Since the mandated implementation of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) in December 2019, the trucking industry has largely – sometimes begrudgingly – accepted them and their role in managing Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. However, despite their intended use in preventing driver fatigue, a disturbing trend is emerging: the rise of “ghost” ELDs. These are falsified or tampered-with devices that undermine the very purpose of ELDs, posing significant safety and regulatory challenges.
What Are “Ghost” ELDs?
A “ghost” ELD refers to an electronic logging device that either falsifies data or is intentionally manipulated to create false logs. ELDs are required to accurately record driving time, rest periods, engine data, and driver activity. But with ghost ELDs, the data is either tampered with to show compliance when the driver is in violation, or the device itself is not connected to the engine as required. This creates the illusion of legal operation while allowing drivers or companies to bypass regulations.
Why Are They a Problem?
- Undermining Safety Regulations: The primary reason for the ELD mandate is to ensure drivers don’t work excessive hours, which could lead to fatigue, a factor in many accidents. When ghost ELDs are used, drivers can exceed their allowed hours without detection, putting themselves and others at risk. Fatigued driving significantly increases the likelihood of crashes, injuries, and fatalities. In this sense, ghost ELDs defeat the purpose of HOS regulations meant to protect public safety.
- Unfair Competition: Companies that comply with ELD regulations have to carefully manage driver hours and face the operational costs of keeping drivers within legal limits. However, those using ghost ELDs gain an unfair advantage by allowing drivers to work longer and cover more miles, which translates to lower costs and faster deliveries. This creates a distorted playing field where honest companies face a disadvantage while unscrupulous operators exploit the system.
- Legal and Financial Risks: Tampering with or falsifying ELD data is illegal and can lead to severe consequences for both drivers and carriers. Fines for violating ELD regulations can be steep, and companies caught using ghost ELDs risk even higher penalties. Moreover, in the event of an accident, falsified logs could expose companies and drivers to lawsuits, insurance complications, and potential criminal charges. Ghost ELDs can result in substantial financial losses due to fines, legal fees, and reputational damage.
- Eroding Trust in the System: The effectiveness of the ELD mandate relies on the assumption that the technology is accurately capturing driver activity and enforcing compliance. Widespread use of ghost ELDs threatens to erode trust in the system, not only among regulators but also within the industry itself. If ghost ELDs become more common, the integrity of the entire regulatory framework could be called into question, potentially leading to stricter enforcement measures and scrutiny.
Addressing the Issue
FMCSA appears to be poised to attempt to tackle the problem of ghost ELDs. Presently, the Agency relies on “self-certification” – basically the honor system for providers and carriers. (Canada, by contrast, requires ELD providers to be certified by an independent third party, offering a layer of security in their specifications.) In September 2022, however, FMCSA published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) requesting comments on a handful of ELD issues, including the question of whether a certification process should be established. According to the Spring 2024 Unified Agenda, the next step in the regulation-making process – a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) – is scheduled to be released in June 2025.
Industry awareness and training can also help curb the use of ghost ELDs. Drivers and companies need to understand the serious risks associated with non-compliance and be educated on how to properly and legally use ELDs.
As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for the industry to prioritize compliance and integrity, ensuring that ELDs serve their intended purpose of improving safety and transparency in the trucking industry.