Some fleets will now be able to use KeepTruckin ELDs to take advantage of the greater flexibility AOBRDs offer when it comes to driving mode and how much speed it takes to trigger it.
KeepTruckin has introduced a new AOBRD Vehicle Motion Threshold feature for customers using its ELD hardware. This will allow fleet managers to set the driving mode trigger anywhere between 5 mph and 15 mph for AOBRD-compliant vehicles.
AOBRD, or automatic onboard recording device, regulations are not as strict as ELD regulations, which require the device to switch into driving mode at 5 mph. In order to be considered AOBRD-compliant, fleets must have deployed the devices before the ELD mandate took effect in December 2017.
The motor carriers that installed AOBRDs and required their drivers to use them before December 18, 2017 are considered “grandfathered in” and have been able to continue using AOBRDs. They are allowed to continue using these devices until December 16, 2019, after which they will be required to adopt ELDs.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association recently interpreted this rule to mean that grandfathered in fleets can use AOBRD software on devices installed after December 2017, so long as they were using an AOBRD when the ELD mandate took effect.
This new interpretation allows fleets to update to new ELDs that also run AOBRD software. That is where KeepTruckin’s new feature comes into play.
Fleets will now be able to switch to KeepTruckin without losing the freedom associated with AOBRD mode and then switch to ELD mode when required without purchasing new hardware.
“The KeepTruckin platform was designed to support the seamless transition between AOBRD and ELD mode that the FMCSA regulation requires,” a media release from KeepTruckin reads. “KeepTruckin customers currently operating in AOBRD mode can switch to ELD mode in December 2019 by simply changing one setting in the KeepTruckin Dashboard–no hardware replacement or software updates required.”
AOBRD mode is particularly useful during yard moves and when switching parking spots, according to the KeepTruckin blog.
If a driver is operating in ELD mode and fails to manually select “yard move,” the device will switch into driving mode if the vehicle goes over 5 mph. This could cut into allowed driving time.
“Our new AOBRD Vehicle Motion Threshold feature is a testament to our continued advocacy on behalf of drivers and carriers,” Shoaib Makani, co-founder and CEO of KeepTruckin, said. “We are constantly improving our product to drive safety and efficiency while ensuring compliance with FMCSA regulations.”
The new feature has proved popular, according to KeepTruckin Head of Regulatory Affairs Travis Baskin.
“AOBRDs have been in the field for a number of years and provided a substantial amount of flexibility to the fleets that have adopted them prior to the deadline,” Baskin said. “It is important to us that our customers can enjoy the full functionality these devices offer.”
Baskin said some fleets running AOBRDs should consider switching to KeepTruckin sooner rather than later.
“I really do believe we are the most accessible solution,” Baskin said. “We’ve got a very affordable device that functions appropriately, is very reliable and offers a considerable amount of flexibility in modality.”
An early move to KeepTruckin could not only give fleets access to different functions, it could also offer protection in the event that their current provider closes up shop, according to Baskin.
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