A Trucking Company in Minnesota Shares Five Facts to Know Now About the New E-Log Mandate

While your trucking company in Minnesota has likely been making plans regarding its use of electronic logging technology by the December 21, 2017 deadline mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for all truck operators, there are still some key facts that may be new to you:

• It’s important to select the ELD (electronic logging device) that makes sense for your business needs: ELDs are not one size fits all; you’ll want to be sure to select a system that works best for your company. For example, your ELD may need to use a certain operating system (like Microsoft, Android or iOS), and it’s essential to find out how any ELD you’re considering will work in combination with your office systems on the back end.
• The FMCSA does not check for device compliance: While the FMCSA has released instructions indicating that a trucking company or carrier should be sure that an ELD they are about to purchase is certified and registered with the FMCSA, it’s possible that an ELD on the designated FMCSA “approved” list is not compliant. ELD manufacturers are only responsible for registering their products with the FMCSA, and not for following specific certification standards, meaning that the FMCSA is not mandating that an ELD meet a designated list of requirements. So, conduct your own research and don’t assume that all ELDs listed on the FMCSA’s list meet a certain set of standards.
• Mileage or vehicle movement that has not otherwise been recorded will be tracked in an ELD: When one of your drivers needs to move one of your vehicles to another spot on your property or test a truck, the ELD will record this movement. This action must be assigned to a driver, so the driver performing this action will need to check that it’s been recorded under their name. If they don’t, when a driver next signs into the ELD, the ELD will ask if those are their hours. If they are not and the driver who receives this message on the ELD indicates this, your company will have to do extra work to go back and assign this action.
• Your company should create ELD policies: Before you install your ELDs, you should implement policies for how your company handles them. Consider what your drivers will need to do, how you will handle inaccurate or missing information and how reviewing edits will work.
• Some ELDs have additional features: Some ELDs can do more than maintain your logging details, such as help you import data related to your fuel reporting and track vehicle inspection reports. You may have the option to use some models for functions like messaging and dispatching.

For answers to questions about electronic logging technology guidelines or if you require shipping services, K-Way Express, Inc. can help you every step of the way. Our trucking company in Minnesota can pick up and deliver in 48 states. We provide customized transportation solutions for companies of all sizes. We are a fully licensed transportation brokerage company with more than 700 carriers that offer dry vans, refrigerated trailers, flat beds and specialized equipment. Get in touch today to experience our friendly, professional service!