ELDs have become a necessary part of most fleet operations. Whether you’re considering switching to an ELD system or just starting your fleet journey, it’s important to understand the basic principles of these FMCSA-approved devices.
ELDs digitally record a driver’s record of duty status (RODS), replacing paper logbooks. They help truck drivers and fleet managers keep in compliance with HOS rules and manage fleet operations.
What is an ELD?
An ELD, or electronic logging device, is DOT-certified hardware connecting to the vehicle’s engine to record a driver’s driving hours and duty status. It improves compliance with the hours-of-service rules and simplifies log-keeping for drivers.
ELDs can track driving time, sleeper berth time, and on-duty not driving time; they can also display a driver’s current location in latitude/longitude coordinates and show the vehicle engine hours. Drivers and authorized carrier staff can edit these data points, called annotations, but any changes must include a note explaining the reason for the change (or else the edit is considered a violation).
In addition to eliminating paper logs, one of the most significant benefits of ELDs is that they help drivers stay alert while on the road. In the worst-case scenario, driver fatigue can lead to accidents and fatalities that put everyone at risk. With proper rest and training, fleets can increase safety and ensure that their drivers are well-rested for each day on the road.
Regarding the ELD mandate, the primary goal is to ensure that drivers are not exceeding HOS limits by ensuring they have enough time off duty before driving again. However, ELDs do much more than that. They provide a range of informative data that can benefit fleets in many ways, including improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Fleets in trucking, passenger transit, food and beverage, local government, construction, and other industries find that ELDs are integral to their fleet management system. In addition to ensuring compliance with the ELD mandate, they can use real-time location data as a competitive advantage, for example, by sharing their vehicle locations in broker apps or giving customers live ETAs.
As a result, an all-in-one ELD solution like Samsara can help fleets remain compliant and maximize their productivity on the road. Samsara’s FMCSA-approved hardware, mobile app, and cellular connection work together to automate all your logging needs while improving fleet efficiency and safety. To learn more, request a free trial today.
How do ELDs work?
ELDs automatically record driving time and hours of on-duty and off-duty status, helping drivers and trucking companies comply with Hours-of-Service regulations. They connect to the vehicle engine to record movement data and can be connected to a tablet in the driver’s cab, where they can edit and annotate their HOS logs. The information is also pushed to a fleet management system, where office and dispatch staff can view reports and run compliant routes.
The FMCSA enforces the ELD mandate by publishing the necessary information, educating manufacturers, carriers, and drivers on how to stay compliant, and training enforcement officers to request and review HOS data. They are even helping to standardize electronic logs by working with industry and certifying devices. MiX’s ELD solution is certified by the FMCSA and used by many carriers to manage compliance risk.
While implementing new technology can be daunting for trucking businesses, the truth is that ELDs make your business more efficient and safer. You can improve productivity across your fleet by reducing the time and effort involved in logging driving hours. By reducing the number of violations your drivers commit, you can increase the amount of money you make on each load.
In addition, ELDs can help you save on fuel costs by ensuring your drivers aren’t idling for too long. They can also reduce the number of miles you drive, which cuts down on expenses and environmental impact. And for smaller fleets, implementing an ELD can allow you to take on more work as your capacity increases.
As a result, it’s important to understand how ELDs work and how they benefit your business before making the decision to implement them in your fleet.
Using an FMCSA-approved ELD like Samsara can make your fleet more productive, protect your business from costly federal audits, and give you a competitive advantage. For more information on how Samsara’s ELD solutions can help your fleet, check out our case studies or request a free demo today! We’ll show you how our software can streamline your operations and increase efficiency, safety, and profitability.
What are the benefits of ELDs?
One of the most obvious benefits of ELDs is that they can save truck drivers a lot of time. Paper logs must be filled out by hand and faxed at fuel stops, a tedious and expensive process that can take a big chunk out of a driver’s day. With an ELD, however, all a driver has to do is press a button to change their duty status, and the device automatically records it for them. This can help them avoid CSA violations and other costly driving-related mistakes that often result in higher insurance premiums for the trucking company.
In addition to saving time, ELDs can also improve productivity. They can help reduce driver fatigue by ensuring that drivers are getting enough rest between shifts. They can also make it easier for dispatchers to track drivers’ locations and ETAs, preventing unnecessary phone calls and ensuring that on-time deliveries are made.
Another benefit of using ELDs is that they can provide a more accurate picture of a vehicle’s condition. The data that the ELD collects can be used to detect engine faults and determine whether the vehicle is in need of maintenance. This can help fleet managers better manage their resources and keep their trucks in good shape.
Lastly, ELDs can also help fleets save money by reducing their operating costs. By reducing the number of manual tasks that need to be completed by employees, ELDs can help reduce the cost of labor and equipment. This can help increase profitability and make it easier for fleets to break even or profit.
With the many benefits ELDs can offer, it’s no wonder they’re quickly becoming a mandatory part of the transportation industry. While they can seem expensive initially, the efficiencies they can bring to a fleet far outweigh the initial investment. So, if you’re thinking about buying ELDs for your fleet, don’t hesitate! The investment will pay off in the long run.
What are the disadvantages of ELDs?
ELDs have been met with both praise and criticism from truckers and the general public since the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mandated their use. While there are many myths that surround the devices, the fact is that they do make driving safer and help fleets reduce their reliance on paperwork.
The main disadvantage of ELDs is that they can be expensive. Fleets must invest in the hardware and software that makes them work, which can add up quickly. However, there are a few ways that companies can mitigate the cost of ELDs. First, they can consider purchasing ELDs that are compatible with their current telematics systems. This can cut down on the upfront costs by allowing them to use the hardware they already own.
Another way to reduce the cost of ELDs is to look for a system that includes features beyond just logging hours. For example, some systems also offer GPS tracking. This can be a great way for fleets to track their trucks, but it can also increase the cost by adding a data plan for each device and an extra subscription for the ELD software. Finally, fleets should remember that not all ELD systems are equal. Some have additional in-cab hardware that drivers must install and can be difficult to operate, while others require a more complex software setup.
When choosing an ELD system, it's important to consider the vendor's financial stability. “Fleets should ask themselves if the company is going to be here to support me a week, month, or year from now,” says Norm Ellis, president of ERoad, a provider of ELDs and fleet management solutions. He recommends looking for a vendor that has been around for a long time and has a history of customer satisfaction.
Training drivers on the new system is important so they know what to expect. Keller's Bray advises that training should include a walk-through of normal use, special uses (e.g., requesting or making edits), common problems and their solutions, and how to prepare for roadside inspections. The training should also include live device use rather than an online tutorial or DVD.