The ELD Mandate 101: Apex Listens and Responds to Client Comments

The ELD mandate continues to create a stir within the trucking industry. The reality is the deadline is less than six months away for truckers and trucking companies to be compliant with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) electronic logging device rules.

At Apex, we listen to our clients and continue to work toward answering all their ELD questions so that the transition is super smooth. We have compiled some actual comments heard from Apex clients and answered them below with insight that will help them gain a better understanding of the ELD reality.

“They’ll delay the ruling later this year so that I don’t have to use one of those devices until next year.”

The ELD mandate is here to stay. The ELD deadline is set for December 18, 2017. A recent Owner-Operators Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) lawsuit challenging the ELD mandate was denied by the Supreme Court. So, unless you fall under one of the exemptions listed below, you are ELD bound. The only other possibility is if you already have an AOBRD, which is considered the predecessor device to the ELD. If you do, you have until December 16, 2019 to upgrade to an ELD.

“I have less than 10 trucks, I don’t fall under the rule.”

There are only four exemptions to the ELD mandate. That means most truckers and trucking companies will need to comply with the new ELD ruling that takes effect Dec. 18, 2017. The size of your fleet doesn’t matter. The four exemptions are:

• Trucks with model year 2000 engines or older
• Towaway drivers
• Drivers who don’t need to maintain RODS (records of duty status)
• Drivers who maintain logs for less than 8 days in a 30-day cycle

For detailed explanations of each exemption, look at our “Who Needs An ELD?” blog post. If you have an AOBRD you’ve been given a two-year extension period to upgrade to an ELD. For more information on ELDs, including our discounted ELD solution for Apex clients through our partnership with KeepTruckin, download our ELD white paper.

“I am currently using a tablet with an ELD software app installed. Since I’m using it to keep track of my logs and DVIRs, I’m already compliant and don’t need a device.”

Truck drivers and trucking companies must use FMCSA compliant ELDs. With that in mind, there are two parts to the ELD process, one of which is the software program you will need to download and install on a smart device (phone, tablet, etc.). You’ll use that to verify truck and driver information such as duty status, drive time, breaks, sleep time, and important driving information just in case a safety inspection or DOT audit is performed. But there is no getting around the need to have the hardware of an ELD physically connected in the truck to monitor engine and driving activity. Having both FMCSA-reigstered hardware and software components will make you fully compliant. Simply using an ELD software app isn’t enough.

“I’ve not heard anything about ELDs out there, how do I get compliant?”

In late 2015 the FMCSA’s ruling on electronic logging devices to record hours of service gained approval from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The final version of that mandate was made public on Dec. 10, 2015. Check out this blog post for a bit of ELD history. The bottom line is that most truckers and trucking companies must have a FMCSA compliant ELD installed in their trucks by Dec. 18, 2017. Download our ELD white paper for a great introductory course on the ELD reality. Apex clients can visit their Account Management Portal (AMP) and click on the “Services” tab to learn more about the Apex ELD Savings Program through KeepTruckin. If you are ready to get compliant, fill out and return the form to receive your discounted ELD and we will take it from there.

Can I just use my existing smartphone or tablet device?

Unfortunately, no. As explained above you must have an electronic logging device physically installed into your commercial vehicle. Once you have the ELD device, you can certainly use your smartphone or tablet to download the ELD software and monitor truck and driver information, especially hours of service. Make sure you shop for an ELD device that is on the FMCSA registered list. Apex offers a discounted ELD solution for its freight factoring clients through its partnership with ELD provider KeepTruckin.

Apex is ready to help your trucking company’s cash flow with client-friendly freight factoring as well as many other services including TransConnect Services fuel cards, the NextLOAD.com load board, and the Apex Mobile Factoring™ App. Visit our website or call us at 800-511-6022.