WASHINGTON, DC – As JJ Keller put it, “it is no longer a question of ‘if’ the FMSCA is going to require electronic logging, but ‘when.'”

The official deadline to have all log-keeping drivers in the U.S.A switched over to electronic logging devices (ELDs) is October 2015 but industry insiders expect that to be moved out to sometime in 2016 or maybe even 2017.

That said, ELDs are coming for all commercial drivers in the U.S.A who are now required to keep logs.  Only those who operate under the short-distance exceptions will be exempt.

And in as much as ELDs are a certainty, the legislators are still ironing out a lot of issues and  the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)  will keep the docket open for comments at least until May 27.

And already, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CSVA), representing state police and other enforcement interests, has asked the agency for a one-month extension.

“This is a complex and significant rulemaking,” said CVSA Executive Director Stephen Keppler.

CVSA needs more time to understand the technology options in the proposal and states need more time to evaluate its impact in the field, Keppler said. 

For a more detailed look at the proposed legislation, click on http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom/dot-proposes-use-electronic-logbooks-improve-efficiency-safety-commercial-bus-truck.