FMCSA investigation due to ELD violations? What to expect?

I second the suggestion that you should hire a private auditor to audit your files first, so you know what you’re going to get hit with.
And have a written plan to deal with it in the future.
Have some record where you completed a training class on HoS regs etc .

having all this done before the feds audit your files might help.

I would not volunteer any violations that the private auditor finds, but when the feds audit the files , you can show them that you’ve recently completed a training class on HoS rules and this won’t ever happen again. Etc

 

I probably shouldn't even comment on it.. I haven't read up on it because I don't use it so you are probably 110%. Lol. I just don't run out of hours, not worth the trouble. I'm planning on stopping well within an hour out.

 

I would really re-think your position and take that preceding post very sincerely. Throwing yourself on the "mercy of the court" without a plan and being remorseful may be a very expensive option.

 

I've learned from here and reading the regs/guidance posted by others. Basically, if you are an O/o going home is like going to the yard. Still work. Ironically, if I understand it right, going home for a company driver is ok. Since it's not "work."

 

You didn’t break laws, you broke regulations and yes it will give you a bad safety record, read what I said about mitigating future incidents, that works for you.

 

It shows the regulators that you are trying to run a clean operation, that you recognize you've made mistakes and you are taking steps to correct the problems... before being told to do so. That typically works well in your favor. Actually admitting you are aware of the problem (now you are, but you weren't before because knowingly operating in breach of the rules is not looked at kindly) is typically better than pleading ignorance.

Using a third-party regulations/HOS auditor is just like using an accountant to do your books and taxes. Sure, you can do them yourself, but...

As mentioned, you didn't break laws, so the penalties are not criminal, but the FMCSA can assess hella civil penalties.