{"id":3582,"date":"2019-06-12T10:36:56","date_gmt":"2019-06-12T16:36:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ooida.com\/?page_id=3582"},"modified":"2021-03-01T11:13:35","modified_gmt":"2021-03-01T17:13:35","slug":"eld","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ooida.com\/foundation\/eld\/","title":{"rendered":"ELD"},"content":{"rendered":"

OOIDA Foundation ELDs<\/h3>\n
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Despite the best efforts of various industry groups and organizations, including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate went into effect December 18, 2017. Make no mistake, OOIDA and the OOIDA Foundation (OOFI) remain adamantly opposed to the ELD rule and will continue to fight for its delay and ultimately, its repeal. It is imperative for truck drivers to contact their local and congressional representatives if we are to succeed. Please visit\u00a0FightingForTruckers.com<\/a>\u00a0today to contact your representative.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, it is critical that small business owners and professional truck drivers are informed on the variety of ELDs currently available on the market. For this reason, OOFI has researched the assortment of ELD products, termed \u201csolutions,\u201d located on\u00a0FMCSA\u2019s website<\/a>\u00a0and has formulated a list of questions to consider if an individual is seeking to purchase an ELD from a provider. OOFI has also created a table\u00a0ELD Solutions\u00a0<\/em>(below) detailing general information such as cost, type of device, and features about the various products, as well as a table\u00a0ELD Issues\u00a0<\/em>(below) listing the problems that OOIDA members\u2019 have experienced with their ELD solutions. OOFI encourages individuals to utilize these tools in order to make the best decision for their business.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

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The OOIDA Foundation does NOT support, endorse, or recommend any singular ELD. OOFI\u2019s research<\/a> demonstrates ELDs have no positive benefit to crashes but instead pose an unnecessary burden on the trucking industry. Neither does OOFI vet any device.<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/span>How to Choose a Provider?<\/div>
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Category<\/th>\nQuestions and Concerns<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
BYOD<\/th>\nIf you are using a \u201cbring your own device\u201d (BYOD), solution without a printer, it is important to be aware that an authorized safety official can request your ELD. Thus they have access to your smartphone or tablet and all the information contained therein. For privacy, it may be best to purchase a separate smartphone or tablet to be exclusively used as the ELD.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
A BYOD solution allows you to purchase and\/or utilize your own hardware for the driver interface, such as a smartphone or tablet. The ELD provider will then ship a \u201cdongle\u201d to be plugged into the onboard diagnostics port which pairs to the smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth connection or USB. While this provides for a simple installation, it is important to understand the pros and cons of BYOD. Be sure to ask the provider for this information. Additionally, it is imperative that you ask if the BYOD is compatible with Android or iOS.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
In regards to BYOD solutions, some providers offer support for data plans in regards to ruggedized tablets, meaning a tablet that is locked to only run the ELD software. This should be a consideration when selecting an ELD as well as an important question for the ELD provider. For example, if you decide to use your own smartphone or tablet, will you need a bigger and more expensive data plan or will this be included in the cost of the ELD.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
BYOD solutions can be more prone to connectivity issues because they rely upon cellular and Bluetooth connections. Some providers offer a USB-connection option that allows for direct plugin versus Bluetooth pairing for speedier data transfer. Additionally, this option allows for continuous battery charging. It is important to understand that any ELD which pairs software on an individual\u2019s phone with an engine-connected device could be problematic in areas with spotty to nonexistent cell coverage. This is an important consideration when purchasing an ELD.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Compliance<\/th>\nIf you operate across the border, it is important to ask if the provider allows for both U.S. and Canadian HOS compliance. Moreover, some solutions automatically switch HOS rules when you cross the border while others require manual input, it is important to know what each solution does.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
WiFi and GPS are simply unavailable in certain parts of the country. It is important to ask if the system will still be able to record data offline, such as engine power status, vehicle\u2019s motion status, miles driven value, and engine hours value when the CMV\u2019s engine is powered, and upload it later once connection is reestablished. If the ELD does not, then it does not satisfy the mandate.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Does the ELD solution record unidentified driver time? An ELD must associate all non-authenticated operation of a CMV with a single ELD account, which is labeled \u201cunidentified driver.\u201d If a driver does not log onto the ELD, as soon as the vehicle is in motion, the ELD must: (1) provide a visual or visual and audible warning reminding the driver to stop and log in to the ELD; (2) record accumulated driving and on-duty, not-driving time under the unidentified driver profile; and (3) not allow entry of any information into the ELD other than a response to the login prompt. If an ELD solution does not adhere to this, it is not in compliance with the mandate. Thus it is imperative to understand how the provider will account for unidentified driver time.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Regardless of what a provider might claim, data transfer has yet to be tested at the roadside and FMCSA\u2019s Web Services portal is not yet operational. Thus an ELD must either meet the display or printing requirement in order to satisfy the mandate. When considering the display requirement, an ELD must be designed so that its display may be viewed by an authorized safety official without entering the CMV. However, the ELD may be passed outside of the vehicle if untethered from its mount. This is important to consider when deciding between a smartphone or a tablet.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost<\/th>\nMost products offer additional features beside electronic logging, such as IFTA reporting, diagnostic data, etc. It is important to ask what features are offered and if they are included in the price.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Please be aware that some ELD providers require multi-year commitments, which occasionally come with a price reduction, while others are strictly month to month. It is imperative that you find the option that works best with your business model. Are there potential discounts that come with commitments? What are the drawbacks to a long-term commitment? It is also important to understand that there are vendors that offer ELDs with no reoccuring costs such as VDO Roadlog.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Some venders will allow you to participate in a free trial, this might be a good option to consider and ask for.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Some vendors such as BigRoad and KeepTruckin, offer BYOD logs with engine connections to function as AOBRDs at a cheaper price. If an AOBRD is purchased before the December 18, 2017 deadline, it may be utilized until December 2019. This could be a cheaper option to consider.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Other<\/th>\nWhile most ELD systems attempt to be as simple as possible, it is good to ask questions concerning training and 24\/7 support. Additionally, if the provider does offer such assistance, does it have an extra cost?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
It is important to understand if the ELD solution you are considering offers satellite or cellular GPS, as satellite GPS will provide better coverage for when you are driving in areas without cellular coverage.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Security<\/th>\nWhat is the level of cybersecurity offered? An ELD is an Internet of Things (IoT) device, which has seen increased attacks over the past few years. With an ELD plugged directly to the electronic control module (ECM), attackers could possibly gain access to certain functions of a truck or obtain data and information.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Taxes<\/th>\nMany providers offer IFTA and IRP reporting features, however there are differing standards between what ELDs capture and what data IFTA and IRP reporting need. For more information on the differences read NATSA\u2019s white paper. It is important to understand if the ELD solution can truly record the necessary data.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
While many providers offer IFTA and IRP reporting features, these features are not always comparable. For example, does the provider allow you to submit IFTA and IRP reports through their software or does it simply capture the necessary data for you to fill out the report manually?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
<\/span>ELD Solutions<\/div>
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While the following ELD products are listed on FMCSA\u2019s certified list, it is important to note that the Agency does not certify any ELD. Most of the companies who have self-certified are re-sellers, thus they are not retailing their own unique ELD product. Though 55 re-sellers are actually marketing VisTracks\u2019 product, not all products and vendors are created equal. The following table is to help provide the owner-operator with as much general information concerning the various ELD solutions as possible. – View Table<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

<\/span>ELD Issues<\/div>
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Since the implementation date, OOIDA has received a number of correspondences from members who have encountered various problems with their ELD solutions. It is important to note however that the volume of these complaints are directly related to the number of devices being sold within the trucking industry. While these issues have not been independently verified by the OOIDA Foundation, we have provided the following table for informational purposes and not as an endorsement or disincentive toward any particular device.<\/p>\n

In addition to the various technical issues associated with ELDs, OOIDA is continuing to monitor state enforcement activities. In order to gather data and information, OOIDA has established a dedicated email for members to send in copies of tickets that they receive via roadside inspections related to ELD violations. When sending in copies of your tickets, OOIDA asks you include your contact information including email address and telephone number. Tickets can be emailed to ELD@OOIDA.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Company<\/th>\nDevice Name<\/th>\nIssues<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
BigRoad Inc<\/td>\nBigRoad DashLink ELD | Fleet Complete ELD<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Duty status, mileage, and\/or location issues\n
      \n
    • Not logging driving time correctly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Mechanical issues\n
        \n
      • Once unit is plugged into the dongle it makes his dashlights flicker on and off<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
      • Technical issues\n
          \n
        • Unable to edit log correctly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cartrack Inc<\/td>\n1ELD<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Mechanical issues\n
      \n
    • Dodge advised that plugging anything into their computer would void the warranty.<\/li>\n
    • Gauges failed<\/li>\n
    • Stop engine message<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Technical issues\n
        \n
      • Multiple system failure warnings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
      • Customer Service\n
          \n
        • No answer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gorilla Fleet Safety, LLC<\/td>\nVarious Devices<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Duty status, mileage, and\/or location issues\n
      \n
    • Not logging miles\/hours correctly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Technical issues\n
        \n
      • Lots of updates<\/li>\n
      • Unit is not staying connected to the ECM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Help Inc<\/td>\nPrePass ELD<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Duty status, mileage, and\/or location issues\n
      \n
    • Not logging duty status correctly<\/li>\n
    • Putting driver on-duty even though truck is not moving<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.<\/td>\nVarious Devices<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Duty status, mileage, and\/or location issues\n
      \n
    • Location issues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Technical issues\n
        \n
      • Freezing<\/li>\n
      • Not responding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
KeepTruckin, Inc.<\/td>\nKeepTruckin ELD<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Technical issues\n
      \n
    • Crashed-Not able to access logs from unit or Admin side<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Omnitracs, LLC<\/td>\nXRS<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Technical issues\n
      \n
    • System failure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Customer Service<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rand McNally<\/td>\nELD 50<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Duty status, mileage, and\/or location issues\n
      \n
    • Unexpectedly going off-duty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Technical issues\n
        \n
      • Cannot access user portal<\/li>\n
      • Cannot get the unit installed correctly<\/li>\n
      • Connectivity issues<\/li>\n
      • Crashing<\/li>\n
      • Locking up\/freezing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
      • Customer Service<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stoneridge Inc.<\/td>\nStoneridge EZ-ELD<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Technical issues\n
      \n
    • When plugged into the Dongle it wouldn\u2019t connect to phone and then smelled wiring getting hot<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Customer Service<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Transflo-Pegasus Transtech<\/td>\nTransflo ELD<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Duty status, mileage, and\/or location issues\n
      \n
    • Not logging duty status correctly<\/li>\n
    • Not logging mileage correctly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Technical issues\n
        \n
      • Cannot get the unit installed correctly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
      • Customer Service<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Zed Connect Inc<\/td>\nZED ELD powered by Cummins<\/td>\n\n