Process Comparison of Hours of Service Recording for Commercial Vehicle Operations: Electronic versus Paper
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 139, Issue 3
Abstract
Technology provides the capability to automate the collection of commercial vehicle drivers’ hours of service (HOS), and this can potentially lead to fewer errors. This study compares the use of paper-based and automated (or electronically recorded) hours of service for three motor carriers using process analysis. Potential errors are categorized by operations within an information-based process, and results demonstrate that a reduction of errors can be achieved with an electronic system. The analysis shows that some of the errors that occur with paper-based systems (e.g., verification of accurate records) still exist with electronic recordings, and there are some additional minor errors. However, data collection, entry, and storage are improved, as the system requires fewer steps and less manual requirements within the process. The study provides a systematic and structured comparison of the two methods, highlighting the error types that occur in both. Policymakers can consider this comparison when making recommended revisions to HOS documentation procedures.
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Acknowledgments
This material is based on work supported by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation—Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under a grant agreement (Contract No. DTMC75-09-H-00013, dated Sept 29, 2009; COTR: Martin Walker, PM: Olu Ajayi). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the FMCSA and/or the U.S. DOT.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 139 • Issue 3 • March 2013
Pages: 266 - 272
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 30, 2011
Accepted: Sep 6, 2012
Published online: Feb 15, 2013
Published in print: Mar 1, 2013
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