Choosing an ELD Solution: What to Ask
Choosing the right electronic logging device (ELD) is critical. By making the right decision, you can simplify compliance, increase safety,…
Choosing the right electronic logging device (ELD) is critical. By making the right decision, you can simplify compliance, increase safety,…
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With the ELD Mandate deadline around the corner, it is critical that companies review and strengthen their Hours of Service (HOS) compliance program to support the move from paper logs to electronic logging devices (ELDs) or from AOBRD to ELD.
Key Steps of an ELD Implementation:
The first step to implementation is to update your Hours of Service policy and procedures to include the use of ELDs. Clearly stating roles and responsibilities will help ensure that drivers and employees follow required procedures.
Examples of items you may want to include in your company’s policies and procedures:
Creating a policy that assigns specific tasks and responsibilities to the appropriate personnel will help ensure that procedures are carried out as required.
ELD compliance is a team effort, so responsibilities should be assigned to personnel across the organization, not just drivers. It’s especially important to define and document the roles and responsibilities of managers and supervisors for monitoring compliance with HOS policies.
Consider the following types of personnel when updating your policy:
Remember that designing a robust policy is only the first part. In order to be effective, policies must be properly communicated and made available to personnel.
Training is imperative during the transition period to ELDs to ensure a successful implementation. Each company should convey expectations to all applicable staff for adhering to HOS regulations and company policies and procedures.
Schedule training far enough in advance of the ELD deadline so that drivers and managers have time to learn and become comfortable with the new system.
Depending on the size of your team, it might be more effective to carry out separate training sessions for managers, administrative personnel, supervisors, and drivers, with information that is customized to their group. It’s natural that questions may arise, so build flexibility into the training sessions to allow time to address any concerns. That type of feedback can be very useful in refining policy and procedures or developing future training.
The following items should be considered as part of the training program:
Initial training should be followed up with regular and ongoing training sessions to keep HOS policies and procedures top-of-mind and ensure compliance.
As drivers move from paper logs to ELDs, the way they think about their logs needs to change. Now is the time to increase the frequency of your internal audits to ensure your logs are being correctly completed and your process is working correctly. Your company should implement an effective process for monitoring, tracking, and evaluating the compliance of all drivers with HOS regulations and company policies.
It is the company’s responsibility to promptly review all Records of Duty Status for Hours of Service violations.
Areas of action for auditors:
How are you are going to handle violations or mistakes in the driver’s log? Policy and procedures should be established to address these issues. A good procedure can lead to great opportunities for coaching your drivers.
Some companies design and implement incentives and recognition programs in order to reward and encourage effective performance related to compliance with HOS regulations and company policy — for example, bonuses or gift certificates.
Driver Coaching Tips:
Setting aside time for careful planning and policy management is always a good investment. Creating a comprehensive set of policies and procedures for Hours of Service and ELDs will help your company make a smooth transition to electronic logging devices. By putting time and effort into building a strong compliance program, you are ultimately investing in the success of your drivers and maximizing the value you will get out of your ELD solution.