Since the researchers found out that truck drivers getting fatigued and tired is one of the most important reasons for the accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented some trucking laws and regulations. These regulations are mostly focused on driving hours and rest times. That is why drivers have to track their driving hours and total driven miles with pinpoint accuracy to not violate any rules. Previously, drivers used to keep the records in a handwritten logbook. But the process had issues like transparency, accuracy, and efficiency. Later on, as the technology got more advanced, new digital devices started to replace the handwritten logging system. AOBRD (Automatic On-Board Recording Device) was the first in history with an appearance in 1988. Then came the EOBR (Electronic On-Board Recorder). And now, ELD is the latest addition.
AOBRD
Now let’s discuss AOBRD. AOBRD (Automatic On-Board Recording Device) is the primary version of the modern ELD. Both solutions have the plug and play feature. While plugged into the vehicle’s ECM port, they automatically start recording HoS (Hours of Service) data. However, AOBRD’s record and display much fewer data compared to ELD’s. It is their basic difference.
ELD Mandate:
ELD (Electronic Logging Device) came into the limelight almost 7 years ago. In 2012, through the United States Congress’ enactment through the MAP-21 bill. MAP-21 bill provisioned FMCSA to mandate the use of electronic logging devices as known as ELD.
The first deadline for the implementation of ELD devices in commercial motor vehicles (CMV) has passed on the 18th of December,2017. The final deadline ELD mandate compliance is selected on 16 December 2019.
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AOBRD versus the ELD Mandate:
The fleets that are still using them can continue to do so until December 16th, 2019. At that point, they will need to transition to ELDs. In a nutshell, AOBRD’s have been grandfathered by the ELD mandate until December 2019.
AOBRD grandfather clause & AOBRD rule exception:
There is a two-year period that we’re in now, Phase 3, focuses on ELD implementation. Plus. it allows an exception for AOBRDs that were installed before December 18, 2017. As there is an influx of vendors providing alternative solutions following the passing of the mandate, there’s been much more limelight on ELD implementation vs AOBRDs and less information about their differences.
To get an overall idea of the currently used methods/devices to track the driving hours, here is a comparative analysis of them:
| Device Name | Definition | Features |
| AOBRD | Automatic On-Board Recording Device |
|
| EOBR | Electronic On-Board Recorder | In 2010, The FMCSA expanded the regulations with a rule on Electronic On-Board Recorders for Hours of Service. Interstate commercial truck and bus companies that have a history of serious HOS violations would be required to use EOBRs. Later on, after a court challenge, the FMCSA vacated the EOBR rule. |
| ELD | Electronic Logging Device |
|
ELD as an alternative of AOBRD:
Like an AOBRD, an ELD is a piece of hardware that connects to a vehicle’s ECM to accurately record a driver’s HOS.
The rules regarding ELDs are direct and specific on how the device should handle certain events and situations. For example, an electronic logging device automatically switches a driver’s duty status to ‘On-Duty, Not Driving’ whenever their vehicle has stopped moving for 5 consecutive minutes. Unless the driver does not respond to a prompt within 60 seconds. Whereas, AOBRDs are not required to change a driver’s duty status when the vehicle is no longer in motion.
Electronic logging devices require that all vehicle miles are accounted for to ensure the accuracy of driver logs. ELDs are required to warn drivers about any unassigned driving time and miles that the device records after logging into the ELD. These make ELDs far more strict than AOBRDs.
There are many more differences between ELDs and AOBRDs. Such as:
- ELD has a more clearly defined internal synchronization.
- ELD requires to record location information of the commercial motor vehicle each duty status change, including every 60 minutes while the in motion.
- The graph grid of the driver’s duty status changes is a requirement (display or printout).
- Warnings should be provided of unassigned driving time/miles when the driver logs in.
- Default to on-duty not driving status whenever the vehicle stops for five consecutive minutes and no driver response to ELD prompt.
- It is synchronized to Universal Coordinated Time (UTC).
- Heavily resistant to tampering.
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In conclusion, It is now official, trucks and trailers in the US must use electronic logging devices (ELDs). The best ELD devices are going to replace paper logs to monitor a driver’s hours of service. Transitioning from backdated paper logs to modern ELDs will be just a matter of adjustment for drivers. That’s why it is recommended that setting drivers up for an easier transition by getting AOBRDs before December 18, 2017. Not only it will qualify for the grandfather clause (giving your drivers an extra two years to use them), but it will also give drivers extra time to get used to the new adjustments. ELDs have paved the way for new data-driven technology to take over the trucking industry. With newly created opportunities in vehicle tracking and integration, carriers can expect better outcomes in compliance, efficiency, and improved customer satisfaction and driver safety.
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