ELDs record and transmit a wide range of data, including driver logs, fuel usage, vehicle locations, etc. They’re a powerful tool that provides fleets with insights to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
For non-exempt drivers, ELDs are now a requirement under the FMCSA’s ELD mandate. But what are the actual costs and benefits of ELDs?
Real-time Data Collection
ELDs automatically record and store driver hours of service (HOS) data in real-time, ensuring compliance with HOS regulations and preventing drivers from manipulating paper logs. This tamper-proof data is also easily transmitted to the DOT during roadside inspections, saving fleet managers and drivers significant time and effort.
Choosing the right ELD solution for your business is crucial. While the FMCSA lists self-certified devices, not all ELDs are created equal. Some require extra in-cab hardware, while others don’t include real-time GPS tracking or eDVIRs. Some also charge a monthly software fee on top of the device hardware, professional installation, and one-time hardware purchase price.
FMCSA-approved ELD provides the best value for your money with features that help you improve productivity, safety, and efficiency—including idling alerts, harsh driving event reports, preventative maintenance schedules and more. Start your free trial of our all-in-one ELD to experience the difference.
Data Transmittal
The ELD mandate requires truck drivers to use approved electronic logging devices to track their hours of service. These devices display the driver’s record of duty status (RODS) in simple graphics, making them easier to read than paper logbooks. They also transmit the RODS to an inspector via Bluetooth, USB, or telematics.
Using an ELD can be a lifesaver during DOT inspections and for avoiding fines for non-compliance with HOS regulations. The technology is also a valuable tool for fleet managers who want to know the location of their vehicles in real-time.
While some fleet managers and truckers consider ELDs a burden or an invasion of privacy, these devices have many benefits. Advanced telematics solutions can do much more than fulfill the FMCSA’s ELD rule; they are essential tools for compliance and safety in the trucking industry. Choosing the right ELD can save time, improve efficiency and increase ROI for your trucking business.
Safety Alerts
Unlike traditional paper logbooks, ELDs can record data instantly and automatically, making it easy to view and audit. This real-time data allows drivers to stay compliant while improving fleet efficiency and reducing the time needed for administrative tasks.
The gyroscopes and accelerometers built into most ELD devices detect trigger events such as speeding, harsh braking, and idling, which can alert drivers of their driving habits and improve safety on the road. In addition, tracking truck and load locations in real-time allows shippers to make better decisions about haul routes and vehicle utilization.
Ease of Implementation
While the hardware, installation, subscription fee, and training costs associated with ELD implantation may seem hefty initially, the benefits of implementing this technology far outweigh any upfront expenses. In the long run, trucking companies and drivers can minimize fuel waste, lower commercial insurance premiums, improve route management, assist with vehicle diagnostics, and increase overall safety on the road.
While most trucking companies and drivers use their ELDs to comply with the FMCSA’s ELD mandate, these devices can record a much more comprehensive range of informative data beyond driver logs. Fleets in freight, passenger transit, food and beverage, local government, construction, and other industries find that their ELD solutions are the backbone of their comprehensive fleet management systems.
Unlike paper logbooks, which are often neglected or falsified, ELDs are hardwired to the trucks and cannot be altered, ensuring compliance and accuracy. They can also track driving hours, engine hours, and vehicle movement and provide real-time DVIRs.
