ELDs are used by commercial motor carriers and owner-operators to record drive time and electronically log Hours of Service (HOS), as required under federal legislation. They also provide valuable fleet management data, elevating efficiency, safety, and sustainability. However, choosing the right ELD for your fleet can be challenging. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an ELD provider. There are a few key things to consider when choosing an ELD solution. Look for one that is FMCSA-registered and offers a range of features that help ensure continued, uninterrupted HoS compliance and minimize the margin for error or violations.
In addition to ensuring compliance, an ELD should offer advanced features that can save time and money for fleets. Some of these include:
It’s also essential to consider how easy it will be for drivers and fleet managers to use the device. Look for intuitive, modern software so any driver or fleet manager can quickly master it. Consider how well it integrates with other fleet management tools as well. It can simplify data transfer and improve workflows by minimizing manual steps.
Security
Choosing the right ELD for your trucking business is more than just the price. The best ELD provider will offer prime customer support and additional features that help you increase your fleet’s profitability. An electronic logging device (ELD) is hardware that allows truck drivers and fleet managers to record their hours of service. It also records engine movement and miles driven, making it easy to verify driving time. An ELD can save a trucking company a lot of money in the long run by helping them avoid fines and form-and-manner violations. It can also lower insurance costs, increase productivity, and help owners and drivers meet the FMCSA’s requirements. When selecting the proper electronic logging devices, ensure they are compatible with your existing truck and meet FMCSA technical specifications.
Cost
While the initial cost of implementing ELDs in your fleet may seem steep, the long-term savings will help to increase profits for your business. In addition to avoiding fines and form-and-manner violations, you will save on fuel costs and improve fleet productivity. Many trucking companies use a software provider that offers a combination of ELD, tracking, and other fleet management services. Matrack is one of the best-known providers, offering FMCSA-certified ELD devices, a reliable app, and a lifetime warranty on hardware. Another option is Blue Ink BIT, which offers affordable pricing and no ongoing service fees. It makes it an ideal choice for owner-operators and small fleets looking to stay compliant without spending a fortune. It plugs directly into the onboard diagnostic port of a truck and requires a cellular data plan to work.
Reliability
When purchasing an ELD, you want to ensure it works as intended. You need to trust that it will keep track of your driving time accurately, automatically record HOS, and allow you to access this data when required. The FMCSA mandate requires that CMVs using manual logbooks or Automatic Onboard Recording Devices (AOBRD) switch to ELD devices by 2019. Choosing the right one can improve efficiency and productivity while saving you money on truck and driver costs. The best ELD solutions include critical features for compliance with FMCSA regulations, including support for the most common cellular connectivity options and software integrations. The right ELD solution will simplify fleet management for drivers and back-office staff. Ensure that your chosen ELD is registered with the FMCSA and self-certified.
Flexibility
The right ELD solution will save you time and money, and finding one that can work for your business is essential. The finest ELD systems can increase fleet operations efficiency and comply with FMCSA regulations. FMCSA’s ELD mandate requires motor carriers and drivers to switch to electronic logging devices to improve road safety and simplify Hours of Service record-keeping for truckers. These devices digitally record driver’s hours of service and replace paper logbooks. Many electronic logging device options offer either time-based or event-based data recording. Time-based devices record data at intervals, while event-based solutions record specific events like speeding, hard braking, a deviation in predetermined route and location, engine diagnostics, and more. This data can help fleets reduce fuel costs, manage drivers’ fatigue, and optimize vehicle usage.
