ELDs are essential tools for transportation companies. They allow you to comply with federal regulations while protecting your drivers, your equipment, and your cargo. Learn more about these devices.
How do ELDs work?
ELDs sync with the vehicle’s engine and automatically record data when the truck, car, or van is in motion. ELDs can collect a variety of engine data points, including engine power, vehicle motion, miles driven, and engine hours. Not only does this help companies and regulators accurately track how many hours drivers work, but the data can evaluate the quality and safety of the driving as well. Modern ELDs also have GPS tracking to monitor exactly where the driver is and has been.
If you use fleet management software within your organization, your ELDs can integrate with these tools for easier monitoring and clearer data analysis. For example, you can check your fleet management interface to see how many hours your drivers have driven, preventing you from overscheduling and breaking hours of service regulations.
Other tools within your fleet management system can help you manage your drivers. For example, if an ELD picks up on strange driving behavior, you can check your built-in cameras to see what they are doing. This can help you see if your driver is stuck, in an accident, or engaging in unsafe road actions.
Benefits of using an ELD
ELDs provide countless benefits to drivers, employers, and fellow passengers on the road. Not only do ELDs make data collection easier, but they make driving hours more transparent than ever. Here are a few reasons to love ELDs.
- They eliminate paperwork: Drivers and companies no longer need to manually document HOS. This saves time and reduces administrative tasks for everyone involved.
- The information is more accurate: Drivers cannot adjust their numbers so they can keep working, potentially creating unsafe road environments. This also prevents companies from overworking employees.
- Data is collected in real-time: ELDs automatically record information so employers can keep an eye on drivers. They can also intervene if drivers are unsafe or acting irresponsibly.
- They help companies save money: Businesses with fleets have several opportunities to increase profitability with ELDs. This technology can reduce non-compliance fines and insurance costs because of reduced accidents. They also improve fuel efficiency because drivers aren’t speeding or making hard stops. Finally, ELDs with fleet management tools can help companies choose more efficient routes.
Aggressive driving can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 30% at highway speeds. Aggressive driving also increases the chances of drivers getting into accidents. Not only will ELDs help you keep up with compliance regulations, but they will make sure your drivers are safe behind the wheel, protecting themselves and anyone else on the road.
ELDs in trucking
Companies in the trucking industry are legally required to use ELDs, but this technology varies significantly. Some companies use simple recording devices to meet minimum requirements, while others invest in driver-friendly ELDs that empower employees behind the wheel.
Here are a few useful features that can help drivers maximize efficiency and safety through ELD technology:
- Follow loading and safety checklists: ELDs with effective interfaces can prepare drivers to get behind the wheel. They can run basic safety checks to make sure vehicles are in good working order.
- Receive immediate feedback on performance: ELDs can let drivers know if they are acting safely. They can receive clear scores on their driving with advice for reducing hard braking or maintaining fuel efficiency.
- Stay connected with home base: Drivers can easily reach out to dispatchers if they have any problems. Dispatchers can look at ELD data to better understand the situation. Communication has never been easier.
- Keep all the necessary information in one place: Drivers can operate through a single app instead of logging relevant information in several places. This also makes fleet management easier for your team because all of your data is connected.
Effective fleet management tools are also designed to minimize screen taps. This allows drivers to get on the road faster and experience fewer screen-based distractions while driving. These tools are designed with your drivers in mind.
ELD compliance and regulations
As of February 2016, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established standards for using ELDs. Drivers who are required to track their HOS and submit records of duty status (RODS) need to use ELDs. Drivers were required to comply with these regulations as of December 2017.
Not only do ELDs keep drivers safe, but they also ensure drivers follow these federal regulations. Some of the most common compliance issues include:
- False RODS;
- No record of duty;
- Incomplete logs;
- ELD records not transferred electronically;
- Driver status not current;
- Portable ELD not mounted to a fixed position that is visible to the driver;
- Driver failed to certify the accuracy of ELD records.
These issues range from minor paperwork problems to serious infractions in tracking. This means the penalties for these issues also vary. A small infraction, like a driver forgetting to certify the accuracy of the information, could have a fine of a few hundred dollars. However, fines can reach into the thousands and tens of thousands of dollars for major issues with ELD recording.
You can protect your company and your drivers from steep fines by using reliable fleet management ELD software that automatically records and saves data.
Companies often install ELDs because they have to follow federal regulations for HOS and RODS. However, these tools can help you monitor drivers in real time through your fleet management software. You can make sure your employees are safe and making smart decisions behind the wheel. The financial savings in fuel, reduced fines, and fewer accidents are well worth the investment.
