ELD Compliance: How to Ensure Your Fleet Meets Regulations

Staying compliant with federal and state regulations is a challenge, no matter what size your fleet is. Since 2017, commercial motor carriers and drivers have been required to use electronic devices to record hours-of-service (HOS) data. This ELD mandate implemented by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) was created to help improve road safety by reducing the number of fatigue-related accidents caused by drivers exceeding HOS limits.

While the ELD mandate has been in effect for a few years, some fleet owners and maintenance professionals may still struggle to ensure their fleet meets the regulations. There are many different solutions in the market, and it can be difficult to determine the best solutions for your fleet and business needs. Additionally, the FMCSA recently revoked the compliance status of several ELD solutions – adding another layer of complexity when deciding on the best solution.

In this blog, we clear up ELD compliance confusion by discussing the basics of compliance, why it's important and how to ensure your fleet meets regulations even as the FMCSA revokes compliance for several solutions in the industry.

What is ELD Compliance?

The ELD mandate set by the FMSCA requires commercial motor carriers and drivers to use electronic logging devices to record HOS data. ELDs replaced paper logs, which were prone to errors and falsification, making it difficult for enforcement officials to monitor driver compliance with HOS regulations. Compliance involves ensuring that the device is properly installed and used by the driver, that accurate HOS data is recorded and retained and that the device meets all FMCSA technical specifications. If a fleet falls out of compliance with ELD regulations, it can result in significant fines.

Why is ELD Compliance Important?

Compliant ELD solutions can be tremendously valuable tools in optimizing fleet operations, measuring driving performance and boosting safety on the road. Fleet owners, operators and drivers can also benefit from the following: 

1. Legal Compliance: Of course, the primary benefit of maintaining ELD compliance is reducing the risk of your fleet and drivers from facing financial consequences or being put out of service. 
2. Improved Driver Safety: ELDs help improve safety by ensuring drivers do not exceed HOS limits, reducing the risk of accidents caused by fatigue. This not only protects your drivers but also other people on the road.
3. Better Visibility and Management: ELDs provide accurate and real-time data on driver hours, which helps fleet managers better manage their drivers' schedules, optimize their operations, manage fuel consumption and schedule maintenance more efficiently. This translates to improved efficiency and productivity for your fleet.
4. Reduced Administrative Burden: ELDs automate the process of recording and reporting HOS data, reducing the administrative burden of drivers and fleets. This ultimately saves time and money and allows fleet owners to focus on other important aspects of operations.

FMCSA Has Revoked Compliance for Some ELD Solutions. Here’s What You Need to Know.

FMCSA has the authority to revoke compliance for ELDs if they are non-compliant with the technical specifications and regulations set by the agency. This can happen if an ELD vendor is found to have not adequately addressed issues that may compromise the integrity or accuracy of the ELD data. In those cases, the FMCSA may take steps to remove the ELD from its list of compliant devices – like it did recently in 2023. You can find the full list of compliant and revoked ELDs online here.

Fleets using the affected ELDs must replace them with a compliant device to avoid fines and penalties. Here's what to do if your ELD has been revoked.

How to Ensure Your Fleet Meets ELD Regulations

1. Choose a Reliable and Compliant ELD Provider

Choosing a reliable and compliant ELD provider is the first step to ensuring your fleet meets regulations. Look for ELD providers registered with the FMCSA with a good reputation for compliance and customer support. Some ELD providers offer additional features like vehicle tracking and maintenance management, which can help improve overall fleet efficiency. MICHELIN Connected Fleet, powered by NexTraq, offers both tablet-based and BYOD (bring your own device) ELD-compliant solutions and works with each fleet as a consultative partner. Make sure your technology partner has both the tools and services to support your business goals.

2. Train Drivers on Proper ELD Use

Proper ELD use is crucial to ensuring compliance. Drivers should be trained on how to use the ELD, navigate its features and identify and correct any errors or malfunctions. It's also important to emphasize the importance of accurate HOS reporting and the consequences of non-compliance.

3. Monitor ELD Data Regularly

Actively monitoring ELD data can help fleet owners and maintenance professionals identify potential issues and ensure compliance. Review driver logs, monitor HOS violations and track vehicle movements to ensure drivers are not exceeding HOS limits or engaging in unsafe driving behaviors.

4. Address Compliance Issues Promptly

When selecting an ELD partner, it’s also important to trust they’ll address issues quickly. This may include retraining drivers, implementing new policies or procedures or upgrading ELD software or hardware. 

ELD compliance is essential for ensuring driver safety, improving fleet efficiency and avoiding costly fines and disqualifications. You can position your fleet for success by choosing a reliable and compliant ELD provider like MICHELIN Connected Fleet, training drivers on proper ELD use, monitoring ELD data regularly and addressing compliance issues promptly. 

The MICHELIN Connected Team is ready to help you get started with ELD compliance. For more information, call 800-358-6187 or contact us online.