The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has published a new infographic titled “Electronic Logging Devices: Improving Safety Through Technology.” In it, they show data on hours of service compliance rates and claim that “ELDs are working.”
FMCSA breaks down the graph into the different phases of ELD rollout. The first phase is the time before January 1st, 2018 when the ELD rule had been announced, but paper logs were still allowed. There’s a slight dip there from 1.31% HOS compliance citations in May to 1.16% in December.
Once the “soft enforcement” stage began in January of 2018, the numbers dropped drastically to just .83%. Then, once the “full roll out” began, the numbers dropped further – first to .69% in April, then to .64% in May.
This means that in the past year, HOS citations are down by more than half. The FMCSA plans to continue updating the infographic as they receive new data in coming months.
Source: gobytrucknews, FMCSA, FMCSA
Boky says
Maybe that is a truth, but number of accident increased (as per state statistics). Truck drivers now rush much more then before.
Yogi says
That’s a pretty broad statement. So has the number of vehicles on the road increased, and you haven’t even given a timeline for the increase. You can’t correlate the increased number of accidents directly to the ELD without extensive additional study.
Perhaps it’s fair to say your statement is #FakeNews ???
Lady DOE says
YES THEY HAVE AND GOING TO GET WORST! THEY NEED TO DO A STUDY ON THAT. THEY PROBABLY WONT TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT IT.
Darko says
For sure…that kind of statistic you won’t see. I haven’t drove my truck 80 mph be4. Now in TX. WY etc I got no choice. Used to drive 68mph alwayz. Now I have to meet speed limit or go over it burning so much fuel.
This ELD introduction wasn’t wasn’t about safety. It’s all business for government. They made so much money on it.
Alex Cheilik says
FM SCA and Ray Martinez he’s does Donnie’s blow boy he doesn’t know poop but unfortunately the FM SCA and Steve Williams and all those other jerk off they make eight million dollars a year you make a so do the math
Bill Fullerton says
Funny, FMCSA thinks they work because HOS citations are down, but we all know accidents are increasing rapidly. Shows you what
pencil pushers are concerned with, it ain’t safety and it ain’t you
Red says
They are only down because dot officers assume there is no need to check logs anymore. They simply ask if you have an eld and leave it at that. Its a flawed graphic from a flawed system. There has been absolutely no change on driver compliance. The only thing this has proven is that they only care about the optics rather than any sort of improvements. (Not that anything needed to be improved anyway.)
Artee says
Their criteria for safety is that the number of HOS citations is down? That doesn’t make any sense to this dumb truck driver. The fact that drivers are now forced to avoid bathroom breaks and exceed posted speed limits is closer to reality. But, by FMCSA standards, their logs are legit. Typical government response.
Douglas Kirk says
Of course they will say it’s working….but it won’t make a dent in actual safety. Following a rigid rule doesn’t guarantee anything but blind obedience. There are still stupid wrecks every day involving trucks with elogs, and that will never change. Ever. Safety isn’t a log, it isn’t a glow-in-the-dark shirt, it isn’t a seatbelt, and it sure as hell isn’t a 57mph truck. It’s what you do behind the wheel, and even that won’t guarantee that somebody won’t take you out….
Lil man says
You are absolutely right,a lot of cars causes accidents for trucks and it so obvious that the car caused it because it slam on breaks in front of you or cut you off and you are being investigated 6 mos back to see if there any descrepese in your logs and if it is then you’re the one to blame Very unfair we’re humans and we error
Ed says
When I drove long haul yes they were a pain in the ass at times but for the most part they worked ok for me..but now I’m working P&D and doing less than 350 in a day with stops sometimes 15 min or less apart they are really useless and redundant
Rufus says
When all we do is rush to next parking spot, what value is the regulation? We are supposed to be moving America’s freight. I was a perfectly functional adult human being long before some idiot decided my life span needed to be digitally timed.
Yogi says
That’s not exactly true that you were a perfectly functional adult. It was quite clear by the number of HOS violations prior to the ELD that perfectly functional adults could not follow a relatively simple set of instructions, tell time, or draw lines on a piece of paper. Your life span needed to be digitally timed.
Alex Cheilik says
All you doing is going from one spot to another the racing the clock you’re just running around like a bunch of mice you ain’t making no money you’re running around in a little maze
Taylor says
I have no doubt that logging error rates have been reduced.
Less logging erros do not equal less accidents…
Iron Horse and Wooden Men says
Yea, log and tickets down, because everyones too busy parked or looking for parking to make up for their time wasted somewhere when they should have been driving. Should be a rule evoked that if a shipper or receiver holds you up more than log allows to work, they make space for ALL drivers on their 10 hr break, and that includes access to a real bathroom, not a plastic septic cleaned once every two weeks. Bet freight will come off those trailers fast. My company gives a two hour limit then start charging and pay the drivers. But our freight is more specific and easier controlled by us to do so. Need more drivers with balls and spine than empty minded steering wheel holders.
Alex Cheilik says
I Had A Raisin in salt there’s no out of service violations and less incidence everybody’s Park to waiting on a shipper to load or unload so there’s no driving on the axle Highway they’re all sitting to getting screwed by the system through either waiting or unloading
Steven says
Wow they got something right for once. Hos logging citations did go down. But safety didn’t go up unlike freight cost. Good job idiots next I want you to investigate and find out if the pope is Catholic or if the sky is blue. This is the 34hr reset all over again
Yogi says
Why should you care if freight costs go up? The price of freight goes up, driver pay goes up. If you didn’t get a raise in pay over the last six months, you’re working for the wrong company.
shogun says
Haha, yep. They like doing these after the fact studies and show how the data proves they are right. Probably one of their wives or buddies running he study too.
Dustin says
Oh wow. 1% of roughly 200,000 inspectons found HOS issues, so roughly 200 trucks. Wow, big deal. Doesnt say either if it was logging errors, or how far over their time they were. (5 mins or 5 hrs, no difference).
What a joke.
mike says
They went down because they quit checking logs
Yogi says
That is about the truest thing I’ve seen posted here today.
Gerald says
Ain’t that the truth . I’ve got guys pulling for me saying they haven’t even been asked for a log book or asked to see that ELD since it went in to affect . Really , where do they get these people.
Gary says
No, electronic logs are not working. Notice the wording they use, “compliance”. What about “safety” or accident rate dropping” or here’s one “plenty of places for trucks to park all hours of the day or night”.
Joe2boltz says
The only thing the eld did for transportation was make the carrier able to hire unqualified rookies and drive the truck from the office. Ask the mechanics at the truck stops how many tires and wheels they sell now days from guys curbing and aluminum tape to patch trailers from guys taking out stop signs and poles.
Steve Duggan says
It’s working alright….for the megas and their bottom line.
Douglas Kirk says
How does it make more money for them? Show us some real numbers to back up your claim
Nemo says
I just read another story that showed how much freight rates were up year over year. Somebody’s making some money!
ray says
show some real proof he isn’t telling the truth…numbnuts
RDD says
So true Steve
Lady DOE says
THE MEGS WAS WHAT IT WAS ALL ABOUT IN THE FIRST PLACE. THEY WANT THE O/O TO COME WORK FOR THEIR PENNIES AND BE TOLD WHEN YOU CAN GGO HOME AND HOW LONG YOU CAN STAY.
Max says
I’m not sure about that. I work for a mega. After retiring from driving (41 yrs), I came inside where I’ve been for the last 6 years. So I’ve watched the changeover and it’s affects.
It’s harder to get loads delivered on time. I blame ELDs (and so do my fellow dispatchers) as the single largest cause.
But not for as many reasons some of you state. I see drivers shutting down earlier. They want to be sure and find a parking spot. By 1800 I’m seeing many drivers going into violation while searching truck stop to truck stop. Often times shutting down with 2 or more hours left on their clock. I’m seeing drivers shutting down early because they’re not sure they can make the next town/city without violating their logs by 5 or 10 minutes…so they shut down early.
An inside study done at our company now shows it takes one more day for a solo driver to get their load across country. That’s directly due to the ELDs.
Our company has things so tight that if you have your ignition turned on and release your brake, it will put you on the on duty status line. So no more parking outside a gate and ‘creeping’ a 100 or 200 yards to the dock, or from the dock to the curb to finish a break.
Why so tight? Because DOT is vicious towards the megas when conducting their annual audits. They can extract huge fines for tiny violations. And the big companies can afford to pay.
So if for no other reason, the ELDs are here to stay because of the money the Feds can extort from the big companies.
Rambo says
Lets check the NONE stop driving of a driver under the wheel compared to before ELDS and after ELDS which with no doubt made the roads more dangerous, how are the roads safer when you can not sleep when u NEED TO?
Jim gilley says
Maybe HOS citations have gone down and many drivers have gotten much needed rest from the pressure of on time pick up /delivery but what I want to know is WHEN is the ELD rules going to make the roads safer…I have 3 dash cams on my truck that I purchased myself I put one on my left one in front and one on my right …I have video of how private vehicles have cut me off forcing me to skid on my brakes just so they could get to the exit up ahead …I have a video of a highway patrol officer drive on the shoulder on my blind side for 5.7 miles before he sped up ahead to cut off another truck while merging into traffiic …i have video of a private vehicle that came speeding up from behind me cut me off hitting their brakes for No Reason …..so my question is this …(When /How does Hours of Service Compliance …make driving safer…)….i also have video of a stoney and a drunk and the best one of all a guy getting road head
Jason Turner says
Did you post the videos to YouTube. I would like to see them.
Iron Horse and Wooden Men says
They don’t, and never were about safety. Started with GPS to babysit drivers to eliminate unauthorized miles by drivers and grew into quicker dispatching, to now the one fit solution to all the trucking industry’s problems. Now they want to replace you the driver with another machine that still doesn’t work and sell it to the public how it will protect them from the big bad truck driver…who of course is the problem since they have been selling it to the public. Look at all the ads about trucks destroying families and such. Have lawyers advertising how we all run reckless and doing drugs 24/7. What happened to the truth!?!?
Gene says
Yea it works killing drivers and it is sure not for safety driver’s have to push and run faster to make loads but yea it works it is putting a lot of money in some one pockets and killings driver’s.
Jason Aho says
Not knowing the numbers before hand, I would have expected HOS logging violations to take up more than 1.31% prior to the enforcement dates for ELDs. In most industries, if you have something that happens only 1.31% of the time, you pat yourself on the back and say “Good job”. Not the FMCSA though, 1.31% of the time is something that must be addressed, and drivers need to be bludgeoned with regulation into complete and total submission. What is happening to this country? God help us all….
Bamafan 3 says
I honestly don’t see how they claim ELD logs are really working or are safer for truckers . I have seen so many other drivers cut off truckers like they can just stop so quick . And so many other people on their phones texting It is just something that puts more pressure on the truckers and the companies they work for .
SEB says
They’re going to fix all safety problems by allowing 18 year old drivers to begin driving OTR. SMH
Yogi says
… But it’s okay to let them parachute into a combat zone to be wounded or killed to ensure your right to utter such a ridiculous statement ???
Robert K Rupp says
That should be interesting. Wait till one of them takes a temper tantrum and takes out 25 cars because their not getting their own way. Lower the standards so everybody can do it. Smart!
RDD says
Lmao the rule has not been in effect long enough to get conclusive data. Sure the can select their information as to how they can draw that conclusion so early, but it is worthless
Thomas says
Watch this… They had an easy system before when the hours of service were 10 and none of the complicated head games like the do now that so complicated they forced us to have to go out and buy Electronic Logs and so the question remains… How were we doing before the head games began not in the area of obedience but on the safety numbers?
What we had before just needed a few modifications not all this other sick in the head twisted crap thrown in to make it looks like they are doing something just so they can justify their own jobs in the name of safety of course.
Remember both parties in Congress passed this crap when you vote.
Doug says
Yep, they are cutting pay, and making drivers race the clock
K1500 says
I have driven tired more so now with elog then I did before. Before I would stop and nap a little and be good. Now I’m forced to keep going because if I dont I could ruin my entire week or not make my load. We now have to fight to find spots to park. I’m always in a rush. Im more stressed now due to rushing and trying to find a spot oh and dont forget now TA and Petro have more reserve spots then ever before. Taking advantage of us. Loads didn’t go up cuz of elogs like they tried to say they would either. Elogs have made this profession a joke now. I dont plan on sticking with driving anymore. I’ll do it for maybe a couple more years just till I find something different. I’ve lost nothing but home time thanks to the elog.
Jerry says
I don’t see how it couldn’t be safer. Back in my day drivers not only cheated daily on their logbooks but where expected and encouraged by companies to do so. I know you guys are upset, just be patient. As companies, drivers, and shippers/receivers get used to the new reality you will find yourself working less for the same amount of money or more. Believe me, trucking companies won’t be able to afford to have shippers keep them waiting 5 hours to get loaded without charging them for it. I have been on elds for 5 years, has it made me safer? Yes, absolutely. I know you guys like to scream at the rain about how unfair it is but the fact is is all the elds have done is force you to run legal.
ray says
Are you serious? That ELD made me a better driver? How? Did it turn my steering wheel perfectly through the turn? Brake just in time to avoid a crash? Whether you are cheating or being legal you are still at the mercy of the situation of the moment and the ELD can never make sure you were safe. Last time I looked the attorneys are making a killing off these new ELDs, making life just a little more costly, is that the safer driving your talking about? Its strictly for litigation and you know it! Oh here’s a good one, if we were ordered by the FMCSA to stand in a garage for five minutes would that make you a car? In other words not all the FMCSA does is born out of truth or sound reason , now your last comment was a fair assessment of the ELD, made you run legal, now who benefits from that? It still wont stop the grim reaper from visiting you in court. You act as if there is no truth among drivers, that were not capable of keeping ourselves to a good standard, that maybe what people are saying of us is true, I take exception to anyone who would just blanket all drivers in there preconceived notions of who they think we are, you seem in a round about way to be like one of them, shame, I ask you again, does the ELD make you safer as promoted by the FMCSA and the ATA and there ilk? Personally I have used them since 92 and so far it hasn’t done what they say there supposed to do, I can cheat that devise up one side and down the other, and its so simple. drivers just haven’t caught on yet. And guess what? My record is as clean as brand new sheets. It didn’t do what they said it was going to do, the ELD was and will always be the answer for the lawyers when they take us to court. SAFTEY is an act of will!!!!!!! Such stupid people everywhere in the Gov. and there agency’s. What if I told you that by balancing a plate on your head while driving down the road will reduce crashes by one third the first year of its enforcement would you say….yeah that’s what we needed, there’s the answer! Safety is a matter of will, not enforcement or compliance. And last I looked, you cant change someone’s heart by changing the law. So are there any more bright but amazingly stupid rules that could come from the FMCSA to make me feel better that all truckers out there wont run my loved ones over?
Stevie says
The rate of HOS violations does not reflect the rate of safety. Those are mutually exclusive. To say the ELD mandate is accomplishing its goals is irresponsible. A small reduction in HOS violations is not worth the extra hassle in parking shortages and the added stress.
Thor says
The focus of “The Blitz” this month was ELECTRONIC LOGS. I was pulled in for an inspection. The ONLY thing they DID NOT check was my ELECTRONIC LOG! The only reason their numbers are down, is the fact they are not checking them.
Michael Charette says
I have no problem with the ELD . I think the are great because now I don’t have to get writers cramp playing catch up . Working only 4 hours per day I don’t even worry about that 1/2 hour break . The only thing I don’t like is the fact that every once and a while it will read “network not available , use paper logs .” If they are so important to FMCSA why are myself and other drivers have this problem ?Oh well maybe only a few more years and I’ll retire full time and then let the dang thing break , I won’t care then .
Nemo says
Wener has had electronic logs for years, do they have a better safety record?
Lady DOE says
H… NO NO NO !
Walt says
I heard Werner had to go on eld or be shut down
Pete says
I’m already working on my exit strategy. I actually had this conversation with my insurance broker .
Problem isn’t that guys were running multiple log books … that’s been rare for years . Problem is companies ( mainly the big ones controlling the truck alliance) , intentionally use shippers with bad load times and traffic delays that can be foreseen , such as rush hour , to suppress wages so they can give drivers so called wage increases while not actually writing bigger checks . But truck drivers were able to keep there honest day pay by fudging here and there .
Now since they can’t do that they MUST RUSH to still receive their honest day pay . They MUST USE the ridiculously unsafe sleeper birth rule to extend their day forcing them to drive fatigued and they MUST PUSH traffic when people refuse to do speed limit in front of them and speed at times they normally wouldn’t and drive to fast in poor weather conditions .
There’s only a handful of companies behind this but they wield big money … but … if owners ops and small companies would all unilaterally agree on taking a 4 or 5 day weekend then the REAL BACKBONE of this industry could show how strong it really is and take some power back .
I’m not staying in this industry . I fought to keep my license after being a victim of a stupid prank / crime but I’m not going to let this industry intentionally put my life at risk just to suppress wages of hard workers like myself . If this is how the industry and government wants to treat hard workers … well guess what? Hard workers like myself are to good for them and they just don’t deserve us .
ray says
HERE HERE!!!!!!!!
Gary C says
YEP!!! Another lie by the Government!!!
Now we are rushed by pushing the speed limit, screwed at shippers / consignees on load / unload times, I just tell customers it gets there when it gets there. Appt means nothing anymore. Sit on interstate for an accident clean up appoxly 4.75 hours, eld went crazy!!!!
You want safer roads, tell the cops to stay off their cell phones with their girlfriends, followed on the other day, he was on it for 45 miles, weaving from lane to lane, 70 MPH zone, he was 57 – 74!!!!!!! Stupid,
Regulate someone else for a change!
ELD’s DID NOT MAKE ROADS SAFER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
More stress!!!!
Harrell says
Yes, now us drivers cannot misspell words, cross are Tts, or . are i. So I’m sure removing these errors sure made a huge difference in so-called compliance.
D says
It oh….cutting dots money from fines….heads r gonna role.
Yogi says
Everyone needs to pull their collective heads out of their collective butts and take an unbiased look at what the ELD actually did for the truck driving community.
– Freight rates are up, ergo driver pay is up.
– The log-cheating, rate-cutting, under belly of the industry is quickly disappearing.
– Shippers and receivers are learning, albeit slowly, that driver’s time needs to be respected.
– Carriers are learning that drivers need to be respected.
As a driver or owner-op, if you didn’t get a raise in the past 6 months, and/or if you are not being respected for the job you do, find another company that will give you what you need. There’s plenty out there.
There has always been a segment of the industry that made its bones off the backs of its drivers. The ones that cut the hell out of the rates and made their profits off drivers cheating their log books. Is that really how you want to go to work every day? What do you think is going to happen to you if you get into an accident? Do you honestly believe that company is going to stand behind you and your cheated paper log?
And speaking of accidents … you cheat your paper log and are 100 miles further down the road than you should be. A school bus pulls out right in front of you while you’re clipping along at 75 mph, and you T-bone that big yellow bus, tearing it in half. As the halves spin away from each other it’s spitting out 6 and 7 year old children all over the interstate. Unfortunately, many did not survive.
You know you’re going to prison right ???
How’s that cheated paper log looking now ???
Kinda looks like 3 hots and a cot for the rest of your life doesn’t it ???
I wonder if your own children will remember you when you finally get parole at age 80 ???
My guess is you will spend every day behind those bars wishing the company you drove for had installed an “I-can’t-cheat-it” ELD … you know, that thing on the dash that protects your very freedom in a case like that. The simple reason is this … even though that bus driver was 100% in the wrong to pull in front of you, because your paper log was cheated, you shouldn’t have been there, ergo the accident shouldn’t have happened. Not only are you going to go to prison, you and your family are going to be sued for everything you own, and are ever going to own, and you will lose. Of that there is no doubt. The company you used to work for, if they are even still in business, can’t even remember your name.
You wanted to be a cowboy. Last of a dying breed. Out there alone on the big road, doing your own thing. Nobody watching over your shoulder. Nobody telling you what to do. Well, you’re alone now aren’t you ???
Are there growing pains with the ELD system ??? Absolutely. You can’t take a system that has been in place for millions of drivers, carriers, enforcement people, shippers, receivers, and governments for decades upon decades, that has been cheated on every single day since its inception, by everyone involved, and not expect there to be problems. It’s like any complicated Christmas present … there is some assembly required. You really didn’t expect otherwise did you ??? If you expected the ELD to drop into place and be perfect out of the gate, then you are a fool.
Regardless, give it some time. The kinks will get worked out. Drivers are, and will continue to be, better off for it in the end.
And that my friends, is my soapbox speech for today.
Yogi out.
Robert says
I have never seen so many trucking accidents in my 38 years of driving. Just this week I waited at two shippers for over 6 hours each. Truck rates up, but loads driven down. No one is telling the real story. ELDs are a trucker’s problem while no one else has to change.
Billy says
I want to know how they are going to study how many drivers have left the trucking industry because of ELD’s. After 29 years I’m out of here next month. But they don’t even know I exist because I’m the only driver for my boss. And he’s leased on to a very small outfit.
Same thing with this ELD data. They are just seeing fewer violations at the scales.
I think the accidents have gone up. Last winter was a doozie on I 80. I counted 157 trucks in the median from Evanston to Cheyenne. And that was in one day.
The only answer to driver retention and fewer accidents is hourly pay. Watch the trucks slow down and who cares how long your at the dock. And they can keep the ELD’s. Because if a driver is making at least $23.50 that’s about .50 cpm. He makes a good wage and doesn’t have to drive 600 miles to do it.
JDExpress says
Rite or wrong we all individually have scores and perhaps we for the first 3 or so years or below a specific score be required to use ELOG and then be trusted to go paper. Yes we will cheat but it’s required to make a living in most cases. Their giving non English speaking people listens not safe. Rite or wrong! “You can’t handle the truth”!
Israel Arana says
The real question remains, “Do non compliant drivers have more accidents than compliant drivers?” I have yet to see research that proves non compliant drivers have more accidents.
Stevie says
Most accidents are caused by drivers with less than 1 year. After hitting the 2 year mark driver accidents are even lower. Theres good reason why insurance companies use those metrics to maximize profits.
Stevie says
Maybe those with less than 2 years of experience should be forced to use eld instead of everyone.
S. Guy says
As a wife of an owner/operator, I see an improvement in my husband’s health. He is now forced to rest rather than driving 18 hours a day. He rebelled at first but now sees it as a positive thing. He has to plan ahead but he’s making it work. ELD forced him to do what he would do for himself. BTW. I am a Republican and don’t like government interference into my life. However, seat belts are now required and saves lives. ELD’s, may be saving my husband’s life. Also, he is now required to use his C Pap, machine for which I am grateful. This also may save his life.
Max says
It’s so Fake. I noticed that my trucks were almost not pulled over in 2018 at all, may be once or twice and inspectors were not trying to find anything as they liked to do it in the past, so inspections were good
David Collins says
People who drive desks are making rules for people who drive trucks.
ron says
Hourly pay is the answer. That would cut into profits. It’s great working for a carrier who brags about record profits and the drivers get nothing.
What I just said, many drivers have been saying this for years. It will never happen because profits matter more than drivers lives or safety.
Reuben Titus says
Using actual rigid time compliance as a reflection of safe driving means nothing. Look at real life on the road. Actual experience last week. I was 40 miles outside a large city at shutdown time in the evening. Found parking. But I had to be on the other side of the city at 8:30 AM to do a pickup. Following the rigid ELD mandate I couldn’t move till 6:30 AM. Which meant at least 1.5 hours contending with rush hour traffic. What would be safer? doing that, adding my truck to rush hour for 1.5 hours. Or wake up middle of the night, drive 45 minutes in very light traffic, park on a side street next to the pickup site and sleep another 4 hours? I chose to drive by common sense and do the middle of the night drive, even though I was on ELD. And risk the consequences. Fortunately no inspections and no issues arose. But the rigid ELD timing will make such choices impossible without violation it seems. Those kind of situations are common, therefore more flexibility needs to be given drivers to drive with common sense. Although I know some have abused common sense and caused deadly accidents. But I see making driving time absolutely rigid by the clock causing as much increase in accidents as leaving things run loose allows abuse, with likely zero actual decrease in accident rate, possible increase in real life.
Reuben Titus says
Because of those situation constantly arising, I will be found refusing to drive on ELD for any time. I was just filling in for a driver who quit without warning when load was already booked. No ELD’s for me, ever. at least not for more than a very short fill in. I won’t put up with the stupidity of trying to put a totally random operation on a fixed time schedule. However I’m a very responsible common sense driver who’s going to drive safe no matter who says what, logs or no logs, because I’m the biggest looser if I don’t drive safe. But I know many do not have my level of self discipline and have to be held under laws to keep them reasonably safe.
dave bean says
exactly—nuff said
dave bean says
this whole ELD thing is for cops that can’t count. the few log checks on my ELD have been a farce, yeah i have one “so long”. because i didn’t look like a snappy 20 year old when my paper was legal would cause an hour or two delay with jim-bob counting on his fingers and no citation. look at the speeds on the highways now; 80 mph for maxis? gimme a break. i can see how youngsters like sitting in a truckstop with the climate control on for half the day pluckin away on their electronics. used to be able to make a living, now it’s just getting by. the reason crash rates are down,if they are ( the stats are only that log violations are down) is that the equipment and roads, especially the roads are much better.
Me says
Of course they would say ELD is working why would they say otherwise they would not admit if it wasn’t working
Ed says
Some of us older drivers will remember “tattlers” the little box with a round card they got rid of those because it was easy to cheat now give the younger kids a chance they already have apps you can buy on line to control the ends and make them read what you want a friends son has one that he drove 800 miles and it makes the entries so all is legal and when he shuts down it’ll catch up the eld he just shuts the GPS section off no law says you have to be tracked if he gets stopped he uses his phone and shows a false screen to the cops since the stickers on the door say electronic logs fewer trucks are stopped for log checks hence fewer violations recorded the violations recorded are secondary to other reasons for being stopped and are only content and text violations trucking is one of the last jobs that have not come together and fought for their independence too many drivers playing the game and staying hidden from the man I drove an 6 year stretch never crossed a scale or got stopped ……read the rules you too can win the game and do it safely and legally they did an audit at the company and wanted to know were the truck I drove was and if it was a back up truck in the yard that some one was just writing logs on after that boss made cross at least one scale a month ….God bless all the drivers out there I’m retired and just watch them go by the house now
ROBERT STUBBLEFIELD says
Rates are up lits of sleeping–every product moves by truck at least 5 times in its making to market and the amAMERICAN public will spend 10times more than the tax rebate you got.
Kris says
What else they can sey? More drivers go faster in rainy days or winter condicions?
Paul M says
This is what happens when stupid people are put in the position of being “experts”. Very common in government.
If the FMCSA considers the ELD law to be working then they’re demonstrating with blinding clarity just how truly incompetent (and idiotic) they really are.
They haven’t got a clue, and they’re in charge! My God!
It’s not even a case of the blind leading the blind — it’s worse — it’s a case of the blind leading the sighted! By force of law!
R F says
I have never had to drive as fast as I do now. It is such stupidity to think that putting an electronic clock in a vehicle will some how make everything safer. Not to mention the forced 30 minute brake that I often have to take 10 minutes before I pull into the yard in effect just making my day longer for absolutely no reason what soever. But we are all the same and our bodies and minds all function the same because we are just robots. I would really like to see the year end statistics regarding truck involved accidents on December 18th 2018. I venture to say that the increase will be substantial.
George says
Between Keeping track of the 70h, 14h, 11h, 10h, 8h, 2h, 30min rule…. I LOVE MY ELD.
Old timers need to love on. They said the same thing about obc Qualcomms.
Trucker since 95
Daniel says
Idiots. Of course HOS is better – you’re forcing it. The issue isn’t how many hours we can drive — it’s how many tired, unsafe drivers there were because of HOS breaches but the accidents and poor/no inspections are no better.
They should have simply had a test module that tested your cognitive abilities periodically to ensure you’re thinking. EOS.
Mr T says
you know why log book violation is down ? cause the Elog will tell you to corrected if you make a mistake. use your brain Martin.
Hard knocks says
Hey FMCSA, you like numbers? Try these numbers. The following numbers are the frightening equations of our very near future, that seams to be very obvious to anybody truly paying attention to what “you” are working so hard to accomplish.
( -hos + -$$ for not being able to work =
– truck driver Able make a lot living. )
Great job FMCSA. Very soon you will even less drivers to regulate. During a obvious nation wide truck driver shortage.
Owen says
This is some real non sense I sit here reading these comments and none of them matter. Mostly they sound like I’m sitting at the truck stop listening to all the bs. If you really don’t like driving quit it’s that simple just quit and then you can find something else to whine about.
Jeff says
A lot of us actually have some skin in the game and have invested a little bit more than just showing up to hold a steering wheel. Most of what you’ve read and dislike and interpret as whining is actually people that care about the industry and have worked hard to contribute in. Their upset because lobbyist groups like ATA, the mega fleets and inept elected officials have handed down a major insult to professional drivers essentially not listening to their voice at all. Don’t worry, there’ll be plenty of time very soon for those on the other side of the argument to whine. Uncle Sam likes having his goods delivered. Our infrastructure can’t handle putting double the amount of trucks on the road just because everyone needs to stop for a refreshing 10hr slumber. The solution will probably come in the form of the 14 being extended to 24 or something. Disgruntled drivers that can’t work long hours can just simply find something else to do and whine elsewhere.
DonFromPA says
FMCSA pointing out that citations are down & zero mention of stats pertaining to increased accidents. Then lay claim that their decision is working? Looks Like CNN & MSNBC have fake news competition with FMCSA.
Curt says
I know I drive faster and burn more fuel because of them.
Willie says
Of course you would say that when you slaving people and bullying people
Driver4ever says
Who sleeps 10 hrs stupid rule, California rest areas most of the are closed I see more accidents now than before another stupid rule is the 55 mph in California smfh
Craig says
I’m sure if the correct political party backed organization did a study on the sky is falling and they said it was caused by global warming they would believe and back it.HaHa
Jude says
Right. Now just imagine how much safer we would all be if four wheelers ahd to comply with logging regs, too. I wonder how many of them, on this weekend before Independence Day, are driving over 11 hours or after working and driving more than 14 just to get “up North” for a few days. They should also have electronic speed limiters and be required to get a special endorsement before pulling a trailer, especially doubles (a camper and boat).
Jeff says
Define “Working”…
Digit says
Eld’s put a driver in a situation where he is racing against the clock forcing him to drive his vehicle as fast as possible and making dangerous decisions in order to save time
Skidsteer says
Compliant logs have nothing to do with safety. Crashes are going up not down.
Jeff says
Pretty much a slanted statement released by FMCSA but probably very accurate. HOS violations aren’t discovered when they’re not being looked for. At most officials are just looking to see if a truck has the pos and it appears to be functional. They don’t want to fool with or be burdened by an ELD either.
The boxer says
The most accidents are caused by steering wheels holder cause,in his 10 hours rest those spend the all night playing electronic games on his computer or cell phone.99% the accidents with cmv you see at truck owned for one of those big companies.owner operators are the less involve on accidents.
The boxer says
Commercial Fleet Accident Rate Hits 20%
One in five fleet vehicles will be involved in an accident this year, according to new data from Automotive Fleet. The impact of these accidents can go far beyond monetary — they can be fatal. So, there’s no question why safety is the number one challenge organizations with fleets of vehicles, trailers, and other equipment look to solve.
Wally says
Too many rules and regulations that don’t make common sense causing more stress making you drive when tired and sleeping when not this will cause the accident rates up.
Kim says
All this says is that ELD’s are working to lower HOS violations! It doesn’t say they making our drivers or the motoring public safer as they claimed it would. It also doesn’t say that it is making the REAL issues that CREATE HOS violations go away, such as shippers, consigned, lumpers, no parking, truck stops charging to park on 3/4 of their spaces leaving a 1/4 free. It should be federal law that if you are involved in any type of interstate commerce where someone involved in that process is required by DOT to run on ELD’s, you legally have 2 hours to load/unload/give paperwork or you will not only be required by law to pay that driver detention but will also be fined by DOT for causing a driver to lose his income and hours to create said income. And then make lumped illegal. Make the company hire people to do that job. And then when budgeting for infrastructure, rest areas with plenty of parking should be built nationwide. Hold truck stops accountable as well. They are in the trucking industry and parking in their lots should be free other than a designated amount of spaces.
Justlon says
It’s working your not running two log books anymore
The hos is still the same now you don’t have drivers misrepresenting there hos
No we need to fix the practice of all these drivers going off duty while loading or unloading that time waiting is part of the job and needs to be properly recorded as on duty
Maria Martin says
Since the elog regulators went into effect I also have seen an increase in accidents. Until recently I had never seen three accidents within a ten mile span involving big rigs. Drivers are trying to get to their destination even if they are tired or sleepy. You can’t stop and take a nap anymore if you are sleepy cuz your on the clock. Some drivers are putting safety second.
Dale Eckhardt says
Of course FMCSA will say they are working. Our ELD does not work with codrivers or Ag exempt. We get unidentified driving when we are on Ag exempt and at midnight it puts you on duty when we are sleeping😡
We got inspected and the officer says he knows they aren’t working and didn’t cite us. So, officers aren’t giving tickets, which would make less citations!
There are other issues to many to list!
Road Jouster says
Yes, the ELDs are working – only at enforcing HOS compliance! The do nothing to increase safety. In fact just the opposite! Since the mandate going into effect, they have also compeled major truck stop chains to increase the number of premium payed parking spaces and the rates charged to use those spaces.
Granted the HOS is the greater problem. The ELDs have forced drivers to race against their service clocks forcing drivers to drive with increased fatigue.
It is obvious more drivers are going to give it up sooner because of the mandate. Unofficial statistics are show an increase in accidents and violations.
Increasing the 14 hour clock by 3 hours is not the solution. It seems like the ATA has gotten to my TX Rep. Babbit to flip from his original thinking which was in favor of more aggressive action towards revamping the HOS.
Dale says
I didn’t read all the responses but most of you don’t seem to see the joke here. They’re boasting about a half a percent reduction in the smallest category of violations to begin with. Cost versus benefit doesn’t even begin to work out.ll
Kelly moxley says
Not against the ELD I think they keep the shippers companies in line but I am against a 30-minute mandatory break go back to the 8-hour split team drivers. Personally I can’t sleep 10 hrs
Kevin Mulligan says
Of course compliance us better! How stupid! It has NOTHING to do with safety. If you don’t want to use an ELD you have one choice, quit.
The real question is, does it reduce wrecks, fatigue? I do know it reduces My Pay!
Tom moore says
This is bs when is the dot gonna have the power they are seeking, when they can run this like nazis did in germany .u almost reached your goal for thr disquise of saftey ,they dont give a shit they just go along so they can have the satisfaction of being over truck drivers whp earn more money than they do
Mark Hamilton says
0we need a union , as a contractor i havent. Been. Payed my last paycheck the last 5 jobs i worked and there is nothing that can be done they just dont answer the phone
Mark Hamilton says
I know u can fight the gov and the companies in court but why should we have to go half way acoss america to get what is owed , we put in money for fuel and hours that we cant get paid for , i am legal and dont worry aboue elds and other bs that u worry about
Mark Hamilton says
Elds are just more bs to get the bigger companies to help get small truckers out to get rid of the compitition so they got a monoply on truckin , please wake up people
Mark Hamilton says
Awaiting moderation what do you have to clesr it with the goverment, and the huge trucking companies ,i feel your pain
BlackIce says
Man there are SOOO many trucks turning over out here. Yet they’re still lying about things are getting better. I’m already seeing the effects of this in the stores. Product is out or running out. So many drivers have changed careers. Parking is ridiculous ie 500 trucks crammed in a truck stop made for 300. More truck traffic on back roads and secondary roads taking short cuts in an attempt to save time. Just the other day my wife informed me that a driver around his late 20s took a ramp too fast, lost control, wrecked and died because they could not get the guy out. He was pinned down until death. ELDs has no positive effect out here. It’s effecting the driver’s attitude and decision. As long as this continues we are all at risk out here. Prayers Up and Be Safe.
BlackIce says
I’m willing to bet that the person who made this chart , didn’t have to leave the office to make it. Never even got information for the state level to support this chart.
BlackIce says
I’m willing to bet that the person who made this chart , didn’t have to leave the office to make it. Never even got information from the state level to support this chart.
Steven Johnson says
Number of citations doesn’t mean anything. They were writing tickets because you had a word misspelled or said it was to messy. Also what’s gonna happen with the lose of Revenue since they aren’t writing these tickets?
John holt says
Yeah working to put you out of business, since the. Mandate my paycheck has went down over a. $100 a week average ,I’m am ready to get out of it, Don’t want too but almost they’re
Joseph Heintz says
This shows that the FMCSA is more interested in compliance than they are safety.
Gabe nash says
I have no doubt these stats are true, the dot officers had no clue how to even look up the eld logs for the first 6 months of the year… it was rare to even get asked for your logs … still don’t.. they .she these stats happen because they didn’t actually have training on how to check them .. still still don’t have a clue yet