ELD (Electronic Logging Device)
What is the ELD mandate?
The ELD allows truckers to log their hours electronically instead of in paper books.
The ELD mandate took effect on December 18th, 2017 and brings the possibility of:
- Higher trucking rates
- Less trucking capacity
- Less trucking flexibility
- Additional charges
How does an ELD work?
An ELD connects to a truck's engine and records when the engine runs, how far the truck moves, and how long the driver has been on duty. It tracks driving hours automatically, so a driver can't change the record without leaving a trail. In the United States, federal hours-of-service rules limit how many hours a commercial driver can drive and work each day and week, and the ELD helps carriers and inspectors enforce those limits.
For shippers, this means drivers can't stretch a day by driving past their limit. A late pickup or a long wait at the dock can push delivery back by a full day. Give truckers accurate pickup windows and keep loading times short to avoid extra charges.
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