Did anybody get inspected for ELD yet?

Look at how many days on the inspection report the driver failed to certify his log at the end of his work day.

There is no no way that the ELD system he was using didn't have a built-in warning alert on the logs (summary) itself. It's either neglect or lack of training or both.

The system I use (BigRoad) puts big red warning check-marks on my logs for any potential violation, including form & manner.

I can't even certify the log until any issues are dealt with. Here's an example of what the in office compliance person sees. This is my "Roadside Inspection Risk" for the last 7 days. The "missing signature" is from yesterday's log. I'm off-duty at home and haven't certified that log yet.

 

I think what the FMCSA is aiming for eventually is direct access to a driver’s bank account. You’ll pull into the weigh station where the computer will analyze your bank balance. If it’s above zero, the weighmaster will initiate a wire transfer of all the funds in your account to their account. After this is complete, they’ll give you a coupon for a free corn dog at the Flying J and send you on your way.

The future... it’s exciting to think about, isn’t it?

 

I was thinking the same way. Paradoxically, the HOS enforcement now could be even harder for them than ever before. Considering also the fact that they have to check whether the very ELDs are legitimate and not some dummies run on fully editable apps. There must be some uniform record output from those ELDs so that a cop can download it from a device or is given it in the form of Micro Card and plugs it into his reader to see his formatted report. Now, it is not only 200 different ELDs but also the fact they have to touch someone else's phone's, tablets, and things, which is something problematic too. The other option is to be very strict on approving the devices. Allow just very few; maybe 3 or 4 at the most.

 

Just having a uniform inspection interface would solve all that.

On a side note, finally got the Let's Truck ELD to work. Now, every time the driver starts the truck, it puts him on the drive line. Anyway, he made it to BC, and all the gauges on the dash went out, including the ELD..... Back to the shop on Monday.

This flustercluck has got to be causing hundreds of millions of $ in downtime, repairs, training, fines, etc.

 

They can't legally do that, any more than they can make a regulation that says everybody MUST drive a Mack or a Ford. All they CAN do is to publish specs required of any device, and any device that meets those specs has to be approved. To deny approval of a device that meets all of the requirements and specifications would be unconstitutional as it no longer represents equal protection under the law.

 

I am surprised that truck manufacturers have not yet offered a system of their own, built in to the truck dash. I suppose that they want to see how it all shakes out before making the investment.

 

Some do. Problem is, how does the truck manufacturer know which system will be used by the customer? Make several options available, and then only offer custom built trucks? And while that may work for large fleets, it won't for O/O's or small fleets.

 

I personally think a LOT of the pop up ELD brands will disappear once the initial money grab is over. The big name players will be the only ones left.

Also, consider this, OOIDA has filed an Exemption with the FMCSA for small companies. The FMCSA has published it, and are accepting comments from the public. Wouldn't it be strange if they issue an exemption AFTER everyone has purchased an ELD.

There I go thinking again, I need to get out of that bad habit.

 

I was just told that Verizon now has an ELD and is going after this business... which could be very entertaining to watch.