Landstar going to EOBR's

[Heavy Duty]

Starting in October new hires and BCO's that have a history of log violations will get EOBR's, the rest of the fleet will receive them over time, no time line set.
No idea of the cost or which system.

[tracer]

Starting in October new hires and BCO's that have a history of log violations will get EOBR's, the rest of the fleet will receive them over time, no time line set.
No idea of the cost or which system.

They are still working on selecting the best make and model. A while back I volunteered to test an elog, and they called me last week offering to test one particular system they're interested in. I have to keep it for 30 days while maintaining the regular log (2 logs!). They said they're keen to see how this system handles switching from US to Canadian rules where you go over a border bridge I"m still waiting to hear from them - they said they'd tell me when they've received the system and which service center I have to go to to get it installed for free.

[RostyC]

I'll have to lease on the rates should be skyrocketing soon.

[chris1]

I was thinking of putting them in my trucks to get better rates also.

[tracer]

I was thinking of putting them in my trucks to get better rates also.

How are EOBRs connected to rates?

[chris1]

It was a joke.

[Heavy Duty]

Everyone will have them in a few years, and the highways will be safer. At least thats what the goverment thinks.

[tracer]

Everyone will have them in a few years, and the highways will be safer. At least thats what the goverment thinks.

Actually, they are not that bad. The only problem is it takes awhile for the cops to get used to the driver not having anything on paper. A few guys from my previous company got tickets in CANADA, despite the assurances of the Safety Dept who said they had an agreement in place with the MTO (Ontario DOT). I got stopped twiice in New Brunswick and was lucky to get a verbal warning only: "Don't come back here with a paperless log. They are not legal here!"

With so many more jurisdictions (states) in USA, I gurantee - if they make it compulsory - it will be a huge huge HUGE mess and a lot of drivers will get tickets, which will add to CSA points and you know what happens when you have too many CSA points.

[Steel Horse Cowboy]

SNI uses the Qualcomm MCP200 and it worked without a flaw for me when i was there. I really liked the system, and I don't run over my hours anyways. Tho I always picked drop-n-hooks.

Where it is going to hurt is those of you who load/unload at shippers. And the cold storage and grocery guys might as well quit and go to something else cuz I remember sitting for 5-7hrs at those ****holes!

[Copperhead]

I have been using the Qualcomm MCP200 in my tractor as well. I kinda like it also. I will have to agree with your statement about the docks. I saw this junk coming for several years and adjusted my operation so that I avoid most grocery warehouses, big box stores, automotive, etc. Starting in '99, I shifted my operation to a 600 mile radius of the house (will occasionally bounce out further). Most of my stuff now is bulk commodities, point to point same company stuff, dry box stuff, and usually set up by appt with minimal wait time unloading or loading. Do some drop and hook as well which helps. Occasional broker stuff, but it has to go back to one of my main customers or near them. Working around an EOBR is not that big of a deal for me. Still get home on weekends and do a 34 reset.

No doubt about it, the 'ol days of just running freight anywhere and whereever is going to be a real problem with the new FMCSA proposal and possible mandates of EOBR. Would be a wise move for many to try and centralize their operation as best they can. It will reduce sit times, large deadheads, and new compliance problems. Makes my maintenance routines easier and a little cheaper by dealing with same parts suppliers and shops. This has to be the only time in my life I actually read the tea leaves right and saw what was coming. A little dumb luck helped also.

[steffenp23]

They are still working on selecting the best make and model. A while back I volunteered to test an elog, and they called me last week offering to test one particular system they're interested in. I have to keep it for 30 days while maintaining the regular log (2 logs!). They said they're keen to see how this system handles switching from US to Canadian rules where you go over a border bridge I"m still waiting to hear from them - they said they'd tell me when they've received the system and which service center I have to go to to get it installed for free.

The Qualcomm's are good, but they are too expensive in my opinion. I had to try to find a lower cost solution that did relatively the same thing as the qualcomm/peoplenet/Xata systems. I found this small company called NavStar Technologies, their NSTRAK EOBR , similar functionality and price is less than $1,000 to buy each unit outright. I'll probably go with them cause I can finance the original purchase with Riviera Finance. Cash flow is tight, this option will help alot.

[LBF]

EOBR's and rates are connected by way of having proof the shipper or receiver held up the truck for longer than their contracted allowance. Whoever sends out the invoice will include a surcharge for holding up the truck.

Not saying the driver ever sees the cash, but there are a growing number of fleets successfully collecting these charges.