Orlando, Fla.—The Electronic Logging Device rule requires its use for commercial drivers who are required to prepare hours-of-service (HOS) records of duty status (RODS). The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enactment Act from July 6 of 2012, calls for the Secretary of Transportation to adopt regulations requiring ELD use in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) involved in interstate commerce, when operated by drivers who are required to keep records of duty status.

As of December 18, 2017, a driver using an ELD must have an ELD information packet onboard the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) containing the following items:

• A user's manual for the driver describing how to operate the ELD;
• An instruction sheet describing the data transfer mechanisms supported by the ELD and step-by-step instructions to produce and transfer the driver's hours-of-service records to an authorized safety official;
• An instruction sheet for the driver describing ELD malfunction reporting requirements and record keeping procedures during ELD malfunctions; and
• A supply of blank driver's records of duty status (RODS) graph-grids sufficient to record the driver's duty status and other related information for a minimum of 8 days.
• Prior to December 18, 2017, FMCSA recommends that drivers have the user's manual, malfunction instruction sheet, and graph-grids.

According to information provided in the ELD Rule section 395.22(g)— a  driver may use a portable ELD. It must be mounted in a fixed position during commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operation, and visible to the driver from a normal seated driving position. Also, an ELD can be on a smartphone or other wireless device if the device meets the ELD rule's technical specifications.

The motor carrier is responsible for checking that their device is registered. This includes checking both the registration and revocation list periodically.

ELD record of duty status (RODS) data and back-up data must be retained for six months. The back-up copy of ELD records must be maintained on a device separate from that where original data are stored. Additionally, a motor carrier must retain a driver's ELD records in a manner that protects driver privacy. The FMCSA will not retain any ELD data unless there is a violation.

In order to reflect a status record of duty for the previous 7 days, the driver can either:

1. print out their hours-of-service from the other motor carrier;
2. if operating with compatible devices, the ELD data can be transferred between the motor carriers with the driver's approval;
3. or manually add the hours of service while operating for that motor carrier into the current ELD using the editing and annotation functions of the ELD. Documents such as:

Keep in mind that some supporting documents will be required in order to verify on-duty not driving time also known as ODND.

• Bills of lading, itineraries, schedules, or equivalent documents that indicate the origin and destination of each trip.
• Dispatch records, trip records, or equivalent documents.
• Expense receipts.
• Electronic mobile communication records, reflecting communications transmitted through a fleet management system (FMS) (the record is counted as one document).
• Payroll records, settlement sheets, or equivalent documents that indicates payment to a driver.

Orlando Truck Insurance is a full-service provider of Commercial Insurance products and services for Trucking and Commercial auto insurance. We invite you to review our programs: truck, public transportation, and commercial specialty auto. Orlando Truck Insurance has the products and underwriting experience to meet your insurance needs. As a recognized leader in the local trucking insurance industry, our parent company Garzor Insurance  specialized in serving “niche” or undeserved markets. Our proven, superior underwriting model creates flexibility to write unique coverage’s in a wide array of diverse industries.

We have the staff, the local experience and the customer service platform to walk you through your insurance coverage options and keep your business well protected. Again, call one of our truck and commercial vehicles insurance specialists today at (407) 203-7085 to get you started in the right track, we’ll be happy to assist. We are in this together!

Diana Munoz - Licensed Agent

Email Diana