FMCSA Revoking ELDs Shows Flaws in Current System

In the last two weeks the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has revoked three Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) of their certification status. Drivers who had one of these three types of ELDs are required to use paper logs until they can obtain a suitable replacement. This situation highlights a serious issue in the ELD space within the trucking industry.

ELDetails

The three ELDs in question are:

• One Plus ELD
• ELD One
• Nationwide ELD

The revocation of certification underlies a serious problem with the ELD Mandate: the FMCSA approves ELDs first and audits them for compliance later. Just reading from the start of the list of approved ELDs will tell you, “The listed devices are self-certified by the manufacturer. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration does not endorse any electronic logging devices.” This implies that anyone willing to put the time into making a convincing enough ELD manufacturing company (website, manual, etc.) can get their name on the list of approved ELDs.

This unnecessary burden on fleets to purchase an ELD system with the hope that it will still be valid many years later is another hurdle in one of the most regulated industries within the United States.

Conclusion

As we said almost two years ago, the FMCSA needs to step up its game in regards to managing the list of approved ELD devices. While it is great that they are now auditing them for compliance, it would be for the best if they required an audit before listing them on the webpage. That way, fleets can know for sure that their investment will not turn sour.

As of the time of writing, the list of certified ELDs comes in at 821, with 122 previously certified ELDs being revoked. With an almost 13% failure rate, that does not inspire much confidence in the purchaser.

On the other side, an ELD manufacturer who is able to prove that they have passed numerous audits with flying colors is sure to have a competitive advantage in the marketplace, as trucking companies will not have to fear reverting back to paper logs.

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