ELDs help drivers comply with HOS laws and provide valuable information for dispatchers to plan schedules and routes. This technology can also help lower fuel costs by identifying areas of inefficiency and enabling truckers to save money by choosing more efficient routes.
Reduced Paperwork:
Truck drivers who use an ELD device have less paperwork, as they no longer have to keep paper logbooks. This allows them to spend more time driving and gives them a better chance of passing a federal audit with reliable HOS data.
Fleet managers who use telematics ELDs can also gain valuable insights from the real-time data they receive. They can see idling and harsh events and coach drivers on being more efficient. This helps them reduce fuel costs, minimize risky behavior, and improve fleet productivity. When selecting an ELD system, looking for a solution easy for drivers and fleet managers is crucial.
Increased Efficiency:
In addition to eliminating significant paperwork, ELDs provide fleet managers with real-time visibility into their driver’s available hours. They also allow dispatchers to instantly view drivers’ HOS status and ETA from their in-cab device, eliminating the need for phone calls to track driver locations. This data can be used to manage fuel usage, improve maintenance plans, and even assist in planning customer service.
Additionally, several ELD devices include advanced features such as driver behavior monitoring, which can help fleets develop a safety culture within their operations. This can help reduce accidents and violations, contributing to higher insurance premiums and saving money in the long run. ELDs also make roadside inspections quicker since drivers no longer need to maintain paper logs.
Increased Safety:
ELD solutions help companies save money on paperwork and reduce the risk of expensive federal audits. They can also record accurate hours of service (HOS) data to ensure compliance with federal regulations and support company policies and procedures.
Many truck drivers report that ELDs have reduced their Hours of Service violations, especially form-and-manner issues like missing a field on a paper logbook. They also say they enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle on the road and that avoiding mental distractions is much easier with ELDs.
Additionally, some advanced ELDs offer more driver-centric features such as two-way communication, break-time alerts, and driver vehicle inspection reports that can eliminate the need for pre-and post-trip paperwork.
These tools can improve driver safety and increase efficiency by allowing fleet managers to monitor driver behavior and address any problems in real time, which can prevent accidents that lead to costly insurance premiums for companies.
Increased Revenue:
ELDs enable trucking companies to gain visibility into driver performance. This data helps fleet managers structure performance-based rewards systems to improve driver happiness and, thus, retention rates. Additionally, ELDs enable fleets to track vehicle maintenance issues and repairs in real-time, leading to faster roadside inspection completion and lower operational costs.
The ELD mandate requires drivers to record their service hours using electronic devices rather than paper logbooks. The rules are complex, and some truckers have struggled to stay compliant.
Many trucking companies are switching to telematics solutions to make their jobs easier. With a simple software interface, easy-to-install sensors, and automated IFTA reports, telematics can boost a trucking company’s bottom line by improving efficiency and driving revenue.
For example, some ELDs can help drivers manage fuel efficiency by tracking driving behavior and identifying the best routes to save on costly fuel.
