Matrack’s ELD Compliance Solution

An electronic logging device or ELD is a hardware that can be connected to a vehicle's engine via OBD port to record data regarding engine and ignition status, driving time, location, and more. The main function of an ELD is to record the hours of service in compliance with DOT regulations.

As per the mandate, the ELDs are required to automatically record data at preset time interval, regarding the following:

1. Date
2. Time
3. Location Information
4. Engine Hours
5. Vehicle miles
6. Driver identification information
7. Information on authorized users
8. Vehicle
9. Motor carrier

Some ELD providers also offer integrated fleet management system, which allows to document more information like speed of the vehicle, driving violations, and performance of the vehicle. However, these elements are not required for DOT compliance, but are valuable in optimizing the fleet operations by best possible use of available resources.

According to FMCSA, the ELD records location data in following situations:

1. When the vehicle is on the move, ELD records location data at every 60-minute interval.
2. When the driver starts and shuts off the engine.
3. When the driver changes the status of duty.
4. When the driver uses the vehicle for personal work or for yard moves.

The location accuracy recorded by ELD is about 1-mile radius for on-duty period, and 10-mile radius when the driver is using the CMV for personal purposes. The latter is to safeguard driver's privacy.

The ELD reads the location data in longitude and latitudes, and converts it into geo-location data. This information gives an approximation location information of the nearest city or town, along with state abbreviation.

ELD can be used on any wireless or smartphone device as long as they meet the technical specifications as mentioned in the ELD rule. More importantly, the device must be able to access the vehicle's engine to retrieve the data. FMCSA has a list of certified devices that are compliant to the rule and can record data accurately. It is best to check the list before buying any device, as many GPS-enabled smartphone or other mobile devices are often not accurate in documenting the distance travelled. You can find the FMCSA approved list of ELD providers

If you own a motor carrier company or are a driver in USA, you are required to maintain records of duty status (RODS) through Electronic Logging Device. However, if you happen to belong to any of the following, you are exempted from the rule:

1. You operate under short-haul exceptions and use time cards.
2. You use paper logs for 8 or less days during a period of 30 days or a month.
3. You operate for drive-away/tow-away unit.
4. Your vehicle's engine model is older than 2000.
5. You drive a property-moving vehicle, rented for less than 8 days.

Top 5 Reasons to Switch to Matrack ELD are:

1. Free Device: With Matrack, you will get an FMCSA approved ELD device, which is worth $200, absolutely FREE!

2. Low Monthly Fees: Monthly subscription charges starting as low as $19.95 per month.

3. Life Time Warranty: The device comes to you with a lifetime warranty.

4. No Contracts: Not Happy with the device? You may cancel anytime and get the refund. No questions asked.

5. 24x7 Support: Round the clock customer support with response within minutes. Email us at support.gps@matrackinc.com or call us at +1(855) 658-7225. Phone and Chat support available throughout 9 am to 5 pm-PST, Monday through Friday.

Top 5 Reasons to Switch to Matrack Smart ELD are:

1. Free Device: With Matrack, you will get an FMCSA approved ELD device, which is worth $200, absolutely FREE!

2. Low Monthly Fees: Monthly subscription charges starting as low as $19.95 per month.

3. Life Time Warranty: The device comes to you with a lifetime warranty.

4. No Contracts: Not Happy with the device? You may cancel anytime and get the refund. No questions asked.

5. 24x7 Support: Round the clock customer support with response within minutes. Email us at support.gps@matrackinc.com or call us at +1(855) 658-7225. Phone and Chat support available throughout 9 am to 5 pm-PST, Monday through Friday.

According to FMCSA, real-time tracking of CMVs is not necessary under ELD rule. Although, it has several benefits for the carriers. With the help of real time data, carriers can plan a better route and make most of the 11-hour driving window. There are various other ways carriers can improve their business functions through real-time tracking. However, FMCSA does safeguard driver's interest, and prohibits using real time data as a means to harass or violate a driver's personal boundaries.

ELD has a complete set of steps to determine whether a CMV is in driving or non-driving status. When a CMV is moving at a speed of more than 5mph (which is a preset threshold as per FMCSA), the ELD is automatically prompted to consider the vehicle to be in driving status.

Once the speed of the vehicle comes down to 0mph, and stays at that speed for more than three consecutive seconds, the ELD automatically switches to non-driving status.

In case the driver has changed the status to driving duty, and the vehicle has not moved for more than five minutes, the ELD prompts the driver to confirm the correct status. If the driver fails to set a proper status, ELD automatically changes the driving duty status to an on-duty not driving one.

As per the mandate, all vehicles with AOBRD are required to shift to ELD before 16^th December, 2019. But as the past deadline is closing in, it is advisable to make a switch as soon as possible. This will allow you to choose an ELD, its implementation, and training.

Before opting for any ELD, it is vital that you research all available options and choose the one that best suits your requirements. You will also need some time to train yourself, your employees, and other people involved in your business in understanding the working of this new technology. According to FMCSA, if a CMV is found using ABORD after the deadline of December 2019, a fine will be levied on the same, and they will be put out of service.

Under 150-mile radius or short-haul exemptions, a driver can use time records instead of electronic logging device if the following conditions are met:

1. The driver has travelled within a 150-mile radius of the work reporting location.
2. The driver has been released from duty for a 8-10 hour break from the work reporting location within 12 hours
3. The driver accurately mentions the duration of hours of service, along with time of start and end of driving shift in the time records.
4. In case driver travels beyond the 150 mile radius, he/she will be required to fill out the paper log for that particular day. However, if this happens more than 8 times throughout a period of 30-days, the driver will be required to use ELD for further travel.