Spoke with rep at JJ Keller about E-Logs

Come on man, do you really think those accidents are caused by the elog? While i would bet you ate correct on the percentage, i don't believe the elog had anything to do with it. It's the newbie mega training carrier driver behind the wheel that hasn't been properly trained before being put out on his own causing those accidents, not the elog.

 

Again, there is a distinction between elog and eobr. If you are using a lap top or smart phone app you have to print and sign them, if it's an eobr device you don't.

 

Yes, I know, that is what I keep saying lol

And EOBRD is different from ELD. (by almost 30 years of technology to be specific lol)

eLogs is just an electronic emulation of the traditional paper logs, without the engine connection.

 

ELD's and ROD's are different. ELD's connect to the ECM and RODS are basically paper logs on an electronic device.

“Paper RODS” means RODS that are not kept on an ELD or automatic onboard recording device (AOBRD), but that are either recorded manually (in accordance with 49 CFR 395.8(f)) or on a computer not synchronized with the vehicle or that is otherwise not qualified to be an ELD or AOBRD. Printouts of RODS from ELDs are the reports that ELDs must be able to generate upon request from an authorized safety official, per section 4.8.1 of the ELD rule.

What is the difference between “paper records of duty status (RODS)” and printouts of RODS from electronic logging devices (ELDs)?

“Paper RODS” means RODS that are not kept on an ELD or automatic onboard recording device (AOBRD), but that are either recorded manually (in accordance with 49 CFR 395.8(f)) or on a computer not synchronized with the vehicle or that is otherwise not qualified to be an ELD or AOBRD. Printouts of RODS from ELDs are the reports that ELDs must be able to generate upon request from an authorized safety official, per section 4.8.1 of the ELD rule.

Would an electronic logging device (ELD) be non-compliant with the ELD rule if the data cannot be sent electronically to an authorized safety official at roadside?

No. If the electronic means for transferring data is unavailable or fails, the driver can still be compliant by showing either a printout or the actual ELD display of their RODS.





Here is the guidance from https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/395.8
Question 28: May a driver use a computer, tablet, or smartphone (that is not an Automatic On-Board Recording Device) to create, electronically sign, and store the record of duty status (RODS)?

Guidance:

Yes. A driver may make manual duty-status entries to a computer, tablet, or smartphone program that is used to generate the graph grid and entries for the record of duty status (RODS) or log book, provided the electronically-generated display (if any) and output includes the minimum information required by §395.8 and is formatted in accordance with that section. The driver must sign the RODS (manually or electronically) at the end of each 24-hour period to certify that all required entries are true and correct.

1. If electronic signatures are not used:

• The driver must print and manually sign the RODS daily.
• The driver must have in his or her possession the printed and signed RODS for the prior seven consecutive days (if required on those days).
• The driver should be given an opportunity to print and manually sign the current day’s RODS at the time of the inspection.

1. If RODS have been electronically signed:

• At the time of an inspection of records by an enforcement official, the driver may display the current and prior seven days RODS to the official on the device’s screen.
• If the enforcement official requests printed copies of the RODS, the driver must be given an opportunity to print the current and prior seven days RODS (if required on those days) at the time of inspection.

 

Okay, okay, we get it. If the logs which are electronically signed and stored on a device, but are NOT logs which have been generated when connected through the ECM, the inspector has the option of asking for printed copies of the previous 7 days. My contention is that the regulation does not specifically say a driver can't hand print a copy of what is on the screen.

I also contend that this is much to do about nothing...

As I have previously stated, my experience with DOT inspectors over the years has been a positive one, including them viewing and accepting the electronic version of my logs via the BigRoad app on my tablet screen, period.

Ya'll take care

 

If you use an Electronic device such as an Tablet, Phone, etc and it is not an ELD which connects to your ECM. --- If you do not Electronically sign them, then you must print daily. If you do Electronically sign them you do not have to print daily unless the enforcement officer requests you print them.

 

I'm the guy from the other thread who got put out of service and what you said is still my general sentiment. My bro in law (who also runs a truck) and I have been through combined double digits of level 1, 2 and 3 inspections over the last year running logs on our phones and only met one jack hole so far. Plus I'm in a one ton, not a extra room in here to begin with.

If it was really a matter of scrutinizing your logs, as has been suggested, then they should take the email version. Its all the same numbers, no matter the medium. The fascination with paper has no defense other that "the law says I can do it so I'm gonna do it". Though I will hit up the local Staples before crossing the state line into NY again, since they're a special kind of belligerent up there.

The comment was made too about a smarter mouse. Hell, that's half the fun of it. Its trucking tradition in fact. Myself, I'm saving my pennies and going back to the 80's or 90's vehicle-wise before next December since there's currently a loophole big enough to drive a truck through. Pun intended.