The ELD Mandate is less than a year away and there have been a lot of questions from drivers and enforcement personnel concerning the difference between grandfathered automatic onboard recording devices (AOBRDs) and electronic logging devices (ELDs). With AOBRDs still in use until December, it can be difficult to distinguish between the two devices.
What’s the difference?
While the two are a lot alike, ELDs deliver data with higher accuracy and more integration potential than AOBRDs. AOBRDs are limited, outdated tech developed in the 1980’s and are flawed due to the ability to tamper with the device or alter data.
Updated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations require documentation of driver’s compliance with the Hours of Service (HOS) rules. Both devices record driver’s duty status information to comply with the FMCSA; however, ELDs also track advanced engine telematics, vehicle status, location, driver behavior, repair and maintenance, fuel, fleet documents, and much more. ELDs keep you compliant by assigning electronic logs (eLogs) that must be signed and also warning about unidentified drive time.
ELDs empower drivers to approve and sign their eLogs and make changes if necessary. Both AOBRDs and ELDs capture record of duty status (RODS) when driver’s duty status changes but ELDs take it a step further by continuing to report when in motion, with engine on or off and when in personal conveyance or yard move status. AOBRDs can display RODS for review or print while ELDs are required to be able to transmit RODS data directly to any authorized safety officials during inspection via email or bluetooth.
AOBRD Records:
- Date and Time
- Engine Use
- Road Speed
- Miles Driven
- Locations Covered
- Duty Status
ELD Records:
- Date and Time
- Engine Power Status
- Vehicle Status
- Miles Driven
- Locations Covered
- Engine Hours
- ID of Driver/User
- ID of Vehicle
- Duty Status
- Repair and Maintenance
- Fuel
- Fleet Documents
- Driver’s Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR)
- Logbook
- Accident Reports
- Driver Behavior
- Advanced Telematics
Don’t wait to transition from AOBRD to ELD
It takes a significant amount of time to make the transition from AOBRD to ELD. For large fleets, device implementation and training can take weeks. Don’t wait to pilot and move forward with an ELD or you run the risk of not being able to get your fleet on-boarded in enough time. Plan ahead and stay in compliance when the ELD Mandate occurs December 16, 2019.
Things to consider when picking an ELD provider
There are a lot of questions to ask to be sure you have the right solution for your business. ELD’s come in all shapes and sizes. Some are built on new technology and some are adaptations of old technology.
When you are reviewing your options, think about this. When was the last time you bought a 20 year old computer, brand new and full price? You buy new cutting edge technology, right? Fleet technology shouldn’t be any different.
- Determine whether you are subject to the ELD rule.
- Make sure that the ELD provider you choose is compliant and registered with the FMCSA.
Gain Confidence with Gorilla Safety’s Fleet Solution
Gorilla Safety provides ELDs that are fully compliant, self-certified and registered with the FMCSA. With the use of our award-winning fleet solution, Gorilla Fleet Intelligence, trucking companies have immediate access to accident reporting, document management, vehicle inspection reports, a safety manual, a loss control manual, policies, procedures, mileage reporting, GPS, repair and maintenance reporting, and so much more.
We believe it is important to go the extra mile and prove to our clients the product on which they rely is indeed reliable. Because of this, we have hired KPMG, one of the lead auditing firms to review our solution.
Gorilla Safety’s solution was one of the first to certify. We have been working on the ELD product and honing the user experience for years now. The Gorilla Safety team has had a long time to get everything perfect and continuously strive to make our product even better.
Our customers can expect enhancements, customizations, integrations and other key features making this solution the easiest to use in the marketplace.
Be Proactive – Prepare Now
- Contact Gorilla Safety to start the transiton from AOBRD to an Award-Winning ELD and Fleet Management Solution.
- Update your old, noncompliant hardware with a compliant ELD
- Get training for your fleet’s employees, including drivers, mechanics and administration staff. Learn how to use your new ELD and fleet management solution’s features and launch your fleet to the next level.
For more information about AOBRDs, ELDs and the ELD Rule visit the Drivers and Motor Carriers section of the FMCSA’s ELD website.
For more information about Gorilla Safety’s Fleet Solution click here.
