Editor’s Note: Motive customers currently operating in AOBRD mode can switch to ELD mode by December 2019 by changing one setting in the Motive Dashboard. No hardware replacement or software updates required.

The ELD mandate has been in effect for over seven months now. However, many carriers and owner-operators are still using AOBRDs instead of electronic logging devices (ELDs). According to the ELD mandate, a motor carrier that installed an AOBRD before December 18, 2017, can use it and stay compliant until December 16, 2019.

AOBRDs record less data and aren’t as restrictive as ELDs.

4 ways an AOBRD can make your life easier

1. Reclassify driving time

According to the ELD mandate regulations, fleet managers and drivers aren’t allowed to reclassify drive time. AOBRDs don’t have this restriction.

If you’re using the Motive ELD in AOBRD mode, you can reclassify drive time as personal conveyance or yard move at any time.

Learn more about the FMCSA personal conveyance rules.

2. Reassign driving time

AOBRDs allow fleet managers to reassign driving time to any driver at any time. ELDs don’t. According to ELD regulations, fleet managers can only reassign driving time to a co-driver.

3. AOBRDs are not subject to the output file requirement

The ELD mandate requires that drivers be able to transmit an output file to DOT inspectors during an inspection. The output file contains all the raw data from the vehicle, including unidentified trips. A DOT officer can view the output file to analyze the hours of service and ELD use.

Unlike electronic logging devices, AOBRDs are not subject to the output file requirements. Also, unidentified trips aren’t required to be resolved.

4. Drive at a higher speed without triggering drive time

The FMCSA requires that an ELD must create a driving event when a vehicle is traveling at 5 mph or more. However, the regulation for AOBRDs does not have a defined speed threshold.

The vehicle motion threshold determines the vehicle speed that puts your driver in drive time. For example, if you select 10 mph, your driver will enter the drive time status when the vehicle reaches 10 mph.

Motive customers can take advantage of the flexibility that the AOBRD regulation affords by selecting any speed between 5 mph and 15 mph to trigger a driving event.

The Motive solution

If you have questions about the Motive ELD/AOBRD solution, call 844-325-9230.