What kind of information does the ELD record?

Since December 2017 all commercial truckers are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to install ELDs or electronic logging device in their truck. This electronic logging device records different types of information about the vehicle. The ELD is a substitute to onboard recorders and paper logs, so by now you should have a pretty good grasp of what an ELD is and how it functions. Moreover, since the deadline for full compliance was December 2019, you should already have a working ELD on board of your commercial truck.

However, do you know what is exactly the specific information the ELD collects? If you don’t, you are reading the right article.

So, what does the ELD record?

The electronic logging devices record information at regular periods. Currently, they record:

• Authenticated user;
• Driver ID information;
• Time and date;
• Exact location;
• Engine hours;
• Miles;
• Motor carrier;

All this data is then stored on the servers of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in a format that is easy to read. The FMCSA reviews the data routinely and can present the stored information to the police in case of an accident or significant violation caused by this particular vehicle.

Can the ELD malfunction?

Yes, and this is something that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration understands. If you ELD malfunctions, there are official guidelines issued by the FMCSA, which outline the specific actions a driver must take if his/hers ELD collects or displays wrong information about date, time, engine hours etc. Remember, these guidelines are official, thus should be followed extremely close. Otherwise, you risk getting fined by the FMCSA. 

1. In case you see notice your ELD is malfunctioning, the first thing you need to do is contact your motor carrier and explaining exactly what the problem is in writing. This should be done no more than 24 hours later.
2. Reconstruct the RODS (record of duty status). Should be done for the 24 hours period since you noticed the error as well as for the seven consecutive days prior to it. The RODS should be record on paper or electronic recording software compliant with 49 CFR 395.8 of FMCSA.
3. Continue preparing your records of duty status under 49 CFR 395.8 until your ELD has been put back to service after repairs.

Whether you company is a private motor carrier or an owner-operator, commercial truck insurance still remains a complex thing to most people. But we at Bobtail.Insure can easily help you get the best deal. Just contact us or start saving money right now, by getting your FREE QUOTE.