1 Training Training Your Team is Critical for a Successful ELD Implementation Surprisingly, the ELD regulations do not require carriers to formally train drivers on ELDs. However, it’s a practical reality and a very good idea. The technology is new to many drivers and office personnel, the rules are detailed, and each company will have compliance policies and operational procedures related to ELD use. Even if a carrier has been using some type of electronic logging system for years, ELDs capture more data, and the rules governing ELD use are new and complex. TRAINING IS CRITICAL UTILIZING FMCSA RESOURCES ► the look, feel and functions of the selected ELD technology The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has a ► the login and logout processes list of Frequently Asked Questions that can be used to supplement ► the methods for changing duty status from the automatically the training materials used. For example, the following two FAQs captured driving time to on-duty, not driving (line 4), off-duty could be weaved in to a training program: (line 1), and, if applicable, sleeper berth status (line 2) ► how the special driving categories of “personal conveyance” and Q: Who can edit an electronic logging device (ELD) record? “yard moves” are activated, if authorized by the carrier A: Both the driver and authorized carrier staff can make limited edits to an ELD record to correct mistakes or add missing SAFETY, COMPLIANCE, DISPATCH, information. All edits must include a note (annotation) to explain OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE the reason for the edit. In addition, the driver must confirm (certify) Safety, Compliance, Dispatch, Operations and Maintenance that any carrier edit is accurate, and resubmit the records. If personnel will need to become familiar with certain items, too: the driver chooses not to re-certify his or her RODS, this is also ► the look, feel and functions of the selected ELD technology reflected in the ELD record. The ELD keeps the original, unedited ► the look, feel and functions of the office software associated record, along with the edits. with ELDs Example: a carrier edits a record to switch a period of time from ► the data captured, and the reports generated by the ELD “off-duty” to “on-duty not driving”, with a note that explains office software “Driver logged training time incorrectly as off-duty.” The edit and ► how to edit and annotate the ELD record when driver mistakes annotation are sent to the driver to verify. The edit is not accepted are made until the driver confirms it and resubmits the RODS. It’s hard to overstate the importance of training. Simply put, it’s Q: What are the options for ELDs to electronically critical to successfully implementing ELDs. And, carriers should transfer data? consider providing multiple training sessions for all affected drivers A: According to the ELD rule technical specifications, an ELD must and personnel. Keep in mind that many people learn by doing. support one of two options for electronic data transfer: Consider having an ELD set up in the training room to facilitate The first option is a “telematics” transfer type ELD. At a minimum, it ‘hands-on’ use of the device. Trimble has an entire training team must electronically transfer data to an authorized safety official on with expertise in developing information and materials to help demand via wireless Web services and email. customers with their training needs. No need to reinvent the The second option is a “local” transfer type ELD. At a minimum, it training wheel! must electronically transfer data to an authorized safety official on demand via USB2.0 and Bluetooth®. 3