The United States' Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandated Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for most commercial fleets. This mandate impacts about three million drivers and will include Canadian and Mexican drivers on US roadways. This requirement insures drivers record Hours of Service Data (HOSD). The ruling will begin in two years. Carriers may install an Advanced Onboard Recording Device (AORD), that can be used for an additional two years. Some smartphones and other mobile devices may be used as a form of ELD.
The FMCSA estimates a $1billion net benefit from reduced paperwork as well as 26 lives and 1,844 crashes prevented per year.
This research will explore the impact of the ruling on major telematics firms and carriers. How can this mandate be the catalyst for differentiation and linkage to other enabled forms of driver monitoring and OTA? What is the financial benefit to them in the next two to four years? What are the privacy and security implications?