Federal Electronic Log Device Mandate Rings in New Year

As with any government rule, interpreting it into plain English is sometimes a challenge. Here’s a basic primer on the e-log mandate that specifies what it entails. In the 1930s, under Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration, truck drivers were required to track their hours on paper, in logbooks frequently referred to as “comic books” because well, they could be manipulated manually. It’s no secret that a logbook showing falsified sleep-versus-drive times contributes to deadly driver-fatigue accidents. In 2012, Congress passed the “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century” bill (MAP21) that included a provision requiring mandatory federal Electronic Log Device or ELDs that track driver activity and movement in real time. Installation of the devices became mandatory in December 2017 and carriers and owner/operators have until December 12, 2019 to be fully compliant. Or face significant fines. The device is meant to record a driver’s record of duty status to show compliance with HOS requirements. Since the law was published in 2015, many companies have not delayed in embracing the new technology, working out the kinks in converting low-tech drivers into high-tech users while keeping costs within budget and getting loads to customers on time. Specific requirements of the rule are as follows: driver hours must be tracked electronically; the hours must be synchronized with the truck’s engine to ensure driving segments are captured; and the data must be passed to the safety or fleet manager on a real- time basis to maintain the required oversight. Many systems also incorporate map and route solutions to optimize navigation that restricts movement (traffic, accidents and construction). Proponents of the ELDs point out its obvious benefits: it saves drivers time by reducing paperwork; it ensures the driver is maintaining the required driving-to-rest schedule; and it keeps the carrier current for optimum load planning. On the other side, opponents point out such issues as faulty software, privacy protection, extended wait times at the customers loading dock that eat into drive time; and parking limitations due when it’s time to sleep. Delays in this business are costly and affect all parties involved. It’s going to take a collaborative approach to keep the wheels turning in the safest and most efficient manner possible. And Veltri is no different. Safer highways for our drivers and other motorists is always the goal. If you want to know how the ELD rule has been implemented at Veltri, Inc., give us a call at 215-946-6400.

As with any government rule, interpreting it into plain English is sometimes a challenge. Here’s a basic primer on the e-log mandate that specifies what it entails. In the 1930s, under Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration, truck drivers were required to track their hours on paper, in logbooks frequently referred to as “comic books” because well, they could be manipulated manually. It’s no secret that a logbook showing falsified sleep-versus-drive times contributes to deadly driver-fatigue accidents. In 2012, Congress passed the “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century” bill (MAP21) that included a provision requiring mandatory ELDs that track driver activity and movement in real time. Installation of the devices became mandatory in December 2017 and carriers and owner/operators have until December 12, 2019 to be fully compliant. Or face significant fines. The device is meant to record a driver’s record of duty status to show compliance with HOS requirements. Since the law was published in 2015, many companies have not delayed in embracing the new technology, working out the kinks in converting low-tech drivers into high-tech users while keeping costs within budget and getting loads to customers on time. Specific requirements of the rule are as follows: driver hours must be tracked electronically; the hours must be synchronized with the truck’s engine to ensure driving segments are captured; and the data must be passed to the safety or fleet manager on a real- time basis to maintain the required oversight. Many systems also incorporate map and route solutions to optimize navigation that restricts movement (traffic, accidents and construction). Proponents of the ELDs point out its obvious benefits: it saves drivers time by reducing paperwork; it ensures the driver is maintaining the required driving-to-rest schedule; and it keeps the carrier current for optimum load planning. On the other side, opponents point out such issues as faulty software, privacy protection, extended wait times at the customers loading dock that eat into drive time; and parking limitations due when it’s time to sleep. Delays in this business are costly and affect all parties involved. It’s going to take a collaborative approach to keep the wheels turning in the safest and most efficient manner possible. Veltri is no different. Safer highways for our Drivers and other motorists is always the goal. If you want to know how the federal electronic log device mandate has been implemented at Veltri, Inc., give us a call at 215-946-6400!

Safety Measures That ALL Veltri Truck Drivers Take in Winter Weather

Veltri truck drivers practice during winter weather - no exceptions.

Pre-Trip Inspection Performing a pre-trip visual inspection of the entire vehicle is always important, but it is especially so when the temperatures start getting low outside. All truck drivers should check every important item, every time - like tires and tire pressures, wiper blades, fluids, lights and more.

Always Be Prepared It is also recommended that all truck drivers - including Veltri drivers - make sure that they have ALL necessary emergency items BEFORE a trip takes place to help make sure they're prepared for anything and everything, no exceptions. In the winter these items include a coat that can adequately support temperatures both during the day or at night, a bag of sand (or salt) and extra items like washer fluids, a windshield scraper, jumper cables, traction mats and much more.

SEE ALSO: Holiday Safety Tips for Truck Drivers

Spotting Black Ice Black ice is incredibly dangerous because it's so hard to see - however, there are certain visual cues that Veltri drivers are trained to look for that ALL truck drivers can benefit from. If ice begins to build up on the mirror arms of a truck, for example, or in small areas like antennas or even at the tops of a windshield, there is a very good chance that the conditions are similar on the road. At that point, drivers need to slow down and be aware that the conditions they face are getting worse by the minute.

Don't Be Afraid to Get Off the Road Finally, perhaps the most important safety measure that ALL truck drivers should adhere to during the winter has to do with good, old-fashioned common sense. Veltri drivers, for example, are trained to always listen to weather reports and warnings because conditions can quickly change by the minute - especially in areas like the mountains. We always want to meet our clients needs, but not at the expense of anyone's safety. Simply put, if your instincts are telling you that things are bad and that driving in ANY situation is a bad idea, don't be afraid to get off the road. At the end of the day, absolutely nothing is more important than a driver's ability to get home to his or her family after the job has been done.

Driver Shortages Aren't a Concern When You Have a Great Work Environment

The trucking industry has been struggling with a driver shortage issue since 2005 and the numbers have only continued to rise into a borderline national crisis. According to NPR, "more than 70 percent of goods consumed in the U.S. are moved by truck, but the industry needs to hire almost 900,000 more drivers to meet rising demand." 

No one is denying that driver shortage is an issue. Across the board, the relatively high age of truck drivers as well as demographics and lifestyle are impacting applicants and causing companies to struggle to find qualified drivers. However, truck driving is still an incredible job, on average paying drivers more than $50,000 a year, with wages on the rise and there are ways to attract and keep drivers with your company!

In an industry where driver shortage is a reality, how can you restructure your business to effectively recruit and retrain drivers? Let’s investigate the possibilities.

Solving the Driver Shortage Issue

Taking the most problematic factors causing the driver shortage, consider how your business can adjust and make improvements. Furthermore, since drivers are on the road more often than in the office, it’s important to improve the overall work environment. For example:

1. Millennials are a huge part of the future of our industry. We know that millennial drivers are in search of flexible careers that also make a difference in the world. That is one reason why Veltri drivers have the luxury of being home with their families for  dinner every day. We know how important trucking is to the health of our national economy which is why we make sure our drivers are taken care of. We couldn't do this without them.

2. At Veltri, we are an equal opportunity employer. As the number of female drivers in the industry continues to rise, make sure you are setting up a company culture that is respectful and beneficial to all employees. 

3. Offer tuition reimbursement or free on-the-job driver training to help new drivers get proper trucker training without the hefty price tag.

4. Provide opportunities for drivers to mix and mingle, such as monthly events where drivers and their families can hang out and develop a sense of community or by using technology to help drivers take advantage of online portals or communities across the country.

5. Ask your drivers what their most pressing needs are, such as finding healthy food or wellness programs over the road, and provide a viable solution for their problems. Make sure they understand that truck driving as a lifestyle does not have to negatively impact their health or well being.

6. Communicate with your drivers on a regular basis, and in person whenever possible, to help increase morale and reduce driver turnover, which is another factor related to the shortage. Veltri has an open door communication policy and we want our drivers to know their voices are being heard.

The bottom line is that if you want to attract new drivers to your trucking fleet, then you must establish a company with a beneficial work environment. We know how important our entire operations team is to our company, including our drivers, which is why we also offer a competitive compensation and benefits plan.

The nation needs truck drivers to keep the economy moving. By working to reduce the driver shortage through focused changes to your drivers' work environment, your business is in a prime position to excel. If you are interested in becoming a Veltri driver, we would love to hear from you!