What To Do During the First Few Months of ELD Enforcement

The electronic logging device mandate has been fully in effect for over 30 days, and now that it’s past the Christmas holiday, more and more attention will be focused on the resulting inspections and difficulties. One of the best ways to avoid headaches that come with the transition is to maintain paper records alongside the ELD records for a short period of time.

Why should you keep track of both records at the beginning?

While the transition period to full ELD usage has passed, many FMCSA representatives recommended using both at the same since 2016 as a way to fully acclimate to the system. While ELD use has to happen now, using paper records can help you catch the gaps as you get used to implementation. The default settings should capture everything your carrier or an inspector needs, but the paper records make for good supporting materials.

Using paper records can also help you spot small discrepancies between your paper records and the ELD recordings. ELDs are far more precise on the second by second and minute by minute drive times, and those increments of time can add up by the end of the month. Use the records to see your overages and adjust your schedule accordingly so you aren’t caught by surprise.

Incorporating and adjusting to ELDs can help make your driving record safer and hold fewer violations, and that has a direct impact on your insurance premiums. Go to J.E.B. Insurance Services, LLC to find more tips and advice for winter trucking. We provide commercial truck insurance in the states of Florida, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa & Nebraska.

David Ott

David Ott