A final rule to mandate the use of electronic logging devices in the U.S. heavy transport industry has been sent to the White House’s office of management and budget (OMB) for final approval prior to federal publication on September 30.
It will also spell out serious consequences for any one entity such as a freight company or their agent knowingly using the devices to coerce or harass a driver into operating the vehicle illegally, such as operating outside of permitted log hours, and having to do so under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The rule, which will take effect in two years following its publication in the federal law register will require all truck drivers who are required to keep records of their duty status to use an electronic logging device.
According to U.S. website TruckersNews.Com the U.S. department of transportations’ federal motor carrier safety administration (FMCSA) sent the e-log rule to the OMB, along with a final rule that will implement stiffer penalties for carriers, shippers, brokers or others who coerce or pressure drivers to not abide by the federal safety limits on their working hours.
The FMCSA included several provisions to mitigate the devices potential by freight companies to harass their drivers.
The coercion rule will set in motion a system for drivers to file complaints with FMCSA over any claim of harassment or coercion.
As per the rule, carriers, shippers or brokers would face fines of up to U.S $11,000 for threatening drivers with a loss of work or other economic opportunities for refusing to operate a heavy truck under circumstances where those entities knew or should have known would require a driver to violate the FMCSA hour limited, drug and alcohol testing rules or hazmat regulations.
