FAST Act and ELD Requirement Updates

January 28, 2016

Author: Kaylee Ungs, Senior Account Manager

On December 4, 2015, the “FAST Act” was signed into law by President Obama.   This law was a long-time coming. It has taken over 10 years to get an act like this in place.  This  Act will allow State and Local Governments to move forward on critical transportation projects.  One of the main parts of this act is funding will increase 11% over the next five years.

The FAST Act is speeding up the permitting process while protecting environmental and historic treasures.  The Act also includes grants to fund critical transportation projects with local governments.

The FAST Act also acts as a 1 stop shop for state and local governments to receive funding for projects including making the permitting process more efficient.   One big part of the FAST Act is in respect to safety.  This act has allowed fines for non-compliant auto manufacturers to increase from $35 million to $105 million.

One of the last items within the FAST Act has to do with workforce training.  The FAST Act makes the training Oriented Development expenses eligible for funding under the highway and rail credit programs.

The requirement for electronic logging devices (ELDs) is still set to be a requirement for the end of December 2017.  There are many benefits for drivers that use the ELDs:

  • ELDs make it easier, simpler, and quicker to keep driver logs.
  • ELDs limit mistakes and reduce form and manner errors.
  • ELDs provide information to drivers and motor carriers so that drivers can better manage fatigue and schedule issues.
  • ELDs correctly record location and accurate information to easily track duty status.
  • ELDs are a good management tool and back office asset to improve productivity and enhance compliance.
  • With ELDs, there is less paperwork, and driver logs are orderly, clear, and accurate.

The FMCSA has also created checklists for carriers and drivers to help them with this transition. The important part for carriers is to make sure their drivers understand how to use the system.  A driver has to be able to use the system so if data is requested by a safety official they are able to produce the information.

 

About the Author:
???????????????????????????????????? Kaylee Ungs CRM, CIC, AAI
Senior Account Manager

I have been with Cottingham & Butler over 13 years. I have spent all of those years in the transportation department.

References:

  • FMSCA website
  • Transportation Gov websites