truck using eld

Keep Trucking Logs with an ELD: What You Need to Know

An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is electronic hardware fixed to a commercial motor vehicle engine. Its primary purpose is to record the driving hours. An eld will monitor your vehicle’s engine and record a wide range of data. This includes data such as:

  • The engine’s running status
  • The vehicle’s moving status
  • Number of miles driven
  • Duration of engine’s operation

Whether you are a commercial vehicle driver or a company with a fleet of vehicles, the FMCSA makes it mandatory for you to use the ELD. So, what is the ELD mandate and how can you benefit from it. Find out in this guide.

What is the ELD Mandate?

The eld mandate is stipulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). According to the law, all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators must use compliant electronic logging devices. While there are exemptions for some operators, most must comply with this mandate.

There are many reasons why the ELD mandate was introduced:

  • Creating a safe environment for commercial drivers
  • Enforcing Hours of Service rules
  • Reducing driver fatigue
  • Minimizing road accidents

Benefits of ELD

Compliance isn’t the only reason for embracing the ELD mandate and installing the devices. Over the years, the law and the devices have benefited both drivers and fleet owners in many ways. When used properly, they can streamline your operations, help control costs, enhance productivity, and boost profits. Explore the different benefits of these devices for all the different stakeholders.

1. Reducing Hours of Service Violations
Most safety managers agree that a decline in Hours of Service violations is one of the biggest benefits of ELDs. This is facilitated by these systems that will notify drivers when they head into violation. ELD systems are designed around regulations. They know the regulations and keep the drivers in check. This is significantly helpful considering that many drivers are confused about the regulations. Once drivers realize the convenience and time savings, they readily accept the change.

2. Taking off the Administrative Burden
ELD devices can automatically keep trucking logs. This eliminates most of the manual paperwork and the administrative burden. There will be no more need to manually record Hours of Service and save the records and store them.

Another big way ELD benefits you is by simplifying the IFTA calculation process. All fleets are required to file quarterly IFTA reports. It involves a lot of paperwork and there is always room for error. The greatest benefit here is that you will save time, effort, and cost. Fleet managers and drivers will no longer have to spend time taking care of administrative tasks.

3. Identify Training Opportunities
Real-time logs can help improve your operational and safety efficiencies. Fleet managers can view a driver’s log in real-time. This helps create opportunities to provide ideal training and coaching as per the needs. There is no need to wait for paper logs and analyze them to find any areas of concern.

4. Improved Operational Efficiencies
The use of these systems can also streamline your operations. They can make the life of everyone involved much easier – dispatchers, managers, and office personnel. There will be no more need for your operations team to review hundreds of logbook pages to ensure compliance. All it will be required is to check the data from the days that are flagged as out-of-compliance. Besides, such instances will occur very rarely because real-time information is provided to both the driver and the office. Only some unexpected events can cause such issues.

Among other benefits, the use of ELD systems can help reduce liabilities, improve CSA scores, increase safety, and lower insurance premiums. If you want to know more about ELD systems, it is recommended to contact TMS TruckMasters inc. at (514) 631-0963.