Survey: Only 10% of motor carriers using e-logbooks

Trucking companies and independent operators have until December 2017 to begin using electronic logbooks, but the vast majority still haven’t made the switch, according to a recent user poll from online load board DAT Solutions.    Only 10 percent of trucking companies and independent operators have made the switch to electronic logbooks (ELDs), according to a recent user poll from online load board DAT Solutions.
   Motor carriers have until December 2017 to begin using ELDs following the adoption of a final rule requiring their use by all commercial trucks and buses. ELDs, intended to replace traditional paper logbooks, automatically record driving time, engine hours, vehicle movement, miles driven, and location information.
   The final rule requiring use of ELDs is intended to “improve roadway safety by employing technology to strengthen commercial truck and bus drivers’ compliance with hours-of-service regulations that prevent fatigue,” according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
   According to the DAT poll, just 1.33 percent of respondents have switched to ELDs since the mandate went into effect and just 8.85 percent used them prior to the adoption of the final rule.
   Another 9.29 percent said they aren’t currently using ELDs, but that they are shopping around and plan to make the switch once they have identified a vendor.
   A large number of respondents, 47.35 percent, said they aren’t using ELDs now and will wait until they are forced to do so in December 2017, while 33.18 percent said they will never use electronic logbooks.