An automatic onboarding recording device (AOBRD) is a piece of equipment that attaches to the engine of a vehicle and records a driver’s hours of service (HOS). It works similarly to an electronic logging device (ELD), however, it records and displays less data. An ELD, like an AOBRD, is a piece of hardware that links to a vehicle’s ECM in order to precisely record a driver’s HOS.
What is an automatic onboard recording device?
The primary goal of the automatic onboard recording system is to document the working hours that the driver spends behind the wheel. The gadget must have the appropriate functions for this. The equipment, like other electronic logging devices, is directly attached to the engine of a truck or other vehicle. In general, the AOBRD performs the same roles as more current car recording devices, although it is unable of displaying all data in sufficient depth.
It collects a variety of data that can be checked further by DOT inspectors. The date and time – when the motorist began driving — are among them. The AOBRD system also keeps track of engine hours. In addition, the automatic onboard recording system keeps track of the vehicle’s mileage. This indication is crucial not only because it is necessary during the DOT inspection. You can plan the next vehicle mechanical check-up using the truck’s mileage data. As a result, in the future, it will be possible to avoid unexpected breakdowns on the road as well as delays in the delivery of products. This, in turn, has a direct impact on earnings and client loyalty.
How is AOBRD different from ELD?
| CRITERIA | AOBRD | ELD |
| What does it record? | – Date and Time – Distance Covered – Active Engine Hours – Locations – Status of Duty | – Date and Time – Distance Covered – Active Engine Hours – Locations – Identifying driver information and vehicle information (duty status, log in and log out times, engine on and off, vehicle malfunctions) |
| Edit History | – Records edits and the person who makes it and when – Does not display edit history | – Records edits and the person who makes it and when – Displays edit history – All edits require annotation – Automatically recorded events cannot be edited |
| Driving Time | – Driving time can only be attributed in the case that the wrong unit is assigned to the wrong driver | – Driving timing cannot be changed |
| Location Records | – Can be added both manually and automatically – Each change in duty status requires location records | – Locations coordinates must be automatically captured |
What is the ELD mandate?
The ELD mandate is an FMCSA regulation that requires drivers of all commercial motor vehicles covered by its conditions to be fitted with electronic logging technology (ELD or AOBRD) by December 18, 2017.
An AOBRD performs some of the same activities as an ELD but may not meet all of the mandated ELD standards. Heavy truck drivers who used an AOBRD before the December 18, 2017 deadline are permitted a time extension, but they must upgrade or replace their AOBRD with a registered ELD by December 16, 2019.
This means that by December 16, 2019, all industrial motor vehicles operating in the United States that are bound by the ELD compliance must have a registered ELD in use by the driver.
How ELD is shaping the fleet industry?
Aside from assisting businesses in remaining compliant with federal rules, having an ELD deployed on fleet vehicles has other advantages. ELDs collect a wealth of useful information, including:
- Vehicle tracking is a vital element of a fleet manager’s work. It makes deploying and keeping track of everyday assignments and duties easier.
- Safety is critical to a company’s production and reputation. It is critical to ensure that drivers are not speeding in order to retain a company’s reputation.
- For fleet firms, fuel is a big expense. Keeping gasoline costs low is a huge benefit to any organization.
- Accidents are both expensive and time-consuming. Risky incidents can be tracked by ELDs, and if they occur frequently enough, fleet management can train the driver or re-evaluate the route.
- Vehicle health is critical to the longevity of a fleet’s most valuable asset: its cars. Knowing when a vehicle’s engine is having problems or requires maintenance is extremely useful for fleet management.
FAQ
Can you still use AOBRD?
No, as per FMCSA AOBRD devices are no longer in accordance with the law after December 16, 2019. Post that, both drivers and fleet managers were required to replace them with ELDS.
What are the ELD requirements?
- Professional drivers who are mandated to prepare hours-of-service (ELD HOS) records of duty status must utilize an ELD (RODS).
- Establishes ELD functionality and design criteria, as well as requiring ELDs to be approved and registered with the FMCSA.
- Determines which supporting papers drivers and carriers must keep.
- Bullying of drivers based on ELD data or corresponding is prohibited (such as fleet management system). The rule also gives drivers who believe they have been harassed remedies.
What is ELD & AOBRD mode?
An automatic onboarding recording device (AOBRD) is a piece of equipment that attaches to the engine of a vehicle and records a driver’s hours of service (HOS). It works similarly to an electronic logging device (ELD), however, it records and displays less data. An ELD, like an AOBRD, is a piece of hardware that links to a vehicle’s ECM in order to precisely record a driver’s HOS.
Can you edit drive time on ELD?
No, driving time cannot be edited on an ELD.
Do ELDs have to be mounted?
Yes. A portable ELD can be used by a driver. During commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operation, a portable ELD must be installed in a permanent position and viewable to the driver from a typical seated driving position.
When to make an ELD switch?
The original deadline of December 18, 2017, required cars that did not have an electronic logging device to begin utilizing ELDs to record Hours of Service, and the second and final deadline of December 16, 2019, requires all vehicles that are still on AOBRD to transition to ELD.