How E-Logs can help your trucking business? A guide on Edit Them

Drivers of commercial motor vehicles use an electronic logging device (ELD) to automatically record driving time and Hours, as well as data on the engine, movement, and total miles. ELD updates truckers and dispatchers on driver status in real-time to support fleet compliance, inspections, and planning. ELDs have several elements, including a truck-connected tracking device, fleet management software, and a mobile app. To keep track of duty status and help workers track their driving constraints, and avoid fatigue-related concerns, the ELD automatically captures the following data-

ELDs are designed to increase traffic safety while preventing fatigue and complying with requirements. They benefit the truckers in a variety of ways, including reducing time and expenses associated with printed records, improving record-keeping and regulatory efficiency, and, most significantly, averting accidents and saving lives.

There are many fees associated with obtaining an ELD solution: device hardware, expert installation (if necessary), and a monthly software charge. As stated previously, it is critical to research the ELD source and solution to guarantee that you receive the most bang for your buck. 

Depending on the additional features provided, carriers can see a significant return on their investment in electronic logging devices. In addition to compliance advantages, they can save cost and time through enhanced fleet productivity, fuel economy, and greater reliability with a good telematics ELD solution.

Automating the driver recording system saves drivers the time and effort of constantly recording every time they drive. It also increases the accuracy of the hours logged. However, the information gathered is not always accurate. For example, when on break, a driver can forget to stop logging his on-road hours. In that instance, the driver must repair the issue to guarantee that the RODS is accurate.

What is An ELD Edit?

An edit is only a modification to the ELD data; it does not overwrite or remove the original track. An annotation is a comment attached to a revision to explain the change or correction. All modifications need annotation to support the same. In most cases, the user can only edit the existing events. 

Why would you need to modify your ELD logs?

The following scenarios may necessitate changes to your logs:

• You’ve missed logging out before going off work.
• Inappropriate status changes led to a warning or a violation notification.
• Due to improper status changes, you haven’t yet gotten your daily or cycle reset.
• Because of connectivity challenges, your vehicle did not successfully transition into or out of the Driving position.
• You approved your administrator’s suggestions for operator edits or unidentified mileage. It indicates that you may need to make more adjustments to the logs.
• You found some miles logged on your vehicle but were not identified. 

Difference Between An Edit And An Annotation

An edit is a modification to an electronic logging device (ELD) data that does not erase the original. However, an annotation is a note linked to a log, update, or edit that an operator or authorized support staff can write into the ELD.

ELD Logs: How to Edit

Although the specific interface will vary depending on the product, most changes will likely follow the same basic method. 

Select the daily entry you want to edit from your software’s daily logs. To continue, you must unsign your log if already signed. You can only change the status of a recorded event. The rest has been documented automatically and cannot be changed.

‘Off-duty driving’ or ‘On-duty yard move’ will most likely be the options. For example, if you failed to record when you reached your company’s warehouse and had to turn around to the back to unload their items. Then, for the duration you spent on that move, you need to select ‘On-duty yard move.’ The actual process will differ based on your software, but the concept remains the same.

Then, as mandated by the FMCSA, you must make a note (annotation) detailing the edit. If you forget to check ‘on-duty’ at the start of a shift, you can also add a ‘past duty’ status. You need to re-sign after the edits and remarks, and the change will be visible on the log.

ELD Log Edit Restrictions

According to the ELD regulation, the type of information driver or authorized fleet personnel can change/edit is limited. Moreover, only the immediate records are eligible for modification. In essence, the current condition of an event is recorded. As long as the vehicle is driving, ELDs record automatically, and is categorized as commute time, and there is no way of changing it to non-driving time. 

Non-driving events, such as on-duty, off-duty, and resting, cannot be documented as driving events. Except for the capacity to transform driving events into off-duty or on-duty yard moves, the opposite is true. In retrospect, the regulatory authority can add non-driving categories. 

Who has the authority to make changes?

Edits can be made by both – drivers and approved carrier personnel. You cannot, however, make changes to records that seem to be weeks or years old. Regardless of whether the adjustment is made by the driver or the carrier crew, an annotation must be included, as previously stated.

The driver, on the other hand, has the last say and is responsible for verifying the validity of the edits. For instance, even if a driver disputes the accuracy of an update made by an authorized staff member, the edit will be preserved on the record. Although the ELD is a history of the vehicle’s RODS (records of duty status), it is editable by both the operator and the crew to maintain equal standards of integrity.

However, even when approved modifications and annotations are performed, the original ELD records are kept. If the driver is unable to retrieve the data from the ELD on their own, the vehicle operator must grant access upon request. The right to access is, however, restricted to a six-month term, which corresponds to the time a motor carrier is required to keep drivers’ duty status records (RODS).

Now that you are updated on what an ELD edit is, how it can be made and who can edit the logs, you can comply with the regulations and avoid fines. If you have any queries or suggestions, please let us know in the comment section. Top Reasons To Choose Electric Cars Besides Rising Petrol And Diesel Prices