And who has to comply?

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) electronic logging devices (ELD) mandate goes into effect December 17, 2019. Organizations with fleets and commercial truck drivers must not only be aware of this new mandate, but must also comply with its requirements to avoid risk of fines and other repercussions.

What exactly is the ELD rule?

The Electronic Logging Device Rule is a new mandate set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that requires commercial drivers to use an ELD to electronically records a driver’s Record of Duty Status (RODS). The ELD replaces the paper logbook that was previously required.

Who does the rule apply to?

The Electronic Device Logging rule applies to most drivers who are already required to maintain records of duty status (RODS). This applies to commercial vehicles including trucks and buses.

Are there any exceptions?

There are limited exceptions to the ELD rule. The following are the latest exemptions:

• Drivers who operate under the short-haul exceptions may continue using timecards; they are not required to keep RODS and will not be required to use ELDs
• Drivers who use paper RODS for not more than 8 days out of every 30-day period
• Drivers who conduct drive-away-tow-away operations, in which the vehicle being driven is the commodity being delivered
• Drivers of vehicles manufactured before 2000

What about drivers who transport medical waste and recycling materials?

Medical Waste and Recycling industry transporters may be given exemption from the ELD rule if they are members of the National Waste and Recycling Association.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association announced November 20, 2019 that it would grant National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA) an Hours-of-Service exemption exclusively to its members that will eliminate the need for them to use ELDs.

NWRA is providing a list of its current members to FMCSA as proof of exemption from enforcement for those companies. NWRA will also send electronic certificates of membership each year to its member companies for them to print out and carry in their vehicles.

Unfortunately, medical waste companies that are not members of the NWRA will not be exempt, so it’s important to ensure that trucks are equipped with the ELD and drivers are aware of this mandate and its specifications.

All Points Medical Waste is a family-owned and operated company located in Stuart, Florida.

To get information about medical waste disposal, give us a call today or fill out this form.