Tag: transportation

Revisions To FMCSA Federal Hours Of Service Rules

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In the recent weeks the trucking industry has been praised for being a key component to the economy. As it employs over seven million people and moves approximately 70% of the nation’s domestic freight, many have found that during an unprecedented time, it was truly an essential industry. With this being said, to help allow the commercial transportation to keep moving some modifications to regulations and rules have been made. 

 

Hours Of Service Modifications 

On May 14, 2020, the FMCSA announced that there would be upcoming changes to the Federal Hours of Service Rules for commercial driving. Such updates are expected to modernize the HOS regulations and provide the U.S. economy as well as American consumers an estimated $274 million in annualized savings. The revisions were previously discussed and reviewed by the FMCSA in August of 2019. Below are the four main revisions. 

  • Adjustments for the 30-minute break rule so safety and flexibility can improve
    • After 8 hours of consecutive driving, a driver is able to use their required break as being on-duty but not driving rather than being off-duty
  • Drivers will be able to split their required 10 hours off-duty into two periods (either an 8/2 split or 7/3 split) with a sleeper-berth exception 
    • Neither split will count against the driver’s 14 hour driving window 
  • The maximum window of when driving is permitted will be modified to extend by two hours
  • For certain commercial drivers, the short-haul exception will change by lengthening the drivers’ maximum on-duty period to 14 hours (from 12 hours) and extend the distance limit to 150 air miles (from 100 air miles)

 

It is important to note that the removal of a key point of the 30 minute to 3 hour pause to the work day from The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is not part of the Final Rule.

These modifications will go into effect on September 29, 2020. 

For more information about these modifications and other news or regulations pertaining to the commercial transportation industry, visit: FMCSA’s Website

 

How The Commercial Transportation Industry Will Be Affected 

Since there is more focus to ensure that drivers are having adequate sleep and rest while they are on the road to reduce fatigue related road incidents, fleet managers can’t risk falling behind on ever-changing rules. When discussing these new changes, it’s important for commercial drivers to understand how their fleet technology may be impacted. 

 

Rulesets For Electronic Logging Devices 

For those using Geotab Drive ELD’s, Geotab has noted their commitment to following ANPRM and NPRM processes with Partners and associations. Meaning they are making relevant changes to the device rulesets in time for it to be used by the official effective date (September 29, 2020). As a long time partner of Geotab, we can ensure that our customers who use these devices have nothing to worry about and should keep their eyes open for further communication about device ruleset updates! 

 

Interested to learn more about how your fleet can better abide to strict regulations, save hundreds of dollars or even improve the driving conditions of your team? Contact us today! Regardless of your needs, we have consultants who specializes in every aspect of your fleet who can help! 

HOS Relief Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

Posted on | by Anna | Leave a Comment on HOS Relief Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

As the concern of the COVID-19 outbreak continues to worsen, many are looking at how businesses can be provided with additional relief during this time. While there are initiatives in place to help small businesses who had to close their doors to practice social distancing and slow the spread, there is additional aid that focuses on the demand for essential supplies. Specifically, focusing on increasing the amount of supplies and equipment transported daily by waiving hours-of-service (HOS) regulations. 

 

Below are updates in both Canada and the United States: 

 

HOS in the United States 

 

Earlier this month, on March 13, it was announced that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will adjust the HOS regulations. They will help those in the US transportation sector provide more assistance to relief efforts of the virus. Until April 12, 2020, or when the COVID-19 emergency is terminated, a FMCSA Emergency Declaration has been issued and will be in place nation-wide to suspend the hours-of-service regulations for drivers. 

 

Prior to adjusting any processes within your fleet, make sure you familiarize yourself and your team with the Emergency Declaration as the FMCSA has specific criteria on what will allow a carrier to be eligible. 

 

Find the Declaration here: Emergency Declaration

 

HOS in Canada 

 

Similarly, Transport Canada has issued an exception to help provide COVID-19 relief to Canadian truck drivers moving essential supplies. Again, drivers who meet specific criteria will be exempt from hours-of-services requirements when carriers who are federally regulated give advance notice with specific information regarding which vehicles will be partaking in it. This waiver will be in effect from March 24, until April 30, 2020. 

 

Again, prior to implementing any new initiatives related to HOS, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself and your team with the Essential Freight Transport Exemption. As there is specific criteria that must be met prior to being safely exempt, understanding the exemption in-full is critical. 

 

Find the Exemption here: Essential Freight Transport Exemption

 

As information and plans are in constant flux during this time, we always recommend for businesses and fleet drivers to stay up-to-date with ongoing news and regulations. This will ensure that compliance is always met and teams are working efficiently. 

 

Additional Resources To Follow: 

Truckload Carriers Association: https://www.truckload.org/resources-for-covid-19/#1585236782225-d159424f-afd2

Canadian Trucking Alliance: http://cantruck.ca/covid-19/

Staying Healthy On The Road

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Among the discussion of work-life balance in the transportation sector, many are beginning to also shift the focus towards the health of drivers. Specifically, improving awareness about how drivers need to continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle while on the road. As drivers must sit for long periods of time alone in their vehicle, fleets are starting to find that more drivers are voicing concerns about  how the job could be impacting their health.

 

A New Focus: Staying Healthy On The Road

 

While on the road, it’s important for drivers to take the time to focus on their health. While it may be obvious that drivers should always take the time to improve their well-being, sometimes, it’s easier said than done. 

 

Driver Mental Health 

 

1. Human Connection and Sense of Community

 

Many drivers within the transportation sector spend hours or even days on the road alone. Meaning, they sometimes don’t interact with others in a meaningful way until they return home to their families. During this time, many drivers report feeling disconnected or alone. While some may overlook how this can impact mental health, it’s important for fleet managers to do what they can to improve it. Allowing for proper ‘home time’ between long haul deliveries or encouraging drivers to communicate with each other can make all the difference. In addition, many fleets have seen success by encouraging their drivers to bring their trained pets to act as companions on the road. 

 

Here are some additional tips to help long-haul drivers to stay healthy on the road: Tips For Good Mental Health

 

2. Technology to Improve Life on the Road 

 

With technology advancing and being widely adopted, many fleets are seeing mental health benefits from such innovations! Specifically, because many tools and devices are being implemented to streamline tasks so drivers can complete deliveries and return to their families sooner. For example, ZenduWork has been seen as an asset to do this because it uses intelligent dispatching software to help make the lives of drivers simpler! As it can organize the quickest and most efficient routes while allowing for work orders to be completed electronically, it’s highlighted as something that can bring ease to some draining or time-consuming processes. 

 

Driver Physical Health

 

1. Staying Active 

 

As previously mentioned, drivers must sit for long periods of time. While some are able to take short breaks to stretch their legs, sometimes it’s all the physical movement they do in a day. That’s why it’s important for drivers to feel motivated after hours to get active! Learning about simple yet effective workouts that don’t require equipment can make all the difference. So if visiting a gym isn’t an option, drivers can still get moving! Not only can this help improve overall health, but working out consistently can release positive endorphins that have been proven to reduce stress, improve sleep and even in some cases lessen feelings of anxiety.

 

2. Choosing Healthy Options 

 

In addition to staying active, it’s important for drivers to pick healthy food options while they’re on the road. Even though this can be difficult at some truck stops, it’s important that drivers do everything they can to combat this. Planning ahead with prepackaged healthy snacks and meal options to limit the temptation of fast food is only one way. Another option, if a driver is using a vehicle that has enough space and power support, is to cook inside the truck! Some have seen success with preparing dishes in portable stoves, microwaves, crock pots or even blenders that are able to be connected and powered by the vehicle. This, of course, is dependent on the company policies and approval of fleet managers. 

 

3. Reducing Exposure To Germs

 

Last but not least, it’s important for drivers to stay on top of their hygiene to reduce their exposure to germs with recent concerns of arising viruses. As drivers will typically be travelling to various locations and will come in contact with new bacteria daily, proper hygiene is crucial. It is suggested for drivers to take extra precautions to ensure that they stay healthy and limit the spread of illnesses! Properly washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap, using hand sanitizer, not touching their faces, in addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle are only a few ways to keep immune systems strong! 

New Partnership: Working With Samsara To Better Help Fleets

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As the needs of businesses are continually evolving, it’s critical for organizations to stay on top of industry trends. This is amplified with it comes to the IoT and telematics sector as new tools and solutions are always transforming. With this in mind, GoFleet is excited to partner with Samsara! This partnership allows us to expand our solutions offerings to better help businesses stay efficient, safe and sustainable.

 

Partnership With Samsara

 

With Samsara’s help, we will now offer additional fleet management, asset tracking, camera and safety solutions. The core of these Samara offerings will provide businesses with end-to-end and cost-effective solutions that are billed monthly. In the past, Samsara has been highlighted to help those within various industries such as transportation and logistics, food and beverage, as well as state and local government. 

 

Fleet Management Solution 

 

Samsara offers end-to-end fleet management solutions that many businesses may find of interest as they offer a modern platform with real-time visibility in addition to AI-powered analytics. As the deadline for drivers is looming closer (or has already passed) for fleets to adopt innovative tools such as electronic logging devices, it’s critical for managers to find the right device for their needs as soon as possible. It’s important to note that Samsara’s fleet management solutions are able to connect to third party systems to improve real-time data and visibility efforts.

Learn more here: https://stagingms.gofleet.com/product/samsara-gateway-gps-system/

 

Camera And Safety Solution

 

Samsara has numerous camera and safety solutions that fleets can take advantage of. Among the basic features of being able to collect video footage, Samsara dashcams and sensors can leverage computer vision. This allows it to automatically identify unsafe driving behaviour, offer in-cab voice coaching and conduct automatic upload. All of the features truly pushing businesses forward to a safer future. 

Learn more here: https://stagingms.gofleet.com/product/samsara-ai-dash-cams-for-fleets/

 

Asset Tracking 

 

Lastly, Samsara offers various tracking options for fleets. Apart from offering basic trailer tracking to increase GPS visibility of your team, Samsara also offers wireless reefer and asset tracking products. So whether you’re looking to stay compliant to critical temperature monitoring regulations or monitoring where costly equipment is throughout the day, it can be done. 

Learn more here: https://stagingms.gofleet.com/product/samsara-ag24-trailer-tracker/ 

 

If you’re interested to learn more about our partnership with Samsara, and how it may benefit your new fleet management needs, contact us today!

Using An AOBRD? It’s Time To Migrate To ELDs Now!

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The transportation sector seems to have become an ever changing industry as regulations and the technology required continues to advance. With this being said, while there are many who embrace these changes by staying up to date with telematics and regulations, some still choose to wait before they implement any changes. When it comes to using an electronic logging device (ELD) or an automatic onboarding recording device (AOBRD), individuals within the industry no longer have a choice about switching. Instead, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) are now strictly enforcing the new regulations and technologies. 

Said regulations focus on favouring electronic logging devices while phasing out automatic onboarding recording devices. This change means that drivers and fleet managers will need to check which device they use and possibly update it if it does not meet the new guidelines. To be specific, if an AOBRD was installed prior to December 18, 2017, the vehicle will have until June 21, 2021, to switch to an ELD. However, if the vehicle was not using AOBRDs previous to December 2017, the must switch to ELDs must be made by December 16, 2019. 

 

Benefits Of Switching From An AOBRD To An ELD 

Regardless of when you installed a recording device, if it’s not an ELD, you will need to update your device at some point in the future. With this being said, why not install an electronic logging device sooner rather than later? By doing so, we’re confident that you’ll be able to see noticeable benefits such as reduced stress, better management and cost savings. 

 

Reduced Stress 

When fleets transition from AOBRDs to ELDs well before their transition deadline, managers and drivers can expect to feel less stress. This is specific to individuals not having to worry about the possibility of not being compliant with new regulations and facing consequences that not only halt work, but can cost them thousands.

The consequences of not complying are: 

  • Expensive fines,
  • Drivers being placed OOS (Out-Of-Service),
  • Additional paperwork,
  • And even lowered CSA scores. 

As well, it’s worth highlighting that new ELDs often come with innovative solutions to make management easier. Meaning, managers and owners can better organize their fleet to boost productivity and reduce administrative tasks as reports can be automated. 

 

Better Management 

As previously mentioned, ELDs provide fleet managers with better management possibilities. Specifically, managers can better organize their fleets to essentially increase productivity and boost efficiency. This is due to the mass amounts of data that electronic logging devices collect in comparison to automatic onboarding recording devices. For example, when a fleet uses ELDs, drivers could be notified of maintenance checks that are predicted by forecasts, provided best transportation routes based on road conditions, and even have two-way communication with their managers while on the road. 

 

Cost Savings 

Transitioning your fleet from automatic onboarding recording devices to electronic logging devices can bring numerous financial benefits as well. While the upfront cost of this new technology may seem daunting for some, in the long term, fleet managers can save money. Not only are drivers automatically eliminating the possibility of being fined as they are compliant, but fleet managers can better organize or manage their fleets (as briefly mentioned) to maximize profits. So again, drivers will take the fastest routes, better maintain their vehicles to reduce repair downtime, and even automate automotive reporting duties.

 

How Automatic Onboarding Recording Devices And Electronic Logging Devices Differ 

  • While AOBRDs do collect data, ELDs collect more information on a grander scale such as vehicle condition and driver behaviour. 
  • ELDs are able to complete simple data transferring as they can harness wireless web, email, USB2.0 and Bluetooth capabilities. 
  • ELDs allow for increased monitoring as they automatically record driving time once the vehicle begins moving or is idling. 
  • Editing or history changes require annotations while using an ELD to better provide more information about the trip. 
  • Alert notifications are made if there is a fault code or malfunction recognized by the ELD in use. 

 

Your AOBRD To ELD Checklist

     Do Your Research

You may find that certain devices will better suit your needs now and in the future as your company grows. This means finding an ELD that is third-party certified and works for any vehicle. 

Remember, when it comes to ELDs, you’re making an investment in the growth of your company!

     Complete The Proper Training

While installation is fairly straightforward, it’s critical to train your team properly if you would like your ELD to truly benefit your company. This includes training your office team and managers in how to use the device, as well as your drivers.

     Installation

Confirm that every commercial vehicle that meets the criteria stated in the ELD mandate has the device properly installed. As well, ensure that your team has the correct software installed on their devices so they can take advantage of the solutions.

     Stay Up-To-Date

Ensure you’re using your device to its fullest potential by staying on top of industry news and software updates. Sometimes users can overlook major features or updates as they’re simply not aware of how it can help them!

Still looking for another incentive to switching your fleet from using an AOBRD to an ELD? Keep reading! 

We understand that the upfront cost of transitioning can sometimes deter managers from switching, however we have a promotion to help! 

Get a Free GO Device & Harness with our ELD Promotion that runs until December 16, 2019 – save hundreds for your fleet! 

If you’re interested in learning more about this promotion, check it out! 

ELD’s – How to Choose the Right Solution

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Currently the transportation sector is undergoing major changes as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) are creating regulations to better the transportation industry. The main topic of discussion is the new regulation which encourages being ELD compliant. This mandate looks to enforce the use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) in commercial vehicles. While ELD systems are already enforced throughout the United States, Canada is following suit by enforcing the widespread compliance of such electronic logbooks.

With the deadline to become ELD compliant quickly approaching, it’s important for drivers and fleet managers to review whether or not they actually are compliant, and if they’re not, to begin to take the right steps to obtaining an electronic logging device. 

 

Temporary Compliance Under The Grandfather Clause 

 

Even though commercial fleets within the United States are already required to meet ELD compliance, Canadian fleets will soon be under similar regulation. At the moment, electronic logging devices are not mandatory for all vehicles if the vehicle was using an AOBRD (Automatic On-Board Recording Device) prior to December 18, 2017. If an AOBRD was used prior, the drivers will not be forced to implement ELDs until the mandatory start date of June 12, 2021. However, if no AOBRDs were put into use before December 18, 2017, carriers and drivers will be required to use ELDs as of December 16, 2019. 

 

While there are additional specifications to this regulation depending on the daily use or age of the vehicle, it is always recommended that fleets perform additional research to ensure that they are compliant.

 

Not ELD Compliant? Under The Grandfather Clause? – What You Should Do 

 

If you’re part of the many who are noticing that your fleet will not be compliant come December 16th, or June 2021, it’s critical that you begin to take the right steps to becoming compliant. Or in other words, look for a solutions provider. However, depending on your business, there will be different features that you should pay attention to when investing in an ELD. Specific qualities will not only allow you to stay ELD compliant, but improve your business overall. 

 

Key Factors In Considering How to Choose an ELD Solution 

 

Vehicle Flexibility 

When researching electronic logging devices, it’s important to confirm that the device you’re investing in will work in any type of vehicle. Ensuring that an ELD can be used in nearly any commercial vehicle guarantees that your business can grow and that the device can continue to be used. Ensuring that you will be complaint in the future and that the technology is well worth the money you are spending. 

Simple Installation And Use 

When you’re adopting new technology, it’s critical that the tools you’re implementing are easy to use or install. Devices that are focused on user experience mean that your fleet will embrace it rather than dread it. As well, when a new tool is easy to use, you’re more likely to see positive results from it as there are no excuses to not use it. 

Affordability 

While researching a product, it can sometimes be hard to not be discouraged by the price. However, when it comes to ELDs, you’re investing in the future of your business. Meaning, you aren’t only spending money to better your fleet, but often, the solutions will help you save money in the long run! 

Mobile-Friendly 

With technology advancing, it seems as though everything can and should be synced to smartphones. With that mindset and the ability for many solutions providers to do this, it’s critical to confirm that your ELD is mobile-friendly. Ensuring that your solution has smartphone connectivity will make it simple to use and easy to implement. 

Consistently Evolving 

In addition to ensuring that an electronic logging device can be used on any vehicle, it’s also important to confirm that the device is agile. Purchasing an ELD that is continually evolving will guarantee that no matter how regulations or business goals change, it will be a worthwhile investment.  

Leverage The Cloud

Using an ELD that is cloud-based will only benefit you as a fleet driver, owner, or manager as data can be accessed from anywhere. No longer will you need to wait for drivers to provide you with paper documents or wait until you’re provided access to files, everything can be obtained through the cloud. While remote access to data is a major advantage of using cloud-based ELDs, there are additional benefits;

  • Increased reliability as data is continuously backed up and stored, 
  • More reliability as there is no pairing process required,
  • Better battery life as power consumption can be reduced,
  • Better compatibility to various platforms such as Android and iOS, 
  • Easy document access so showing compliance is simple, 
  • And consistent coverage regardless of cellular coverage. 

Expandability 

It is critical that you are unlimited with the data you’re gathering from ELDs. With this said, expandability (or having unfiltered access to data) is a focus that many are unaware of until they need it! Being able to easily share data to third-party vendors or being able to use integrations through third-party solutions is a feature that needs to be highlighted as it can help make fleet management much easier! 

Customer Service 

When you’re using any service or buying any product, it’s important to do business with a company who aims to achieve positive customer interactions every time. If you forgo doing business with a customer-focused organization, you may run into problems in the future. With this being said, while you’re researching your next ELD, let us know. We always strive to ensure that our customers are happy not only with the solution they’re investing in, but the experience they’re having!

GoFleet Promo Offer Free Go Device and Harness with ELD SolutionWith the deadline to be ELD compliant quickly approaching, be sure to take advantage of our GoFleet Promotion that can save you hundreds today! 

 

 

 

Thank you Robin Kinsey, HOS/ELD Training Specialist for the valuable insight via Geotab.