Electronic Logging Devices – Enhancing Safety and Compliance on the Road

An ELD records commercial vehicle drivers’ duty status and service hours. Federations like the FMCSA have mandated their use in vehicles.

Most ELDs send data constantly (to fleet managers in the back office) and on a one-off basis during roadside inspections. Besides HOS compliance, robust ELD solutions come with many productive features.

Real-time GPS Tracking

ELD solutions make it easy for drivers to record driving hours, ensuring they get the required rest on the road. Electronic logging devices don’t allow drivers to falsify data unlike paper logs. This streamlines roadside DOT inspections and identifies the most talented and safety-conscious drivers, which can help improve business operations.

ELDs also reduce paperwork by automatically recording driver and vehicle statuses, allowing for easier IFTA reporting and fuel tax filing. According to the DOT, truck drivers could save up to 20 hours each year by switching to an ELD solution.

Moreover, GPS tracking allows fleet managers to monitor the location of vehicles and equipment. This ensures that valuable assets remain secure on the road and eliminates the risk of theft in logistics. In addition, real-time GPS tracking facilitates better planning of vehicle routes. This enhances efficiency, lowering operational costs and improving customer support. Lastly, GPS tracking systems can send alerts and notifications in case of an unauthorized incident.

Alerts

ELDs allow fleets to keep track of their drivers’ driving activities and help ensure that drivers comply with the federal regulations that stipulate a limited amount of time on the road. But only some ELD systems are made equally. Some require additional in-cab hardware that can be expensive, and others may lack real-time GPS tracking or provide limited editing capabilities.

A reliable ELD solution that delivers a broad range of data insights can improve productivity, safety, and sustainability for fleets in trucking, passenger transit, food and beverage, local government, and more. Some fleets report that they have gained a competitive edge thanks to the data provided by their ELD system—for instance, in the form of real-time vehicle locations shared with broker apps and ETAs supplied to customers. ELDs can also help reduce form-and-manner errors and stop renegade carriers from manipulating paper logs. To learn more about the benefits of an ELD, request a demo today.

Recording

ELDs are small onboard devices that automatically record truck drivers’ hours of service (HOS) activity. These devices replace traditional paper logbooks and help fleets comply with the ELD mandate set by the FMCSA.

Besides satisfying the HOS rule, ELDs offer fleet managers a wide range of additional features that boost business efficiency. For example, they can detect speeding violations, help drivers avoid idling issues, and prevent unnecessary fuel consumption. They can also track pre- and post-trip inspection reports.

In addition to recording vehicle operation data, ELDs transmit this information continuously via cellular or Bluetooth technology to fleet managers’ back office systems. They can also transfer this data one-off to the DOT during roadside inspections. Moreover, most ELD solutions provide tamper-proof and accurate HOS data. This prevents drivers from falsifying records or omitting any driving time. It also makes DOT inspectors’ jobs much more manageable.

Reporting

Fleet managers in trucking, passenger transit, local government, food and beverage, and other industries find ELDs crucial for compliance with FMCSA guidelines and offer many additional benefits for drivers and fleet owners alike. ELDs can record a wide range of data beyond driver logs and can send that information continuously to fleet managers back at home or on a one-off basis to the DOT during roadside inspections.

The FMCSA mandated using electronic logging devices in commercial vehicles in December 2015, replacing paper logbooks with more accurate and reliable systems. These systems synchronize with the vehicle’s engine to automatically record driving time records, location, and miles driven. These records can then be transmitted electronically, simplifying compliance and eliminating inaccuracies. Additionally, the information collected by an ELD can help identify driver fatigue and other safety risks. The result is safer roads and a more efficient operation for the trucking industry.