Washington, D.C. — On May 21, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced that Blue Star ELD and ELD Mandate Plus have been removed from its approved electronic logging device list.
The move means every carrier and driver using those devices must immediately cease their use and revert to paper logs or alternative software for recording hours of service until a compliant ELD is installed. FMCSA requires the replacement of the delisted devices by July 20, 2024.
In a broader sweep, 24 other ELDs that were revoked earlier in the year remain unlisted. FMCSA cited a general failure to meet the minimum regulatory requirements but did not disclose specific technical shortcomings. Ratan Baid, CEO of ELD Mandate, said the company will address the deficiencies to regain compliance, while Blue Star ELD has yet to comment on its next steps.
What This Means for Drivers
CDL‑A holders and owner‑operators who rely on the removed devices will need to switch to paper logs or another approved logging system within 60 days. Failure to do so before July 20 can lead to citations and out‑of‑service orders. Fleet managers must audit their equipment inventory and plan rapid replacements to avoid disruptions to OTR truck driver schedules. Truck driver jobs and trucking companies hiring now must consider the impact of this transition on their compliance budgets.
Industry Reaction
Carriers across the nation are scrambling to identify alternative ELD solutions that meet FMCSA regulations. Many fleet operators fear costly downtime and potential penalties if they cannot meet the July 20 deadline. The industry watches closely as FMCSA continues to enforce stricter compliance standards.
Key Points
- Blue Star ELD and ELD Mandate Plus removed from FMCSA’s approved list on May 21.
- Carriers must replace delisted devices with approved ELDs by July 20.
- 24 other revoked ELDs remain unlisted despite earlier removal.
- FMCSA will not penalize drivers during the 60‑day transition but will enforce citations after the deadline.
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