ATA support EOBR mandate   

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) have stated their support for a federal proposal mandating that trucking companies use electronic logging devices to monitor driver compliance with the hours-of-service rule (ATA Press Release). The ATA supports both legislation requiring the electronic logging equipment and a rule proposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. "ATA has always been in favor of strong enforcement of safety rules and regulations. This new policy just underlines that support," Bill Graves, ATA president and chief executive officer, said April 7. The Truckload Carriers Association had already expressed support for the new federal initiative.

While ATA's new policy expresses support for an electronic logging mandate, ATA believes any regulation or law should also address several issues including: (1) Cost-effective device specifications allowing for accurate recording of driving hours; (2) data ownership and access in order to protect the privacy of fleets and drivers alike; and (3) relief from the current, significant burden of retaining additional supporting documentation.

Many carriers that already have adopted the technology report not only safety improvements but also productivity gains by better matching loads with drivers considering each driver's available hours.