News & Publications
Safer Roads Ahead: Electronic Logging Devices
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is adopting a new Electronic Logging Device rule, or ELD mandate, that will require commercial trucks and buses to maintain electronic logs. The new law will go into effect on December 18th, 2017 and will require drivers to replace their existing paper logs with electronic logs, which meet the required technical specifications. This regulation is aimed at providing safer roadways by ensuring that drivers are in compliance with hours-of-service regulations.
What effect will the mandate have on shippers? The new logging requirements certainly won’t help with capacity as many drivers may retire rather than buy into the new technology and requirements. Smaller carriers are expected to struggle more than the large fleets due to the resources and funding that may be required to support the new mandate. This means that those shippers who typically rely on the support of local mom-and-pop trucking companies may need to start looking at expanding their options for coverage.
While this new ELD mandate will likely raise prices and transit times initially, over time it should drive down costs as it will help reduce the high insurance rates for commercial vehicles.
If you have any questions about this new law or its implementation, please contact Allyn International at sales@allynintl.com.