Senators introduce bill to require EOBRs

April 4, 2011
Late last week, U.S. Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) introduced legislation that would require electronic onboard recorders (EOBRs) on commercial trucks. According to a release from Pryor, the devices help enforce hours-of-service regulations, and the need for a uniform standard is the driving force behind the legislation

Late last week, U.S. Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) introduced legislation that would require electronic onboard recorders (EOBRs) on commercial trucks. According to a release from Pryor, the devices help enforce hours-of-service regulations, and the need for a uniform standard is the driving force behind the legislation.

“The trucking industry faces the constant balancing act of keeping fatigued drivers off the road while ensuring stores are full of merchandise,” Pryor said. “After several meetings with the trucking industry and Senate hearings on highway safety, I believe the most effective solution is to require the use of electronic on-board recorders. This legislation will ensure the entire industry puts safety and driver quality of life before profit.”

Under the legislation, the Commercial Driver Compliance Improvement Act, carriers and truck drivers would be required to install the devices in commercial vehicles. The Dept. of Transportation (DOT) would be required to issue regulations, setting design and performance standards for the devices, within 18 months of the bill’s passage.

“The use of electronic on board recorders is critical to the safe movement of goods on our nation's highways, ,” said Steve Williams, chairman & CEO, of carrier Maverick USA, in the news release issued by Pryor’s office. “I commend Senator Pryor for his continued commitment to safety and the re-introduction of this important legislation.”

According to a statement from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Assn. (OOIDA), the legislation does not accurately address the different aspects of a truck driver’s day, such as loading and unloading time.

“With all due respect to Sen. Pryor, EOBRs will not improve highway safety,” said Todd Spencer, executive vp of OOIDA. “However, they sure will cost small-business truckers their hard-earned money and their privacy. EOBRs are nothing more than over-priced record keepers lobbied by big business trucking companies to wipe out small business competition.”

Pryor and Alexander had proposed a similar bill last September.

At the end of January, DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) unveiled its long-awaited electronic onboard recorder (EOBR) rule. The regulation, which would go into effect three years following publication of the final rule, would mandate nearly all motor carriers install EOBRs to monitor drivers’ HOS.

FMCSA’s proposal would require any carrier that maintains Records of Duty Status (RODS) for HOS recordkeeping to use EOBRs.

About the Author

Brian Straight | Managing Editor

Brian joined Fleet Owner in May 2008 after spending nearly 14 years as sports editor and then managing editor of several daily newspapers.  He and his staff  won more than two dozen major writing and editing awards. Responsible for editing, editorial production functions and deadlines.

Sponsored Recommendations

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry at our April 16th webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive pay...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!