So far this year, some 23 electronic logging devices have been removed from the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration's Registered list of devices from which truckers and carriers can choose. The devices on this list have been self-certified by their makers, and are not necessarily approved by the FMCSA.
However, the FMCSA Monday announced an overhaul of the vetting process for ELDs, in an effort to ensure non-compliant devices are blocked before they reach the agency’s list.
A statement from the agency said the new, "more rigorous vetting process" is part of a broader department initiative to "strengthen road safety for American families while cutting costs for truck drivers and carriers." Most commercial drivers are required to use ELDs under federal law, with limited exceptions for certain short-haul operations and older vehicles, according to the agency.
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“American families deserve to feel safe sharing a road with semi-trucks, and we want truck drivers to have the best tools to maximize those safety precautions,” said FMCSA Administrator Derek D. Barrs. “By strengthening our review process for ELDs, we are ensuring the industry can rely on trusted equipment and that hardworking drivers are prioritizing their health and well-being, so they are best prepared to keep driving America’s economy forward.”
Under the previous system, it was easier to register non-compliant devices or re-register devices that had been revoked, leading to repeated revocations and costly, inconvenient replacements for carriers, the agency said in Monday's statement to the media. The FMCSA said its updated process closes this loophole, giving carriers and drivers a greater peace-of-mind that the ELDs they purchase are accurate, reliable, and compliant.
Key features of the new ELD vetting process include:
- Initial Review: Verification of contact information, technical specifications, and device images.
- Fraud Detection: Cross-checking new applications against active, inactive, revoked, and in-process lists.
- Application Categorization:
- Category 1 – Approved: Application has met all necessary requirements for approval.
- Category 2 – Information Requested: Application is pending further information from the applicant.
- Category 3 – Further Review: Application requires additional internal assessment and may require additional documentation from the applicant.
- Category 4 – Denied: Application does not meet the required standards for approval.
For the current Registered ELD List and more information on the vetting process, visit https://eld.fmcsa.dot.gov/List.
