Why Non-Exempt Drivers Need to Ensure They Have an ELD

An ELD is an electronic logging device that helps drivers to keep track of their hours of service. All truck drivers are expected to keep track of their HOS, and they use an ELD to do this. There are performance and technical specifications explaining what the device must have. These include the following:

• The device must connect to the engine to show if and when the truck is moving.
• The driver must be able to log in, log out and show if they are on duty but not driving.
• There must be an indicator of the hours the driver has worked in a day.
• The data recorded must be in a format law enforcement can use.
• The device must meet the recommended specifications that the provid­­­­er is certified for.

According to the ELD Mandate, there are several categories of trucks that are exempted from the use of ELDs. However, there are several reasons why truck drivers need to use ELDs and benefit from them.

Hos compliance

One of the biggest concerns for truck drivers and fleet owners is hours of service compliance. With ELDs, tracking of hours is automatic, making it easier to comply with the regulations.

A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration study showed that HOS violations could be reduced by as much as 50% by using ELDs. Also, there are fewer accidents as the crash rate is reduced by 10%. This ensures that you have less to worry about when it comes to the safety of the fleet.

Drivers also benefit by not having any more paperwork to do as everything is automatic. It increases their efficiency and productivity. They can focus on their driving and leave the recording to the device that calculates their driving for them. To protect drivers from committing HOS violations, drivers get alerts in real-time.

Economical

While the device might seem expensive at first, they save you even more on the long-run. They can identify any bad behaviors observed through the driver’s driving. A significant amount of fuel is spent on idling trucks. The device can help identify when the truck is idle with the engine running. The ELD also reduces the number of HOS violations meaning less fines and penalties. You keep more money in your pockets where it is supposed to be. You also get better CSA scores, making you open to better opportunities.

You manage your business better

The electronic logging devices help you manage your fleet and business better. They do this by:

• Reducing the amount of paperwork making you and your employees less prone to making errors.
• There is increased productivity and efficiency through improved route planning.
• You can distribute the workload better to provide for increased profits.
• You can locate your drivers at all times through real-time GPS.
• You can make better decisions concerning your business by doing an analysis on the performance of the drivers, DVIRs, and the violations.

IFTA calculations are made simpler

For fleets, the most laborious task is to calculate IFTA reports. You need to review all the trip sheets and calculate the jurisdiction and distance each truck travelled. There are several errors that can be made during the calculations. Some ELDs automate and simplify the process. Simplified IFTA calculations make the use of ELDs worth it.

Improved CSA scores

The aim of any trucking company is to have great CSA scores. Using ELDs helps to reach that goal through reducing the number of violations. Each violation carries certain points. Form and manner violations get 1 point deducted while outdated logs are considered more serious and carry 5 points. Having several violations affects the CSA scores negatively.

Through ensuring there are fewer violations, there will be better business opportunities available for trucking companies. Electronic logging devices get rid of the violations since they automatically record the data.

It does not have to be expensive

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration knows that while they require trucks to have ELDs, they need to make it trucker friendly. To address that, they have allowed for smartphones and tablets to be used as long as they meet the requirements, which includes being hardwires to the engine of the truck. They also make it easier on truckers who are already used to using smart devices. This allows the truckers the freedom to choose from several mobile devices.

The ELD mandate is there to help trucking companies become more efficient. Through using ELDs, trucking businesses can keep track of the fleet, have fast inspections, and save on money and fuel. Through ELDs, you can have peace of mind knowing that the fleet is compliant with all the regulations. No more worrying about fines and penalties affecting your bottom line. Your drivers can have an easier time logging in and will not have any tedious paperwork waiting for them.