Previously in this series: More states shift focus to hours-, ELD-related violations
Updated December 13, 2018 -- the central email address reported in this story is no longer functional for the purpose of requesting time to replace a malfunctioning electronic logging device, FMCSA noted. Follow this link for more up-to-date information on how to request extra time to repair or replace an ELD.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in late June broadened the options for carriers dealing with repairing or replacing an electronic logging device.
The agency created an email address that can be used by carriers needing to request an extension of the eight-day period allowed in the regulations for handling a malfunctioning ELD. In such an event, the affected driver can use paper logs for up to eight days, after which the carrier would need to request an extension for more time.
This FMCSA chart trumpets what the agency saw as the success of the ELD mandate in reducing the incidence of basic hours of service violations, excluding violations related to operations of ELDs and their predecessors, AOBRDs.To date, carriers have been instructed to send such requests through the FMCSA division office that covers the carrier’s home base. (49 Code of Federal Regulations 395.34 outlines copious driver and carrier responsibilities during an ELD malfunction.) Now, when requesting an extension, carriers can use the [email protected] address. FMCSA spokesman Duane DeBruyne says that email requests received still will be routed to the appropriate state division offices, and the state-based division administrator will determine whether to grant the extension.
DeBruyne also notes that, while the established route toward contacting the state division offices directly is still an option, the centralized email also should help FMCSA headquarters keep tabs on malfunctions. To date, only the One20 company’s F-ELD has been de-listed from the FMCSA registry of provider self-certified ELDs. The One20 device was revoked by its company itself.
DeBruyne adds to expect prompt relay of incoming messages to division offices.
Next in this series: Clean inspections account for a bigger share of checks; Updated state rankings for enforcement intensity
