Preparing to Migrate from AOBRD to ELD

a truck needing to transition from an aobrd to an eld

You’re staring down the barrel of the AOBRD deadline, and you’re starting to panic. Take a deep breath. Yes, you’re cutting it close, but this migration can still be done without too much stress or hassle. First, you need a plan. Then, you need to know what to expect.

Here’s what you need to know to migrate from an AOBRD to an ELD.

Make a Plan for Migration

The deadline is nearly here, and you might be tempted to rush your ELD migration. Even though you need to move double-time between now and December 16th, you don’t want to do it without a plan. Here’s what to do. 

Put Together a Transition Plan

You need to work with your ELD vendor to figure out what software and hardware you’re going to need. Are you switching from an AOBRD to ELD with the same company? The switch may be simple. Are you moving to a completely new vendor with all new equipment? You’re going to need to plan time for installation. Don’t forget your back office needs, as well. The methods and procedures you’ve used with the AOBRD will change with an ELD (more on that below).

Announce Your Go-Live Date

Do your best to make your go-live date before December 16. You want to have time to troubleshoot any problems before your drivers are out on the road or going through roadside inspections with the new system. Go ahead and start driver training now. Your ELD vendor should offer training solutions to help your drivers. Make sure to hold mock roadside inspections to give your drivers experience before it happens to them on the road. 

Check Your Vehicles

Make sure all the trucks in your fleet are compatible with your ELD equipment. Trucks manufactured before 1999 will be exempt, but those made from 2000 to now should be able to handle most devices, including Gorilla Safety devices.

Understanding the Differences Between AOBRDs and ELDs

It’s not enough to make the switch from your AOBRD to an ELD. It’s important that you and your drivers understand what will be different after the migration. Here’s a quick list of how an ELD differs from an AOBRD:

  • ELD considers “driving” to commence once a vehicle reaches five miles perhour. It defaults to on-duty, not driving when a vehicle stops.
  • ELD automatically generates location information
  • RODS graph/grid is required to be on a display or print-out
  • Drivers must have a user name and account in the ELD system
  • The ELD must have or capture specific required data:
    • Date and time
    • Location accurate to within one mile (10 miles for personal conveyance use)
    • Vehicle miles
    • Engine hours
    • Vehicle information
    • Carrier information
  • Roadside inspections must be done via the telematic method (wireless web service and email) OR a local transfer method (USB 2.0 and Bluetooth)
  • Edits are allowed. Any edits made by a manager must be approved by the driver. ELD must display both original record and updated record
  • There are new special driving categories:
    • Personal Conveyance — recorded as off-duty
    • Yard Time — recorded as on-duty
  • Drivers must have the following:
    • RODS for current day and previous 7 days (14 if traveling in Canada)
    • User Manual for the ELD
    • Instruction sheet
    • Supply of blank logs, at least 8 days worth, in case of ELD malfunction

There will be changes everyone has to adjust to, but many ELD users find that the learning curve isn’t steep, and in the end, it makes their job easier and more efficient. There’s no more time to wait to migrate. Gorilla Safety is here to help you find the right ELD system for your fleet and make a smooth transition. Contact us today!