Electronic Recorders

We have about 75% of our fleet now using EOBRs. None of them are OTR and most of the drivers like them. We'll probably wait for a definite absolute ruling before equipping our OTR trucks with them. Unfortunately our hand was forced by drivers who were too lazy to keep their logs current and our CSA took a hit by a couple bad apples. Funny enough the few who said they'd quit if we installed the EOBRs are still here.

 

That thing ain't gonna happen.If it does,either everyone will have to pay higher rate for freight or shelves in the stores gonna be half full. Even if it happens I'm getting outta business.Enough is enough even if I pull RGN.I'm personally sick and tired of regulations.

 

Some carriers have moved to install EOBR's prior to the actual implementation date. Others have taken them out of their trucks.

 

I do not think they have a clue as to the impact this will have.

 

Plenty of companies are using them. Freight is still getting moved. I don't like the current hos rules. If the rules allowed flexibility, I wouldn't mind having an eobr ( I think I could live with it ).

As things are, I don't really plan on staying in trucking much longer.

 

First of all FMCSA has nothing to do with the Highway Bill so they can't attach anything . Secondly , ....

http://fleetowner.com/regulations/updated-070612-landry-rahall-amendment-will-not-stop-eobr-mandate

 

It is having a financial impact on some carriers. That is the reason why some are removing them from their trucks. I think that it is a mistake to push forward to comply with a law that has not yet been implemented. I have been told that the reason that Landstar and Malone now require that all new owner operators install them is due to their CSA scores dropping below some of their competition who have been using them. Both require that you purchase their EOBR's and pay a monthly fee. It seems to me that if these and other carriers require that you install their EOBR's in your equipment that they could be considered employees of the carrier instead of independent carriers. It puts the owner operator under the direct control of the carrier. You cannot install the EOBR of your choice nor can you continue using paper logs if you want to lease to them. This could prove to be very interesting.

 

Contractors this involves could bring this up with the IRS but I doubt it would make a difference if all the other terms of definitions of a contractor still apply .

 

The IRS has been wanting to reclassify owner operators as employees for a while. They seem to think that many are not paying their taxes.

 

It seems to me that if a carrier requires that all their owner operators have elogs that they should be able to get their own elog hardware rather than having to buy from the carrier.