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FMCSA: Drivers may scan logs to make duplicate record of HOS

WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration posted a notice of regulatory guidance June 10, stating that all interstate drivers of commercial motor vehicles may change the way they prepare a duplicate copy of the record of duty status (RODS) for each 24-hour period.

“FMCSA has determined that the current requirement may be satisfied through the preparation of an original handwritten record, and a subsequent electronic submission to the motor carrier of a scanned image of the original record; the driver would retain the original while the carrier maintains the electronic scanned electronic image along with any supporting documents,” the agency stated in the notice of regulatory guidance and is effective immediately.

The change was brought about when FMCSA received an exemption application from a motor carrier requesting relief from the requirement to prepare RODS in duplicate. The motor carrier explained that it plans to implement a new approach for receiving and processing RODS.

Its drivers would complete their RODS and then electronically scan them at one of the carrier’s terminals or at a truck stop that offers the scanning service. The image would then be electronically transmitted to the motor carrier while the driver retains the original paper RODS.

Upon review the carrier’s application for an exemption, FMCSA found that no exemption was necessary, but reworded the existing regulations.

FMCSA stated that the submission of the original, handwritten scanned RODS to the employing motor carrier must be done within 13 days following the completion of the form, while the driver retains the original records for the current day and the previous seven consecutive days.

Motor carriers must maintain the scanned image of the signed RODS and all supporting documents for each driver for a period of six months form the date of receipt.           

Barb Kampbell of The Trucker staff can be reached to comment on this article at [email protected] .

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