Use EOBR to train drivers now, and prevent HOS violations later
From TransCore 3sixty Carrier Blog

An electronic on-board recorder will be required for carriers and drivers who are found to have hours of service (HOS) violations of 10% or more, according to a rule enacted last week by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA.)

According to a statement posted on the FMCSA web site, nearly 5,700 carriers will be required to install EOBRs on all their vehicles during the first year of enforcement. Carriers that install the devices voluntarily “will receive relief from some of FMCSA's requirements to retain HOS supporting documents, such as toll receipts used to check the accuracy of driver logbooks.”

The new regulation will not go into effect until 2012, but HOS enforcement is also a major component of the new Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA) 2010 program that is now scheduled to roll out nationwide later this year. Driver fatigue is one of the seven Behavioral Analysis Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs) that will comprise a carrier’s safety rating in 2010 and beyond.

Being required to install an EOBR may seem onerous, but when used voluntarily, an EOBR can be a valuable driver training tool that promotes safe habits, improves accountability and prevents future HOS violations. Some EOBRs, including TransCore’s CabLink™, can provide many additional benefits to fleet managers, including location tracking and monitoring, fuel conservation and remote engine diagnostics for preventive mainenance.

CabLink, a 100% satellite-based in-cab communications solution, tracks the truck’s location, direction and speed while monitoring engine performance. CabLink’s full EOBR capability is included in an automated driver log module that records actual drive time and calculates hours of service. As a bonus, CabLink provides the necessary state line crossing data to produce accurate IFTA fuel tax reports.

To learn more about CabLink, see our web page or call 866.378.8725.
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