FMCSA shifts on electronic logs, FHWA hears Concrete Bridge Council

From the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association … To provide federal, state and local motor carrier enforcement officials uniform information regarding computer software and devices heavy duty truck drivers use in recordkeeping, Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration has issued guidance indicating it will accept electronically generated hours of service record of duty status logs with electronic signatures.

Effective immediately, the guidance is a switch from 2011 when the agency indicated drivers could use logging software and hardware, but still had to print and sign their logs. FMCSA notes that such programs and devices are not the same as, nor can they be used in lieu of, automatic on-board recording devices. 

Separately, NRMCA Government Affairs and Engineering Services staff reported on the most recent National Concrete Bridge Council and Federal Highway Administration meeting, highlights from which included a discussion regarding how the National Bridge Inspection Standard is being revised by FHWA as a result of MAP-21. The FHWA develops and implements procedures to conduct reviews of state compliance with the standard, which was last changed in 2004.