ELD devices help prevent drowsy driving, enhance road safety and streamline fleet operations. Yet truckers still need to be divided on whether the technology is worth the hassle. Despite the controversy, many drivers find that implementing an ELD has tangible benefits. These devices can help fleets thrive in the modern marketplace, from expediting inspections to reducing maintenance costs.
Better Compliance
ELDs eliminate the burden of keeping track of paper logs and make it easy for truckers to comply with HOS regulations. They also prevent drivers from committing violations that can result in expensive federal fines. The best ELDs allow fleet managers to locate trucks via GPS and relay real-time tracking data. It helps them find better routes, reduce idling time, and manage vehicle maintenance with fault-code diagnostics. When selecting an ELD for trucking, it’s important to look for a device that is easy to install and operate. A plug-and-play solution will expedite installation and training for truckers. The system should also be easily upgradeable as your fleet grows. This way, you can get the most out of your investment. It’s a win for your company and the driver alike.
Improved Safety
Truck drivers can better adhere to Hours of Service rules and lessen driver fatigue using ELDs. They also make roadside inspections faster and easier by eliminating the need for drivers to keep paper logs of their driving time. Dispatchers can access driver locations and ETAs from an ELD without calling the drivers or distracting them by checking their phones. Fleet managers can also use an ELD’s robust reporting to monitor fuel usage, idling and vehicle utilization. Some experienced truck drivers resent the intrusion of an ELD and feel that it limits their professional judgment. But overall, most truckers see improved safety as a benefit of the mandate.
Reduced Fuel Consumption
ELDs automate HOS and eliminate manual recording errors, which enables truckers to drive more efficiently. With fewer record-keeping errors, drivers can save up to 20 hours per week on average.
Additionally, built-in GPS tracking gives dispatchers real-time driver locations and ETAs, so they don’t need to call drivers to get this information. It also cuts down on distractions and helps fleet managers prioritize safety. Finally, ELDs streamline inspections and audits, making them faster for drivers and compliance managers. Authorities can quickly access electronic records, expediting checks and allowing trucks to get back on the road. It can also reduce the need for phone calls between fleet managers and drivers during inspections, reducing costs for both parties. Embrace the ELD mandate confidently; you’ll see these benefits in action.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
In addition to streamlining DOT inspections, ELD systems allow companies to reduce maintenance costs. A good plan can track engine fault codes and inform fleet managers when to schedule a repair. It prevents unnecessary sidelining of trucks, which can increase operating costs and lead to missed deliveries. Trucking companies that have invested in ELDs can also benefit from reduced insurance rates due to improved fleet safety. The systems can detect speeding, frequent braking and excessive acceleration – all contributing to higher insurance premiums for non-compliant vehicles. With ELDs in place, dispatchers, office personnel, and fleet managers have real-time visibility into drivers’ available hours to avoid violations. It makes it easier to assign delivery routes that will not compromise a driver’s compliance status.
Improved Customer Service
In addition to saving time on paperwork, fleet managers can use ELDs to quickly run actionable reports that provide valuable insight into a driver’s performance. These reports can help trucking companies identify bad driving behaviors and take corrective action to keep their drivers safe and their fleets compliant. Dispatchers can also benefit from built-in GPS tracking that allows them to easily access the location and status of vehicles in transit without calling the driver. It makes dispatching and routing much easier, especially for time-sensitive incentives. Communicate your company’s ELD mandate plans with your drivers well in advance, and be prepared to answer questions. By providing reliable information about the benefits of ELDs, you can help your drivers accept and embrace the technology.
