
Joe Velaz says
Second the comment:;; after driving OTR since 1995, Pullen Bros’ sold to Lessors in 2013, then that was It for me. To much BS, corruption in Companies, dispatchers, LEO’s overstepping their boundaries. Well now leave it to the “driverless” Trucks and AirPlanes to do the job. Time to RETIRE.!!! Go fishing every day…..
besim says
this led is nice technology to work with .Only maybe need give some tolerances for the driving time or mileage maybe for 1.5 -2hours, that some times helps to driver can reach the dock for unloading or loading also if someone drive truck home this time can be used for this too.
Don W0lford says
ElD are ,not a Safeway! To go, there are now forceing U to drive when U should be sleeping, trying to sleep when U should be driving are, U are seeing drivers sleeping on the side of the road, now that’s real safe, company’s are now telling when to drive, why did u stop here, o can,t u eat while u are driving, U NEED TO Drive U have more hours on your clock, IT juste go’s on and on, years ago the Union put time clocks in trucks, it did not work then its not going to work now,
Lee Hall Jr says
Can we please post his comment! History repeats itself, but this time it’ll be worse. Read his comment again.
Wayne says
NO exemptions. We all must work under the same rules and regulations. I’m a 40 yr driving vet. I have adapted to them, so must everyone else.
James Dean Fisher O/O says
“DRIVER”… the KEY word. I am sure you have NEVER changed or altered a logbook! If you expect the real drivers with 1- 3M driving miles to believe this bs… then what is the world really coming to. YOU get paid and do what YOU are told…everything, the way THEY want it done. IS it legal?? Do you really know?
BT says
ELDs are not a magical fix for the driver fatigue problem. They have worked out well for me for about 12 yrs or so but I’m with a mega size private fleet who owns & controls all their stores, dist. centers and in a sense sort of owns the back-haul vendors too. I’m afraid most drivers even on ELD’s still don’t get half enough proper sleep, they spend a big chunk of 10 hr. break watching movies, playing video games, talkin on phone (’cause most nowadays cant talk while driving), surfin’ online etc. I’d say a mandatory sleep monitoring device will be next on the Fed’s list of over-regulations once they’ve ever got ELD’s up & running…
Max says
Oh, it’s already here. It’s called a C-Pap machine and it won’t be long before ALL drivers must be tested for sleep apnea in order to be issued a med card. Just like blood pressure and eyesight tests.
And those machines monitor time in use. Won’t take but a few tweaks before the machine transponds data to the ELD and your ‘sleep’ break won’t be up until that machine registers 8 hours continuous use.
It’s coming!
Joe Velaz says
It is actually here already…….it just has to be “Sync” with an internet App. and “Vuola”…they got your actual sleeping times, heart rate and blood pressure registered in the system.
T R U says
We should be paid from the time the engine starts till it gets its post trip
Mike says
I have lived soley in my truck for 8 years now I have no home base at all, I never need to use my bobtail to the point of affecting my hours. This whole personal drive time crap is just that crap, not a good excuse against elds.
James says
Just because you don’t have a home doesn’t mean that is the way everyone else lives. Ignorant comment.
Bill Ivey says
In addition to most of the previous comments, if the “Mega Carriers” get an added benefit, in the form of exemptions, it is going to open the door for the non-asset based brokers to swoop in and take the business from direct customers that aren’t serviced by small trucking companies(because they will go out of business). This is going to snowball into something that the public isn’t ready for.
David Hostetler says
Logs are highly dangerous…..
John says
Paper ones are, when their in the hands of irresponsible rogue drivers who couldn’t give 2 s**ts about their own safety, let alone the rest of the motoring public. If it weren’t for the highway disasters and fatalities caused by the driver’s who thing the law doesn’t apply to them and think it’s all about how much more money they can make driving ILLEGALLY, no one would have even seen a need for ELD’s. It wasn’t brought on by the government. It was brought about because of a particular segment of our drivers giving every one of us countless black eyes. The driver out here doing his job safely day to day, didn’t give rise to lobbyist organizations like C.R.A.S.H. and P.A.T.T. If you create a need, someone will fill it. If we cannot or will not police our own actions, then we openly invite the opportunity for others to do it for us. And then we complain about it? Sorry, but we’ll have to endure what we as an industry bring upon ourselves.
Jim Roberts says
How much time do you need? You have had 4 years to get ready. You have done nothing to get ready for this, you thought you had the power to stop this, you rolled the dice and lost. Put them in your trucks, or close your damn doors. No one feels sorry for you.
Mark Warrick says
Eld’s are the trucking industry’s way of putting everyone on the same level.
Been driving for 40+years and the only safety related device that can be put in any truck is a knowledgeable driver. Nothing can replace that common denominator in any situation. The mega carriers hire these students to drive their equipment and it is easier to train them on a computer like an ELD than to teach them how use paper logs, which means less violations in theory but not increasing the safety values needed to be a quality company. By their way of thinking putting everyone on elds will solve their problem of competition among all carriers. I have used elds as well as paper logs, and to me there is no difference. If you use the HOS as they are supposed to be used then it shouldn’t matter. I prefer elds because you are guaranteed your rest. If drivers out there are not getting their rest it is because they don’t understand the HOS regs or the carriers they work for is trying to coerce them to break the rules after all where the rubber meets the road, you and you alone are responsible for your actions, and the company will feed you to the wolves. As far as exemptions are concerned all carriers should be ready to comply with the due date of implementation as they have had 2 years to work this out. As a former employee of YRC the only thing they’re good at is spending money, especially other people’s. As professional drivers the best thing you can do is educate yourselves and let the regs work for you. Be safe
Robert says
Personally I think it’s safer to have the electronic logs. Some companies do try to force drivers to break the rules. This is called the great equalizer.
Mark Threatt says
they are hiring all these new people that has never seen a paper logg book and these people think they got it made with ELD which keeps track of their trucks and control how much money you are going to make without getting blamed for it ALL OWNER OPERATORS SHOULD STOP FOR ONE DAY IN NOVEMBER AT THE SAME TIME AND SHOW THE INDUSTRY WHO THE BOSS REALLY IS. . .
Clyde Guy says
ah, but, the talk around the tv room and lunch counter paint a different picture. the force is with us, or should I say on us and eld’s actually ake a dispatcher more bold in demanding pushing every day to the max. there are examples of eld screens showing dispatchers ‘offering’ to add hours, so to be able to deliver after midnight. Midnight? Other drivers say they have taken their complaints of companies fudging their logs to fmcsa and to ooida, who shrug their shoulders. Ya think? The honest companies will be that and the dishonest ones will still do the nasty, just a bit more sophisticated.
John says
I agree 100% Well said.
Lee Hall Jr says
Well said. A knowledgable driver, not a knowledgeable computer driver.
Kelly says
Very well spoken, agree completely!
Lynn Heinlen says
ELD mandate is not about safety…If you listen they never talk about safety, its all about compliance…. The rise in multi truck accidents is a result of ELDS and speed limiters…You don’t see old timers like me running in packs because we are experienced enough to know to back off or run out front because we can…..You don’t get to 3 million miles in this industry by it just being a job but by taking pride in your work …. If you exempt any part of the industry you should exempt it all !!
Robert says
Actually it wasn’t the mega carriers that wanted ELD. It was passed by Congress because some over paid paper pushers thought it was a good idea. Despite not having a damn clue what we go through Congress passed the law. A side note, anyone without ELD right now is just a lazy company. There is no excuses for not doing it since the law was passed 2 years ago.
Reggie Farnesworth says
Lazy? Methinks you have it a bit wrong, old chap. Since 75% of drivers don’t use them yet, and yet most of us work our backsides off most days, I take umbrage at your categorizing us as neer-do-wells.
Most of us should get medals of valor for being so devoted to holding up our word.
Even here in Merry Olde, we realize that just because some bloke passed a bloody law, doesn’t make it a right law.
Huzzah to all who protest. I shall praise you to the Queen!
Craig says
Amen I’m an o/o I will be ok cause I have my own customer and pick ups can stay there at all of them eld will cause so many accident and no drivers I’m with my fellow drivers god help us
Thirty8 says
Well after 25yrs of driving i think this is when i finally can say…take this eld and shove it!! Trucking has turned into a big giant stack of💩!..all the politics and etc..have literally detroyed this industry
Mark Threatt says
OWNER OPERATOR SHUTDOWN NOVEMBER 2017 AND SAY NO TO ELD
James Dean Fisher O/O says
IT IS TIME TO TAKE BACK our way of life… ONE THAT HAS WORKED WELL FOR 100 years. IF the four-wheelers had some sort of rules and MORE education in the driving on today’s highways, the trucks WOULD NOT BE THE FORMOST FOCUS on the amount of car/truck accidents.
MORE EDUCATION required for the small vehicle steering-wheel holder.
THERE WOULD BE A dramatic decrease in crashes between trucks and cars!!!
Steve Bell says
You guys are looking it the wrong end of the telescope…what you need to do is get paid for all of your time no one else gives it away for free…The fact is people value things base on what it cost them what they have to pay for it…
When the Company …The shippers and receivers have to pay for your time they will stop wasting it…as it stands now the only way that they can waste your time from their standpoint is not to use it…after all it’s FREE…Sadly cheap freight only exists because someone will haul it…Face it if I demand 80 cents a mile to haul their freight and you you will haul it for a nickel…they would have to be nuts to pay me anything more…Ditto for waisted time as long as you will give it away for free they will keep on taking it….
Do you think that the company is getting free fuel to burn in that truck while you are waiting?…hell no…they pay whether or no the truck is making money…
If you think that there is a driver shortage then tell them no more free stuff and mean it…If they won’t pay you for your time…then you need to climb out of the truck…The simple rule of business is this…If you can’t do it …and Make Money doing It…Then You Can’t do It!
CURT says
All or nothing’ no brakes for any one, I’m not giving up my career so ata can by pass the restrictions they payed lobbyist to impose on the rest of us,
That’s rite It’s not a safety or evan the FMCSA that think’s this is about safety’
they have the data that show’s eld’s create unsafe conditions for drivers these are the drivers that make up most of the accident’s’ It’s our government being payed of once again by corporate interest’
ATA want every one to quite that’s not working for them they need eld’s to control there mega fleets but they also understand the loss of performance they Invoke and want those same restriction imposed on evan the Owner operator.
Sextor LaBroy-Fellow says
Yes indeed. The mega’s got caught around 2010 and fmcsa foisted elds on them then. Oh the wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then presto chango, ATA and mega’s are on the side of the angels and elds are not merely swell but they are really most sincerely swell. (this is kindergarten legislating. if billy screwed up, then bobby, sally and benny will get punished.) You might want to do a quick check the next time you’re all in the truck-em-up stop. Most drivers at least LOOK like grownups..
Carol says
The large mega carriers wanted the ELD’s and speed limiters to level the so called playing field which really translates to
” everyone else follow the rules but us” . Every rule that comes out of the offices of FMCSA tend to be only for the small fleets and owner operators because, the larger carriers are right on it filing for exemptions. The large carriers would love to regulate small fleets and owner operators out of existence so they are the only ones left but, they can’t even play together well. When they are the only ones left they will be fighting each other and then there will be “one” then who will they fight? The reason there is a driver shortage is because no one wants to be part of such a screwed up industry where, rules and regulations are making profits for the large while the small is choking to death. It is no longer a great job it has become just ” another” job and so they mostly look elsewhere.
Christopher Mack says
Clean this junk up!!
Gary says
The following are my basic thoughts on this disaster that is about to hit the transportation industry!!! Everyone is confused, shippers/consignee’s/Owner-Op’s/
When you ask FMCSA a questions, no response!!!!!
ELD’s:
FORCE me to drive UNsafe
FORCE me to drive stressed
FORCE me to drive against a CLOCK
FORCE me to drive fatiqued
FORCE me to drive the speed limit, not less like I usually do.
FORCE me to act out my road rage on stupid people, trying to maintain the speed limit.
Examples:
Traveling west on I80 into Chicago, IL, 1700 hours / 5:pm, I will stop, call home, eat, nap, then roll, WHY?!
SAFER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
At 1700 on a bright sunny day, the reflections off the building glass, stainless steel, off car windows, chrome, having the bugs cleaned off my front bumper because someone cut me off so short I COULD not see their rear window!!!!
We are doing about 2-5 MPH, Oooop’s now stopped, someone hit the other guy, traffic stopped, 30 min’s to 5 hours, depending on injuries! this happens several times on my way through.
OR
do it may way!
Call wife, eat while talking, (2 weeks of food in truck, microwave, refrig,),
total time 2-3 hours depending on time of day, weather (raining-more Ooo’ps),
Anyway, 2000 – 2100 hrs, drive thru at 55 MPH, no sunny reflections, 75% less traffic!!!
We need to log as the Canadians, if I stop for two hours, then my 14 hours (really 13.5 hrs) total on duty time moves to 16 hours. I do it safer than all the other dumbos at 5:pm.
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Now we are in construction, SIGN’s say 70 MPH, construction – MPH is set at 60 MPH, Crete, Werner, Schiender, JB, ETC new driver, drives thru at 38 MPH. ????
He is afraid of his unit, only driven a VW bug, now he is 85 feet long!
10 signs say 60 mph, yet he is at 38.
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This student / scared driver, is KILLING my ELD clock!!!
Schools, nor companies never tell these guys they have to drive at night, in rain, snow, all kinds of conditions!
He has only made $8 bucks an hour / $320 gross a week, now he is making $600-800, he is so proud. Yet he is costing me money!!!
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Schools / company orientations should be held accountable for only wanting this guys money and NOT teaching him/her real life. Even driver Trainers are money hungry, and don’t train proper real life, just put student in the seat on an interstate and let them roll straight.,
****************
Bring back the split sleeper berth, most drivers never used it. I did about once a month to help me keep a client happy, made my run safer, ETC..
Leave the 11 hr drive / 10 hr break, most companies have adjusted their fleets to this.
Adjustment option of the 14 hour rule
Set a limit, companies less than 50 trucks, NO ELD’s!
OH, and DON’T forget about the mass problems with parking, there is already a problem with it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Informed_Driver says
I would like to point out something extremely obvious and yet completely overlooked concerning everyones complaints about ELD’s. Ready for it? ELD’s are not the real problem… Every complaint about these ELDs has at the root of the argument the fact that they are impossible, or at least more difficult to falsify. So basically, drivers hate ’em because drivers can’t fake ’em.
The REAL problem that everyone has but no-one will mention is the flawed HOS mandates. Drivers are forced to get as many miles behind them in that 14 hour window as possible. We are, by law not able to rest when it wide be best suited to the individual driver. We are expected to all have the same internal body rhythm, all need the same amount of sleep, all keep the same type of schedule, regardless of uncontrollable external factors such as weather, traffic, maintenance, etc. It’s time to quit complaining about the logging device and address the true problem in this industry. In fact, in my experience ELD’s are much more convenient and less time consuming compared to paper logs when not falsifying them. So isn’t it time we stand up and raise the REAL ISSUE!
In response to the actual article tho… Hell NO! YRC, UPS nor any other carrier should be granted any special exemption that does not apply to every driver.
Markus says
I don’t get it, what is exactly wrong with elds ? We all should be driving legal – elds or paper
This electronic logs will be great
No more cheating on your hours
have problem with it ? go get yourself another job ….
Kevin says
Elds should only be forced on companys that have a crapy record,
Why should the good drivers and companys be penalised for someone else stupidly. I also think that new drivers that are fresh out of driving skool should be on the elds for minimum of 1 year till they get some experience unde there belt.
john david mann says
With only 25% of the 3 million trucks having them………..perhaps this could be considered a clue to fmcsa that, once again, they are on a roller coaster to nowhere.
I wish I could think of a lightbulb joke, like how many fmcsa minions does it take to screw in a light bulb. The answer: what lightbulb?, we are professional lawmakers, and dang it, we gonna pass some kick ass laws, yes we are!
Clyde Guy says
Don’t want to have your independence stripped away by this bunch of posturing job justifiers?
The IRS has the law for you: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/independent-contractor-self-employed-or-employee.
Demand ooida declare this mandate illegal from the get go. They have attorneys, why don’t they come out and do this? Don’t count on your Fed Reps, as they are just an full of jingo-isms and preening as congress, oops, they ARE congress. The attorney generals from WA, MD have fought unconstitutional laws recently, so a letter to some of them would have more chances of successfully challenging this.
Jeff pearson says
Its the mega carriers who paid lobbyists that bought the FMCSA to pass this ELD…and now that its forced down everybodys throats..the megas want exemptions? NOT ONE EXEMPTION SHOULD BE ALLOWED..THE MEGAS GOT THIS RULING…THEY SHOULD LIVE BY IT 100% because the smaller carriers and O/Os are stuck with it..
Mack says
Ha ha LMAO now we all know how the cow eats the corn better not happen I just wonder how the ata is going to play this shinigan means these companies are big supporters what a freaking joke now lets talk about that level playing field again wow!!!!!!!!!
Bill says
ELD’s are not about safety, ELD”s are about control. The government wants to be able to control the People, and this is just another way to do it.
My Grandmother used to say that locks just keep the honest people out, the bad guys know how to open it.
I feel for you Hands out there, and I am so glad I am retired and don’t have to go through this BS.
Big bird says
Haha. Large carriers along with the stupid american trucking association wanted them now they wanta ecemption. No way. Everyone plays by same rules or noone gets them. Im local doesnt bother me but.i will never go back on the road again. Cant wait to see all the mass confusion its going to cause. Big companies want even playing field well u got it. Cry your tears on someone elses paper i dont want read about your problems big companies
Linda Merritts says
This is ridiculous the ELD will make it so a 600 mile trip will take 3 days. It goes into effect December 2017. All truckers should shut down for one week and see what companies like Walmart do when there are now Christmas stock delivered and the revenue is hurt at the busiest time of year. FMSA needs to get with receivers and make some laws when a driver sets for 6 hrs trying to get unloaded. It is all about the money wander who is getting the kick back from ELD companies.
Rodney Mathis says
It is not safe, ELD forces you to work under a time clock with no exception, you tell me, which is safer, a person knowing for there self if they are capable to operate a motor vehicle safely, or a computer time clock adding stress levels to your more smarter safe decisions, pretty clear to me
Wild Bill says
ELD’s are the reason this old dog came off the road after 40 plus years of good ole fashion trucking!!!!! I was taught back in 1975 that when you get tired get some rest, wake up refreshed get ready, start driving again….The number 1 thing to remember is that nothing that in the worth me hurting me or anyone else on the highway…..but that was great for so many years….Then along comes these OCTD’s ( office chair truck drivers) that think they know so much….Shame on them….I am getting used to going home everyday….so much less stress
Robert filberto salazar says
Time to pay if I can’t make my delivery in the 14 hours and get home the company I pull for is paid me my lay over and dentention time at customs or load going back to shipper!!!!!
jason roades says
this is why trucking is not for everyone.
Brad Williams says
Eld,,, my fact is one size doesn’t fit all,
Trucker Man says
Will the ELDs be enforced for local drivers? For example, companies hauling container drayage from the ports of Los Angeles.
Daniel says
While there should be the same rules for every carrier, the funny thing for me is, some of the exemption requests should be for *everyone.
There shouldn’t be re-entry for yard movement. Oftentimes I need to move my truck out of parking to do anything with it and get equipment to haul and inspect that, too. While I’m doing that, the bastard anti-idle kills the truck. I’m on duty, yes – but for all intents and purposes, that’s not driving so stop the nonsense.
The clean air bs should allow the truck to idle longer upon first start / down for x-number of hours. Besides, when it’s cold, shutting it down so I have to restart it literally 5-10 seconds later is not fuel efficient, dummies.
This spy-equipment is going to also take time away from the driver’s day. I already have the nuisance of using the worst smartphone on the market to communicate with that you cannot do while you’re driving and now another input, input, input, input.. Ream drivers for using electronic devices while operating vehicles and then force us to use electronic devices while operating vehicles. Idiots.
99saleen87 says
ELDs are gonna be safer huh?? Well if having a Shhhity day and I’m running out of hours and I’m 15 miles away from home. Trust me my speed limit here in CA is “55” well you can be sure I’m gonna be doing 75 before I see my ELD going red on me… how’s that supposed to be safer? By the way I know I’m won’t be the only driver doing this.
Stanley L Shughart says
Hey the mega carriers wanted this. Theyre getting their wish. If they ain’t ready for that’s just too damn bad. The rest of us have to deal with this crap. Which I am dead set against, but if we have to deal with so should they…. no exemptions no exceptions. Let it go into effect. Let the economy suffer. Won’t be long until the ATA and the FMCSA realize just how much of a disaster this whole idea is
Steve says
If the BIG carriers had the BALLS to stand up to the government in the beginning maybe this wouldn’t have happened. But they thought the gov. knew what it was doing (HAHAHAHA) and went along with it so now who gets SCREWED that’s right the DRIVER
Stephen says
So the real curious question is: What will happen when the deadline passes and these two carriers (and others) don’t have them installed? There is no way everyone will be able to comply by the deadline.
Does that mean there will be plenty of room at the truckstops?
James Corbett says
The correct answer is to pay drivers by the hour. This will cause everyone in the transportation chain to act in a more efficient manner. Simple economic supply and demand. When it costs more to have us sit and wait then the shippers and receivers will have incentive to reduce the wait time. Carriers will refuse those customers who hold their drivers and equipment from earning their way. The old adage that if the wheels aren’t turn then it’s not earning have never been truer. Even mega customers understand that time is money. And it IS the customers who will bear the burden.
Greg says
I have been saying it for 3 years now!!! Too get rid of this..one size fits all Elogs…. even DOT is saying the Mega Carriers forced this down their throats!! That’s a direct quote!!.. that means they were paid to make this happen!! We got to PARK, Stop all freight movement..STRIKE..
T R U says
Read and reflect on this please ,Its about one thing and one thing only United We Stand Dived We Fall. We as truck drivers have the power to bring “Change” .But it starts at the schools no students no replacements . Then step two Park the trucks call it.When demand goes up so do prices to the customer but when demand is weak the prices go down .my point here is Cry about it.