ELD devices not only help fleets stay HOS-compliant but also reduce operational costs. This can result in increased profits. Truck drivers can bypass tedious logging paperwork, while back-office administrators can easily sift through fuel receipts to calculate mileage for quarterly IFTA reports and driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs). These telematics solutions can help reduce idling time and even allow fleet managers to perform preventative truck maintenance.
Reduced Paperwork
ELD devices simplify the logging process, eliminating paperwork and human error. This frees up time for drivers to focus on driving and keeps fleet management from spending unnecessary hours sifting through paper logs that can be incomplete, inaccurate or lost. ELDs also automatically synchronize with fleet management systems, making it easier for dispatchers and office staff to run reports and optimize routes. This helps to cut down on costly fax expenses, paper costs and fuel spent rewriting driver logs. In addition, an ELD device alerts drivers when their HOS limit is nearing, reducing the risk of violating regulations by running over without an opportunity to rest. Fleet managers can use video-based safety solutions paired with ELDs to monitor driver behavior and coach them on safer driving. This also reduces maintenance costs by lowering hard braking and acceleration, which lead to premature wear and tear. Finally, small fleets can use telematics data from engine diagnostics and miles to set up preventative maintenance schedules that help them avoid expensive last-minute repairs.
Better Tracking
ELD devices eliminate paper and automate the HOS process, which reduces fleet management’s administrative burden. This allows managers to spend more time on critical tasks like optimizing routes, scheduling maintenance, and reducing fuel costs. Additionally, a premium ELD solution provides robust reporting capabilities that enable fleet managers to identify areas for improvement and cost savings easily. For example, the ability to see idling time and harsh events by driver or vehicle helps fleet owners better coach drivers and minimize risky driving behavior. Using an ELD that provides this level of visibility and simplicity will help small fleets realize the cost-saving benefits of the mandate.
Less Driver Fatigue
ELDs automate time-consuming tasks like logging and filing HOS data, freeing driver and fleet management time for more productive work. This reduces stress for drivers and the office staff while improving overall fleet efficiency.
An ELD’s real-time GPS tracking can be useful for small fleets to optimize routes and ensure timely deliveries. It also allows IFTA fuel tax reporting to be automatically completed and reduces paperwork mistakes.
In addition, the ability to monitor driver fatigue helps fleet managers improve safety. Drowsy driving can be dangerous for everyone on the road and lead to costly repairs. An ELD can prevent this by ensuring drivers take their mandated breaks and get enough rest. Fleets can even implement additional driver behavior monitoring features to offer quantifiable feedback on driving behaviors like idling and rapid acceleration. This can help inform driver incentive programs and lower maintenance costs. Identifying engine fault codes can also benefit fleets seeking a preventative maintenance schedule based on mileage or engine hours. This can avoid costly last-minute emergency repairs that cost four times as much.
Enhanced Safety
Aside from ELDs’ role in meeting the federal hours of service mandate, they also help fleets ensure a safe driving environment for their drivers. For one, they help drivers focus on their primary duty from point A to point B. Since the device records accurate drive time, drivers are held accountable for how long they spend on the road. This eliminates the possibility that a driver would extend their shift by a few hours, reducing the chance of drowsy driving accidents.
Trucking companies also use ELD devices to monitor fuel costs and vehicle maintenance to reduce avoidable expenses. As with any change, it takes a while for employees to adjust to new technology, but fleet management can help drivers embrace the ELD by listening to their concerns and celebrating short-term successes. This will build trust and show drivers that the change benefits them.