Choosing The Right Electronic Logging Device For Your Fleet: Key Features To Consider

An ELD is a piece of hardware that plugs into a truck to track vehicle locations, engine hours, and miles driven. It also records engine diagnostics to reduce maintenance costs.

It can also help drivers maintain federal compliance and avoid costly CSA violations. However, choosing the right one for your fleet can be difficult.

Cost

Although the FMCSA’s ELD mandate could save trucking companies billion a year by limiting paperwork costs and improving fuel efficiency, implementing the technology can be costly. Fleets must select the right ELD system, develop a compliance culture supporting electronic logs, and train drivers to use the new devices.

Some ELD providers charge only for the hardware, while others require a monthly subscription. The cost of these services can add up quickly, especially when multiple fleet vehicles are involved.

Other costs to consider include the cost of proprietary accessory devices, such as a wireless tablet, that drivers can use to mark their duty status. Additional expenses can consist of installation, maintenance, and data transfer fees. Some offer a simple, easy-to-use ELD solution with a built-in WiFi hotspot and 500MB of data contained at no extra cost. Request a free trial today to see how Samsara’s fully-approved, reliable, and affordable ELD solution could benefit your fleet.

Security

An ELD is a piece of hardware that records engine and GPS data to create logs of driving time. Fleets can use the information to monitor driver fatigue and improve safety on the road. In addition, an ELD can reduce fuel costs through reduced vehicle idling and route optimization and provide fleet managers with real-time visibility into driver status.

Unlike spiral-bound paper logs, electronic logging devices are tamper resistant and cannot be modified. This makes them a much more reliable HOS information source for drivers and law enforcement officers.

When choosing an ELD, look for one that offers a reasonable price and is easy to set up and use. Additionally, select a solution that can help you reduce costs with features like tamper detection and a user-friendly mobile app. A well-rounded telematics solution can also provide additional business benefits, including increased profitability through better route planning and digital maintenance scheduling. These added features can help your trucking company stay competitive in the industry.

Functionality

ELDs synchronize with a truck’s engine to automatically record driving hours, making compliance easy and eliminating paperwork. This reduces costs and improves driver safety and fleet efficiency.

Fleet operators should also look for an ELD that provides near real-time GPS tracking to make data actionable. Without a tracker, fleet managers cannot confirm that a device is reporting incorrectly or that a driver is acting suspiciously on the road.

Another factor to consider when choosing an ELD is how it is certified to meet FMCSA guidelines. Their manufacturers must self-certify Most ELDs and then register with the FMCSA, but there are various ways to determine whether a specific device meets these technical standards. It is essential to choose an ELD compliant with all relevant rules and regulations, including those set by the FMCSA,. A good ELD solution will also have a mute button to avoid distractions for drivers when they are off-duty or in their sleeper berth.

Compatibility

Although ELDs have many benefits for truckers and fleet operators, they require a significant upfront investment. While the cost can be daunting, it will save your fleet money in the long run. Additionally, truckers and operators need to understand how ELDs work and how to use them correctly.

Unlike paper logs, ELDs automatically record service hours for compatible commercial vehicles. This makes it easier for drivers and fleet managers to comply with regulations. Additionally, it helps to reduce driver fatigue and road accidents.

Another benefit of ELDs is that they track engine diagnostic data, which can be used to schedule preventative maintenance. This is an essential feature for smaller fleets struggling to manage operational costs and driver shortages. It also enables them to provide accurate ETAs for their customers. Moreover, some ELDs can synchronize with other devices, such as smartphones and tablets. This can be useful for less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers and passenger transit fleets.