Florida Electronic Logbook for Trucks

Integrating Electronic Logbook Devices Into Your Florida Trucking Business

Every motor carrier and truck driver has a responsibility to track and maintain Records of Duty Status (RODS) using Electronic Logbook Devices (ELDs). FMCSA's mandate went into effect in December 2017, so if your trucking business has yet to integrate ELDs, now is the time to start.

Not sure where to begin? Navigating federal and state regulations can feel daunting. In this guide, we'll explain what ELDs are, their benefits, exemption cases and more.

An ELD is a piece of technology that is intended to create safer work environments for drivers. It also makes it easier to accurately track, manage and share RODS data.

ELDs synchronize with a vehicle's engine to automatically record driving time. It gives carriers more accurate hours of service recordings.

Specifically, an ELD can:

• Determine whether a truck's engine is in action or not
• Allow drivers to set their mode to On Duty, Off Duty or On Duty Not Driving
• Help you calculate how many hours your drivers have been on duty on any given day
• Share information with law enforcement if necessary

ELDs automatically record a variety of data elements at certain intervals, including:

• Date
• Time
• Location
• Engine hours
• Vehicle miles
• Identification information

It's important to note that these devices are only meant to record data related to the driver's record of duty status. They're not required to collect data on vehicle speed, steering function, braking action or other performance-related parameters.

It's crucial to choose ELDs from certified providers to ensure your business stays compliant with regulations.

For many Florida carriers, ELDs were initially viewed as a necessary evil to stay compliant.

However, installing ELDs in your trucks comes with many advantages that go beyond compliance. These devices:

• Reduce Administrative Overhead
  Manual logbooks are time-intensive. They require hours of physical filing and are at a high risk of human error. ELDs eliminate the need for paper logs, allowing your staff to spend more time on core tasks.
• Lower Insurance Premiums
  One great advantage of ELDs is that they can reduce insurance premiums. Insurers view them as a sign that the carrier is running a professional, low-risk operation.

ELDs may qualify you for:

• Direct discounts. Many Florida insurers offer premium credits for fleets that share their ELD safety data.
• Claims defense. ELD data can come to your defense in the event of an accident if it can prove that your driver was compliant with hours of service regulations.

• Improve Driver SafetyFatigue is a major cause of accidents on Florida's busy interstates like I-95 and I-75. If you use ELDs to strictly enforce rest periods, you can protect your drivers from burnout.

In fact, many carriers use their ELD data to reward their safest operators with bonuses. Those bonuses improve retention and keep drivers happy.

Plus, many carriers also use ELD data to optimize their operations and ensure they have enough drivers to manage workloads.

Having ELDs installed in your trucks isn't enough to satisfy the Florida Highway Patrol or the FMCSA.

Our agents commonly see these violations:

• Failure to certify logs. Drivers are required to certify their logs at the end of every 24 hours. Missing signatures can lead to fines during roadside stops.
• Missing documents. Even with ELDs, drivers must carry an ELD user manual, blank paper logs and a malfunction instruction sheet in case of technology failure.
• Using non-certified devices. Devices must be on the FMCSA's Registered ELDs list to be legal.
• Unassigned driving time. If trucks are moved without a driver logged in, any unassigned time must be reconciled by the carrier. Otherwise, the carrier faces a potential audit.

Costs are always a concern for any trucking company. How much can you expect to spend on ELDs?

Prices vary depending on the provider and your preferences, but as a general rule of thumb:

• Costs range from $165 to $832 per truck
• The average cost is around $495 per truck

Investing in ELDs is non-negotiable. It's required to stay compliant with regulations. However, these devices do have their advantages in helping streamline operations and reduce administrative costs.

ELDs have many advantages and are generally required by federal regulations. However, there are exemptions.

These devices may not be required if:

• Your trucks have engines that predate 2000
• You drive a tow truck that transports commercial vehicles you don't own
• Your drivers operate 100-150 air-miles and are exempt from maintaining RODS
• You use RODS tracking less than 8 days in a 30-day period

Do any of these exemptions apply to you? Not sure whether you qualify? Our agents will be happy to evaluate your situation and find out if you can apply for an exemption.

Our Florida trucking insurance experts are here to help ensure you're compliant with ELD regulations. Because we don't just sell insurance. We help you manage risk and keep your trucks on the road.

We can help:

• Analyze your fleet's ELD needs and determine which trucks need devices and which are exempt
• Choose certified hardware to find reliable providers
• Ensure proper installation and setup of your ELDs

Contact us today for a consultation.