Question:
The EOBR device must be capable of displaying or printing for enforcement officers the times of duty status changes and other required information. It must also store this information for the prior 7 days. An EOBR may be used without creating any paper copies of logs by transmitting the data electronically to the carrier, or it may be used to print copies of the logs that would be signed by the driver and mailed to the carrier.
Even 5 years ago, the vast majority of major trucking carriers relied on paper logs. But the DOT and FMCSA have begun a historic crackdown on enforcing and regulating, among other things, HOS rules. Violations now effect both the drivers record as well as the carriers safety rating. We are at a turning point where it now makes financial sense for trucking companies to switch over from using paper logs to EOBRs. These electronic recording devices are here to stay and will only grow in usage as time goes on. In fact, on January 31, 2011, the FMCSA proposed a rule that would require Electronic On-Board Recorders for interstate commercial truck and bus companies.
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