Even before the driver-dreaded ELD mandate and enforcement of electronic logs, there was a trepidatious period of time in which drivers were either scared to death of what was the unknown world of satellite tracking and monitoring, or brazenly naïve as to how damaging an unkempt HOS (Hours of Service) logbook could be in determining their next trucking employer.

Where We Once Were

It used to be fairly commonplace that commercial drivers were revered as the rulers of the road. Four wheeled vehicles, and their operators, weren’t brave enough to get in the way of a roaring semi. And truckers were simply honest-living folks who were on a mission to deliver their goods, as well as garner a paycheck.

Were there some drivers who were willing to take advantage of looser driving restrictions, back in the day, in an effort to increase their ability to pump up their wages? Sure. But were there also those who would be happy to haul freight across the country and do so by abiding to the laws of the land? Also, yes.

However, as time sped onward, it was uncovered that the ability to drastically increase ones earning potential became evermore noticeable if truckers were willing to take matters into their own hands. That often meant a rise in hours-of-service violations due to drivers carrying multiple logbooks in their trucks, fudging the numbers, and producing cross-country treks that would make Superman jealous.

Hence, the further involvement of the FMCSA and what many trucking veterans refer to as the over-regulation of the industry. Electronic logs.

The Future is Now

Since December 2017, the ELD mandate has been in effect. In that timeframe, companies have found that driver HOS violations have dropped considerably. However, some ramifications of the mandate have shown increases in accidents and unsafe driving citations. Many of these obstacles can certainly be avoided, but not all blame should be levied at the ones behind the wheel.

Trucking companies, especially their dispatch and operations liaisons, often encourage drivers to take additional risks in the name of faster freight delivery. Drivers often feel added pressure to over-perform when it comes to driving faster, or even more recklessly, just to try and shave off a few minutes from their clock here and there.

Do not fall into this trap.

The possibility of getting involved in an accident, or being cited for unsafe operation, speeding, or improper lane usage, will only threaten a driver’s livelihood in the long run. Once a multitude of violations have been levied on a DAC history or PSP, it’s difficult for a driver to dispute them, or even back up their claims that it may not have been entirely their fault. It’s a losing battle.

Our terrific community of truck drivers deserves better. They put their necks on the line each and every time they punch “available” into their ELDs. It’s their lives, income, and the lives of countless others which are negatively affected the most. Fair or unfair, driving performance is something truckers should always be aware of.

So, keep on truckin’ and give it your best every day. The way you carry yourself and how well you perform on the road will eventually outweigh that one load you passed up on because you didn’t feel you could safely complete the trip. Be smart about your current driving situation, because you never know when it may affect your future.