Truckers take to Twitter to vent about ELDs

Truck drivers around the country have circled Dec. 18 on their calendars. That's the day the federal government's ELD (electronic logging device) mandate takes effect. Once the rule kicks in, virtually all trucks built after the year 2000 will be required to have electronic logging devices onboard to comply with the government's driver hours-of-service (HOS) regulations.

While most large trucking fleets have already installed ELDs in their vehicles, many independent drivers have been hanging back while they wait to see how a legal challenge mounted by a coalition of business groups plays out. In the meantime, some of those independent drivers have taken to a new arena to protest the regulation, posting their concerns on the social media platform Twitter. For a sample of these reactions—including stories of drivers who are threatening to quit the business if the mandate goes into effect—search Twitter for the hashtag #eldorme—pronounced "ELD or me."

Other Twitter users are having a little fun with the topic, posting sarcastic comments on the Twitter account @badtruckadvice. Some of the "bad truck advice" offered includes:

Need to get a little extra driving done but have an ELD? Put your hat over it. If it can't see it won't know. #BadTruckerAdvice

— @badtruckadvice (@badtruckadvice) September 23, 2017

I bought a second ELD so I can roll twice as long. ????#BadTruckerAdvice

— @badtruckadvice (@badtruckadvice) October 2, 2017

Save money and time! If you unload your trailer in PJs, it counts towards an 8hr break and saves you costly lumper fees! ????#BadTruckerAdvice

— @badtruckadvice (@badtruckadvice) September 22, 2017

Don't forget to subtract or add an hour to your HOS when crossing a time zone. ????#BadTruckerAdvice

— @badtruckadvice (@badtruckadvice) October 21, 2017