Category: Trucking News

Geotab, Garmin Offer ELD Bundle

Telematics provider Geotab has begun offering the Geotab Garmin ELD bundle, which it says is a driver-friendly and durable solution for ELD compliance that helps fleets improve productivity, increase driver safety, and strengthen compliance.

As part of the Geotab Cloud ELD solution, the Garmin ELD bundle offers a reliable platform for tracking, managing and sharing Records of Duty Status (RODS).

Helping enable fleets to strengthen compliance through HOS reporting, automatic duty status changes and alerts for driver violations, the Geotab Garmin ELD bundle also includes features to help businesses improve driver safety and maximize uptime.

The Geotab Garmin ELD bundle includes the Geotab Cloud ELD, Garmin Fleet 790 android tablet with Wi-Fi, HD dash camera, LTE connectivity, vehicle charger, and suction cup mount.

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ELD Mandate: 10 Things You Need to Know Before April 1

Printing is one of several ways e-logs can be presented to enforcement officials during roadside inspections. Photo: Continental VDO

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The long, divisive slog is over. This Sunday, April 1, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's electronic logging device mandate goes into full effect, requiring most commercial vehicles to have a compliant electronic logging device in the cab to track the driver's hours of service.

There has been resistance to the regulation, especially among drivers and owner-operators, and the ramp up to full implementation has been slow and fractured. There also was some confusion among drivers, fleets, and even enforcement officials about some points of the rule.

So, since the rule went into effect in December, violators have not been subject to being placed out of service or having the violation affect their CSA scores. But starting April 1, any driver operating a commercial vehicle without a compliant ELD or Automatic Onboard Recording Device will be subject to the full weight of the law if caught.

To help make sure you're ready, we pulled together some of the top things you need to know before Sunday...

1. Most motor carriers and drivers who use logbooks are now required to use ELDs

The ELD rule applies to most motor carriers and drivers current­ly required to maintain records of duty status (RODS) per Part 395, 49 CFR 395.8(a).

The rule allows limited exceptions, however, including:

  • Drivers who operate under the short-haul exceptions may contin­ue using timecards; they are not required to keep RODs and will not be required to use ELDs
  • Drivers who use paper logs for not more than eight days out of every 30-day period
  • Drivers operating a power unit that is part of a driveaway/tow­away shipment
  • Drivers who are driving or towing a recreational vehicle that is part of a driveaway/towaway shipment
  • Drivers who are operating vehicles with an engine model ...Read the rest of this story

How to Properly Maintain Heavy Haul Trailers

Heavy-haul trailers see it all — rocks, ruts, bumps and jolts. It all translates to an increased risk of damage and it is vital that trailers are maintained properly.

Troy Geisler, vice president of marketing and sales for Talbert Manufacturing, and Lloyd Hair, director of maintenance for Keen Transport, give their best tips for proper trailer maintenance.

Owners should always conduct a pre-trip inspection of the trailer and key wear parts before taking off with each load. This includes inspecting the frame, chains and straps for damage. Photos: Talbert Manufacturing">

1. What are the key areas drivers should regularly inspect on heavy-haul trailers?

Talbert: Owners should conduct a pre-trip inspection of the trailer and key wear parts before taking off with each load. This includes looking at the brakes as well as ensuring the tires are in good condition and properly inflated to the right p.s.i. Also, check hydraulic hoses for damage or cracks, which could cause the system to fail if a leak occurs. When it comes to detachable and rear-load models, maintaining proper hydraulic pressure is important to keep in mind regardless of whether the system is self-contained or a wet line. This ensures proper operation of the components and reduces potential for overheating or other issues caused by low hydraulic fluid.

In addition, walk around the trailer and inspect the frame, chains and straps for damage. Trailers see a lot of use and abuse, particularly in harsher weather conditions, so repairs or replacements could be needed sooner rather than later. Keeping an eye on these components and replacing any that begin to show wear will help keep your trailer ready when you need it.

Keen Transport: It's critical to establish a preventative maintenance program that includes lubrication intervals to prevent wear and ensure that the brakes and ...Read the rest of this story