Drivers Safety Updates

The ELD Mandate went into effect on December 18, 2017.

The good news is that it probably won’t affect you while you work with HDL!  Most of our work is exempt and we try to keep it that way.

Things you need to know:

There will also be a “soft enforcement” (no fines!) period until April of 2018.

The Hours of Service rules have not changed.  If the assignment you are on does not require you to fill out a log, you will not be required to use an ELD.  Some customers will require all drivers to use ELD’s even if they are not required by the DOT.

Keep your last seven days with youWhether its paper logs, print outs from an ELD, an application on your phone (such as Keep Truckin) or a time card, always have your last seven days with you. You can bring a seven-day recap to new assignments.

Know the reasons you are exempt from filling out a logIf you don’t have a log, the DOT will want to know why.

To be exempt from Logs, all the following requirements must be met:

  • Operate within 100 air mile radius and;
  • Start and finish work at the same location and;
  • Get released from duty within 12 hours and;
  • Have 10 hours off between shifts and;
  • Drive no more than 11 hours and;
  • Motor carrier has accurate time records showing:
    • Time driver reports and;
    • Total time driver is on duty and;
    • Time driver is released from duty 

Know when you must fill out a logYou can still use paper logs if you have to log 8 or fewer times in a 30 day period.

You must complete a log for any day you:

  • Travel over 100 air miles or;
  • Work over 12 hours in one day or;
  • Have had to fill out a log eight times during the last 30 days.

As long as you don’t go over 12 hours in a day or go over 100 air miles more than twice a week (if you are working Monday – Friday), you do not have to complete a log.  We have included a log and a seven day recap sheet.  We are asking customers if they require ELD’s and what manufacturer they use so you will know before you go to an assignment.  Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to make it easier.

If you are required to use an ELD:

The customer must provide the following information:

  • A user manual for the ELD
  • Instructions on how to report a malfunction (please report immediately)
  • Instruction for roadside inspectors to download the ELD data
  • Blank paper logs
  • Instructions on how to operate the ELD
  • A paper copy of your log for the day for your records

 

NEVER try to disable the ELD, there is a large fine and notify the customer immediately if there is a problem with the ELD.  YouTube has multiple videos showing how to use different ELD systems so you can get an idea of how they work.  They are really easy and although there are different manufacturers, they are all similar to operate.

Please call Wendy at 800-332-6620 with any questions!