Whether you’re looking for an ELD solution or just started shopping, this article is for you. We’ve gathered the best advice for successfully implementing ELDs in your fleet. These tips were taken from webinars hosted in partnership with CNTL and TYT Group.
Start searching now
Haven’t found an ELD solution yet? Don’t wait any longer to start searching. This is a critical first step. At the outset, you’ll want to set your requirements based on the size of your fleet, the type of operations, and your objectives. By assessing various solutions, you can choose what best suits your business to maximize your ROI.
Pick the best implementation time
Ideally, you want to plan your implementation during a less busy operational period so that your trucks and drivers are available. This will minimize the impact on your operations and give you more control over the installation and training process. Allow enough time to properly communicate the changes that will result from using ELDs. Drivers, dispatchers, fleet managers, and other managers need to understand how their work and that of their colleagues will be affected.
Keep in mind that implementing a solution can take several weeks (or months!). The more time you dedicate to the transition, the smoother the transition will be.
Set an implementation schedule
How long does an implementation take? This is a common question when talking about ELDs. The straight answer: it depends on several factors. Consider things like:
- Fleet size
- Number of terminals
- Amount of information to enter into the system (driver profile, trucks, trailers, etc.)
- Integration with dispatch software
- Integration with existing payroll or other software
- Staff training
- Unit installation
Although the answer to this question varies on a case-by-case basis, we wanted to provide you with a satisfactory answer and a practical example. The following is an overview of the time required for the major phases of CNTL’s implementation across a fleet of over 1,000 trucks.
As you can see, the procurement process takes the longest. Knowing your needs and the key features you’re looking for in a solution will help ensure your implementation is successful.
Be aware of the regulatory impact
Canadian ELD regulations don’t change hours of service but rather how these hours are logged and reported. When training your staff, remember to highlight these key changes, which will impact their work.
- Slow movement will be detected – Driving status will automatically be detected once a truck reaches 8 km/h.
- Drivers control any modifications – Although the driving status itself cannot be modified, the driver must always approve any other changes before they take effect.
- On-duty status after a brief stop – Canadian ELDs will be required to automatically return to an on-duty status after a six-minute stop, if the change is not made manually by the drivers.
- Yard Move feature – Drivers operating off a public road will need to activate the yard move status; otherwise, the ELD will log time in driving status. Yard move status will be automatically deactivated if the driver reaches 32 km/h.
- Unassigned driving segments – Every driving segment must be logged, even if someone else is operating the truck. Drivers will be asked to review unassigned driving segments when logging in and reject those that don’t belong to them.
Make the right decision
Making the right decision is easier said than done. Feel free to ask for references from other carriers who have already transitioned to ELDs. They can help you ask the right questions to suppliers. They can also share their experience and best tips. By talking to fleets that use ELDs, you’ll be able to see how things are in the field.
