ELD compliance due date

QUOTE="spax, post: 6059303, member: 69428"]So please site anywhere that it says it has to be any more compliant than any electronic form of logging I could be using now. And If that was the case what would be the point of extending a deadline to 2019 if everyone is already compliant?[/QUOTE]
From the FMCSA website

About the ELD Rule
The electronic logging device (ELD) rule is intended to help create a safer work environment for drivers, and make it easier, faster to accurately track, manage, and share records of duty status (RODS) data.

For carriers using AOBRDs (automatic onboard recording devices) before the rule compliance date December 18, 2017, the rule will replace AOBRDs with ELDs over a four-year implementation period.
THIS SECTION IS FROM A FMCSA DOCUMENT ON THE ELD MANDATE
Differences between AOBRDs and Logging Software Programs
1. What are the differences between automatic onboard recording devices (AOBRDs) and devices
using logging software programs?
A key difference between devices with logging software programs and AOBRDs relates to connectivity
with the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operations. An AOBRD must be integrally synchronized with the
specific operations of the CMV on which it is installed. AOBRDs must also record engine use, speed, miles
driven, and date and time of day, as specified in 49 CFR 395.2. AOBRDs automatically record engine data
for driving time versus the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) data or a driver inputting his or her
driving status hours.
The display and output from devices using logging software must meet the requirements in 49 CFR 395.8.
Drivers can manually enter their hours of service (HOS) information using the application or software
program on the device, and then manually or electronically sign the RODS at the end of each 24-hour
period to certify that all required entries are true and correct. During a roadside inspection, drivers using
logging software programs can hand their device to the safety official to review their RODS. Additionally,
officers conducting inspections can request a printed copy of the driver’s log with the current and prior
seven days HOS information.

Here is the link to the pdf document from the FMCSA that fully explains the differences between ELD, AOBRD, and logging software programs typically found on cell phones and tablets.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/ELD Rule_Frequently Asked Questions_0.pdf

 

ELD Facts
The FMCSA’s final ELD rule was published December 2015. Considering the mandate applies to over three million drivers on the road today, it’s important that the trucking industry as a whole is up-to-speed on its ELD facts — so, here we go.

What’s an electronic logging device, or ELD?
Put simply, an ELD is an electronic solution that enables professional truck drivers and commercial motor carriers to easily track Hours of Service (HOS) compliance.

By December 2017, all CDL drivers required to keep a Record of Duty Status (RODS) must use an ELD to document their compliance with HOS rules.

The new ELD rule adds certain technical and performance specifications that define exactly what the device must feature.

For example, an ELD must:

• Connect to the truck’s engine to record if the truck is in motion
• Allow the driver to log in and select On-duty, Off-duty, or On-Duty Not Driving; drive segments must be automatically selected based on vehicle movement
• Graphically display a Record of Duty Status, so a driver can quickly see hours in a day
• Provide data in a format that’s standardized and can be transmitted to law enforcement in a number of prescribed ways, such as wireless web services, USB, or Bluetooth 2.0
• Be provider-certified that the device meets the proper specifications

ELDs will be available in a number of shapes and sizes – once a final rule is published.

But until the new rule is published, there is no such thing as a compliant ELD.

While trucking companies, drivers, and manufacturers may refer to currently available products as ELDs, they are most likely devices that meet the standards currently in place for automatic on-board recording devices (AOBRD).

 

That is correct, but what you are not understanding is there is a big difference between a smartphone logging app and a compliant AOBRD. The FMCSA extention for current users of AOBRDs is because they function almost like a ELD, close enough to insure compliance with the hours of service rules.

The difference between an AOBRD and a smartphone app is connection to the trucks engine, bottom line if the log program doesn't connect to the truck then it is no different then a paper log, it is not an AOBRD, the A stands for automatic, meaning it has to automatically sense if the engine is running, truck speed, distance, etc.

 

That is accurate except the end, the final technical standards have been published and there are several eld devices on the market that are now compliant elds. That article is correct that many of the legacy systems are actually aobrds, but some of the new stuff is actually purpose built as an eld, and some other stuff is not even close and actually will not be able to qualify after Dec. 2017.

 

It is bad when the FMCSA doesn't keep their guidance up to date on their own website. I don't kniw how the average guy that doesn't sudy this crap all day is suposed to keep up.

 

It does get tiring...

 

A quick glance at the Big Road website, it appears the app alone is not eld or aobrd compliant but with the plug in they sell for your J-bus (diaganostic port) it will meet the standards.

 

Thanks for the posts. I'm smart enough to realize the differences, some of my questioning was to make you work since you seem to be a supporter of these contraptions. I guess what I still don't completely understand though is what is the point of the 2019 extension or timeline if what you have is already compliant? I realize the eld's may further limit the drivers input into daily activities and prevent any "edits" but this part of the rule to me really only benefits large companies who are already equipped. Almost like giving them a 2 year leg up on everyone else to still conduct business as usual while most everyone else has gone from one extreme to another.

 

I would be interested in hearing from those that are using that "plug-in"...

 

Purely my opinion, but I agree the extension has a lot to do with the large fleets already having millions invested in AOBRD systems. As for the workout, that is cool I like a challenge.

Now, I really am not a supporter of elds but rather a capitalist. I used to own a car haul business and am now selling car haulers, tow trucks, and electronic logging devices among other telematic devices and software products. Really I just want the discussion to be productive because there are many guys out there that believe their cell phone app will be good enough, and it will cost them dearly. As for my personal beliefs, I would use an eld if need be and don't see the privacy/ 4th Amendment violations others do, although I agree mandatory usage is a bit extreme.

I wrote an article this month for a towing industry magazine about the eld mandate, that entire industry was blindsided by this, didn't think it applied to them, so really education with facts not myths or half-truths is my ultimate goal.

Thanks for keeping the conversation civil, many others have not been so polite when debating with or trying to prove me wrong (maybe embarass me?).