Worldwide, a lot of businesses are in the dark about ELD and frequently inquire about it. This is due to the urgent need for businesses to have a system that simultaneously records and monitors the performance of their fleet. In addition, there are additional variables at work here, such as mandates.
The requirement for an electronic logging device is becoming more widespread; Canada is among the nations that have made it mandatory. Enforcing a mandatory policy on this magnitude is no small feat.
Governments everywhere undoubtedly have good reason to proceed with this decision. For this reason, it’s critical to comprehend what an electronic logging device is and the rationale behind the use of these devices by delivery companies.
What is an Electronic Logging Device?
Governments everywhere undoubtedly have good reason to proceed with this decision. For this reason, it’s critical to comprehend what an electronic logging device is and the rationale behind delivery companies’ adoption of them.Comparable to an onboard paper log of every commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver activity is an electronic logging device. Depending on the eld provider, an ELD device can track information about trip distance, GPS location, vehicle speed, and other things.
Drivers no longer need to manually enter ELD data in the depot because you can instantly send it wirelessly to the relevant parties with an electronic logging device. Commercial motor vehicles must have an ELD record of duty status (RODS) in accordance with the ELD final rule.
It is deemed tamper-proof and suitable for a federal eld mandate because it automatically logs driving activity. Businesses and governments alike can greatly benefit from a device that guarantees driver compliance with service regulations.
How Does an electronic logging device work?
You’re not the only one who has wondered how ELD systems manage to record and gather so much data; many others have the same questions. Commercial motor vehicles’ engine control modules are directly connected to ELD devices.
They are able to read and transfer vital engine data in real time because they are essentially connected to the vehicle’s engine. Additionally, they feature a built-in navigation system that provides real-time position information.
Every piece of ELD data is automatically and instantly stored. In the event that the ELD system is unable to record data automatically, truck drivers have the option to manually enter data. For many businesses, the flexibility provided by automatic onboard recording devices is invaluable.
What is the Cost of an Electronic Logging Device?
Generally, the price of an electronic logging device can range from $100 to $2000, depending on the model you choose.
Let’s examine the many variables that impact your electronic logging device’s cost.
1. Features
While choosing an electronic logging device that satisfies the ELD mandate’s basic requirements is acceptable, some people prefer an ELD with more advanced technical features. An electronic logging device is typically more expensive the more features it offers.
Additionally, some ELDs offer subscription plans that allow you to receive more delivery-related data. Even though the majority of businesses offer analytics without charging extra, some continue to operate on a subscription basis.
2. Quantity
The number of ELDs you purchase can have a big impact on your expenses because ELD providers typically offer discounts for larger orders. This is due to the high cost of developing proprietary machinery for a small market.
Prices are anticipated to decline following the ELD mandate, though they may still increase due to increased demand. For this reason, larger fleets tend to purchase electronic logging devices at a faster rate than do individual consumers.
3. Additional hardware
To use your ELD device, some ELD providers may require you to purchase additional proprietary hardware. Usually, this extra hardware takes the form of a portable device, like a tablet or phone, that provides users with handheld manual controls.
This isn’t always the case, though, as the majority of ELD providers let you link your normal mobile device to the ELD. Through this procedure, a commercial driver can fully manage their duty status without incurring any additional expenses.
4. Installation
Truck drivers may find the installation process confusing and complicated because the ELD must be installed directly into the engine of the commercial motor vehicle. Naturally, for an additional charge, the majority of ELD manufacturers do offer to handle the installation process.
For good reason, labour expenses account for the majority of installation fees. This is because any issues that come up during the installation process will have to be handled by the person installing the electronic logging device.
How an ELD Benefits Delivery Companies?
Many delivery companies were heavily investing in ELD systems even prior to any mandates from the Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This is a result of the fact that ELD manufacturers have consistently provided a multitude of unique advantages for delivery companies with their products.
1. Automatic duty status records
ELD records of duty status are just one of the many reasons why any delivery company can greatly benefit from using an electronic logging device. Companies are able to monitor the driver’s hours of service (HOS) in real time with the possession of these records.
To increase fleet efficiency, they can also evaluate delivery performance and streamline their delivery procedure. Additionally, since the electronic logging device automatically stores duty status logs, businesses don’t run the risk of losing any data in the event that a driver forgets their delivery status.
2. Increased driver safety
Handling Employing electronic logging devices has an effect on driver safety as well since it improves fleet adherence to safety standards. Drivers are more likely to operate their vehicles more responsibly when they are aware that their status is being tracked.
Motor carriers prioritise safety and choose to use an ELD system for their fleet because even the smallest mishap can have serious consequences.
3. Less cost spent on fleet
When you have an electronic logging device installed, you can report progress without having individual truckers visit the depot. Dispatchers can save a great deal of time and stress by wirelessly transferring those details with an electronic logging device.
These devices essentially become tamper-free because they connect directly to the engines of commercial vehicles, giving businesses confidence in their readings. Compliance managers are relieved that there has been no tampering with the driver records.
Why are Countries Enforcing an ELD Mandate?
The advantages of an ELD for businesses are readily apparent, although initially the advantages for governments worldwide may not be as evident. This is due to the fact that governments and businesses have very similar justifications for requiring an ELD.
Any country that decides to mandate ELD on all commercial vehicles is taking a big step, so it’s critical to know why they made this decision. Given the following considerations, it is likely that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has mandated the use of electronic logging devices.
1. Ensuring road safety
It’s true that commercial drivers frequently experience dangerously high levels of fatigue. A truck driver may inadvertently cause significant harm to themselves, other people, or property if they even unintentionally nod off during their shift.
For this reason, having driver logs is essential to guaranteeing that they are in good enough shape to run a machine this size. The government was able to increase ELD compliance by creating an ELD rule. Reducing drivers’ working hours can help them drive less recklessly.
2. Keeping track of interstate vehicles
Suspicious activity being carried out through states is a frequent problem. Though it’s not an easy task to find a solution. An electronic logging device would make it simpler for law enforcement to monitor and investigate any suspicious activity.
Additionally, it can shield the driver from any unfounded allegations of wrongdoing. Generally, an ELD’s duty status suffices to clear commercial drivers’ names of unfounded charges. All of this is made possible by the real-time recording of crucial truck data by an electronic logging device.
3. Better analytics
Businesses can obtain more data with an ELD than they can with paper logs. Any business can use this data to pinpoint and resolve the majority of logistical problems they run into. Lower expenses and quicker delivery times result from this.
Already, logistics is a very cumbersome and slow process. Technology that can significantly increase the efficiency of a procedure this important is extremely uncommon. One of these pieces of technology that raises the efficiency of your deliveries is software like Upper.
Effortlessly Track Your Driver Performance with Upper
The majority of fleet managers and dispatchers are fed up with worrying about delivery windows and schedules. Unpredictable driver routes and a lack of route optimisation are the causes of this uncertainty. Upper is the ideal software solution in this situation.
With Upper, you can simultaneously and passively monitor each driver’s delivery progress. However, the list goes on. In order to give you peace of mind that your routes have been meticulously prepared for the date of your choosing, Upper also allows you to schedule delivery routes months in advance.
To account for everything, you can also modify your routes to reflect your driver’s driving hours and break times. Upper is intelligent enough to provide your business with the most efficient delivery routes available, saving money and time all at once.
FAQs
1. Are any vehicles exempt from the ELD mandate?
The majority of necessary goods transportation vehicles are free from electronic logging devices and caring requirements. Municipal buses and cars from the Canadian Pacific Railway fall under this category.
2. Can drivers opt to keep logs recorded on paper instead?
You cannot record logs on paper unless there is a malfunction with your electronic logging devices that prevents them from accurately recording the driver’s work hours. You will be able to use a paper log if that is not the case.
3. Are there any alternatives to ELD?
An ELD’s functionality makes it difficult for any other device to easily replace it. The most popular alternative to an ELD in the trucking industry is keeping paper logs and manually entering data.
4. Is unplugging the ELD okay for personal use?
An ELD will detect when it is unplugged and record that information as well because it is constantly collecting data. If your company has not given its approval, this could land you in hot water. The best course of action, if you have unplugged your ELD, would be to notify your employer and explain that you acted reasonably.
Takeaways
Although the ELD requirement can be costly for delivery companies, there is no denying the advantages of ELD solutions. It is true that driver fatigue can contribute to some serious collisions, so it would be ideal to completely prevent them with this kind of solution.
Even with the advances in technology, a lot of drivers of commercial vehicles still think that an electronic logging device is unreliable. In any case, this mandate will apply to nearly all commercial motor vehicles, and they will have to implement an eld solution.
Similar to an electronic logging device, Upper can also prove to be extremely valuable to your company because it allows you to track your fleet while simultaneously saving money and time. You can test Upper out with our 30-day free trial.
