ELDs allow fleets to automate paperwork, improve operational efficiency, and reduce costs. However, there’s a learning curve for operators and drivers.
A good ELD solution should be reliable and easy for truckers and managers. It should also have GPS tracking to help fleets stay on track and prevent theft or bad driving habits.
Increased Safety
Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) help truckers avoid driving beyond their legal hours and eliminate the need to complete paper logbooks manually. This improves safety by ensuring robust compliance with Hours of Service regulations, reducing driver fatigue, and eliminating errors due to illegible handwriting or inaccurate calculations.
E-logs also allow drivers to save about 4.5 minutes each day when they do not have to manually fill out their record of duty status (RODS). This may seem small, but these time savings add up over a year.
Additionally, most telematics-based ELD systems provide real-time GPS tracking to help fleet managers improve efficiency and safety in multiple business areas. For instance, less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers can use real-time GPS data to share vehicle locations with broker apps, earning more per load. Similarly, passenger transit fleets can use real-time GPS to provide customers with accurate, reliable ETAs. Other features in an ELD system can include preventing theft, scheduling preventive maintenance, and coaching drivers on safer driving habits.
Increased Efficiency
ELDs automate HOS, reducing compliance managers’ time reviewing logs and preparing for audits. Additionally, these devices record a wide range of informative data that goes far beyond HOS regulations—information that fleets use to boost efficiency, reduce operational costs, and increase profits.
Some of the best ELDs include GPS tracking to pinpoint the truck’s location, enabling dispatchers to assign loads and routes more efficiently. Robust reporting on the collected ELD data also helps identify areas for cost savings and productivity improvements.
It’s essential to evaluate the ease of use of an electronic logging device before making a purchase. Look for intuitive software that requires minimal training and is easy to use from the driver’s perspective. Also, ensure the solution is FMCSA-approved and has a transparent pricing model with no add-on fees.
Reduced Paperwork
Unlike paper logs, ELDs automatically record engine hours, vehicle movement, and GPS location. This reduces paperwork for drivers & compliance managers and eliminates errors from illegible handwriting or miscalculations.
Moreover, some ELD solutions offer real-time GPS tracking that can be shared with dispatchers & customers. Less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers and passenger transit fleets can use this data to communicate live ETAs with brokers, increasing load availability & earning potential.
When choosing an electronic logging device for your fleet, look for intuitive and easy software. Ensure that it can be used on smartphones and tablets so that drivers & compliance managers don’t need to train on a new system. Also, choose a solution offering the features you need at a competitive price.
Reduced Costs
ELDs automatically log drive time and HOS, fulfilling FMCSA requirements for commercial motor carriers. But they also record various other informative data and can streamline fleet management functions.
For example, most ELDs have built-in GPS devices to transmit real-time location information. This allows dispatchers to view vehicle locations at all times and create more efficient routes. They can also identify drivers who idle for too long, helping to reduce fuel costs.
Additionally, an ELD can help a fleet save money by eliminating manual paperwork and simplifying compliance. This translates into reduced liabilities and improved insurance rates that can improve the bottom line.
Choosing the right ELD system is critical for both fleet managers and drivers. Look for an FMCSA-approved device with simple, easy-to-use software that requires minimal training. Avoid add-on fees for features like GPS tracking or vehicle inspection reports, and choose a vendor that offers one monthly fee for all software features.
