Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/147562
Blue Tree Systems' ELD has an HOS Advisor feature to keep drivers informed of 'Drive Time Remaining' at all times. Counting the hours Tech updates help fleets, drivers stay ahead of compliance By aaron huff A ll commercial and private fleets that use electronic onboard recorders or electronic logging devices – the more recent term for the technology – received an update on July 1 when the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration began enforcing the latest hours-ofservice rule, placing new limits on drivers' on-duty and driving time. The revised rule keeps the same daily 11- and 14-hour limits for driving and on-duty status, respectively. While drivers now must log a mandatory 30-minute break after eight consecutive hours of driving, this break does not count against the 11-hour drive limit. Another change is the reduction of on-duty time from 82 hours in eight days to 70 hours. The new 70-hour workweek can be refreshed only once per week – every 168 hours – using a 34-hour restart period that must include two consecutive1-5 a.m. periods. Although it sounds confusing, fleets with ELDs were able to make a smooth transition and now have accurate real-time information to prevent violations. While all ELDs meet the same basic criteria, they have subtle technology differences that can be significant if they help minimize training and improve productivity and compliance. "User experience is one of the key factors that companies are considering when choosing a mobile fleet management partner," says Mason Meadows, director of mobile communications for Rand McNally. "If drivers find it easy to use, the data will be better and the acceptance faster – which, in turn, drives the expected ROI on the technology investment." ELDs have unique ways for presenting information to drivers and fleet managers. Here are six areas where ELDs can be used to master the latest HOS rule more easily. Quick change of status The user experience generally consists of a set of timers that show drivers when they will be in violation unless they change their duty status. These timers include the 30-minute break, the 11- and 14-hour daily limits, the 70-hour week and the 34hour restart period. All technology providers have Rand McNally's IntelliRoute TND 720 allows for a second set of driver timers to be maintained on the device. If drivers find it easy to use, the data will be better and the acceptance faster. – Mason Meadows, director of mobile communications for Rand McNally commercial carrier journal CCJ0813_TechFeature 2.indd 83 | august 2013 83 7/24/13 3:48 PM