Trucking Industry Appealing Electronic Logging Device Rule

A controversial mandate that would require electronic logging devices (ELD) in U.S. trucks by the end of 2016 goes before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago in September, putting the rule’s fate at risk. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has filed a reply brief to challenge the government’s arguments defending its controversial electronic logging mandate and is seeking an injunction to halt implementation of the rule.

An ELD synchronizes with a vehicle engine to automatically record driving time, for easier, more accurate hours of service (HOS) recording. The device can monitor engine hours, vehicle movement, miles driven and location information.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, The electronic logging device rule is intended to help create a safer work environment for drivers, and make it easier, faster to accurately track, manage, and share records of duty status (RODS) data.

The U.S. Department of Transportation states the ELD Final Rules is estimated to save 26 lives and prevent 562 injuries annually as a result of crashes involving large commercial motor vehicles. The rule will also ensure that commercial drivers comply with federal hours-of-service rules which will help prevent crashes and save lives.