On March 13th, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) published in the Federal Register a 250 page document as its latest attempt at an Electronic Logging Device (ELD) (aka: Electronic Onboard Recorder or EOBR) mandate. The proposed new rule was published as a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and the agency will accept public comment on the proposed rule for 60 days.
When finalized, the rule will require all truck drivers who are currently required to keep records of duty status to use an ELD.
The comment period of 60-day will allow the public to comment after which the FMCSA will begin work on crafting a final rule, which is likely to be published later in 2014. The rule will likely have an effective date in 2016 roughly two years after final publication.
There has been a lot of speculation that carriers will harass drivers based upon the data obtained from the ELD. As a result, Congress and the courts required provisions to protect drivers from carriers using the devices to harass them.
Comments on the rule can be made:
Online:
regulations.gov using the Docket Number FMCSA-2010-0167
Via Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., with a subject line” Attention: Desk Officer for FMCSA, DOT”.
Via Fax:
1-202-395-6566.
Via Mail:
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
Office of Management and Budget
725 17th Street NW.
Washington, DC 20503
ATTN: Desk Officer, FMCSA, DOT.
