By now, you and everyone else in the trucking industry are familiar with the terms ELD and TMS.  But, lately, maybe you’ve heard some talk about combining the two. And are wondering whether you should do this, and why.  So, to help you understand why this is a good idea, let’s start by looking at the key differences between TMS and ELDs, as well as how they can work together to make your job easier.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

Since the ELD Mandate was enacted, all CDL drivers were required to be compliant by December 2019.  As part of MAP-21 (Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century), the mandate replaces paper logbooks and AOBRDs drivers use to report Hours of Service (HOS). 

The devices also electronically record mileage and driving time.  An ELD also switches a driver’s duty status to “On-Duty, Not Driving” if the vehicle is not moving for more than 6 minutes.  Generally, ELDs are more accurate than AOBRDs when it comes to the amount of data it can store and relay to fleet managers.

Simply put, ELDs cut down on paperwork and time spent verifying the accuracy of the logs.  Furthermore, drivers save about 5 to 10 hours of drive time per week by rounding up to the nearest minute for stops as opposed to rounding to the nearest 15 minutes on paper logs.  Plus, ELDs help drivers avoid HOS and compliance fines more easily. All in all, ELD’s save money and make it easier to earn it.

Trucking Management Software (TMS)

Trucking management software differs from ELDs in a number of ways.  ELDs focus on recording mileage and driving time, while TMS is an all-in-one software that manages every aspect of a motor carrier’s day-to-day operations.  Everyone within the transportation company benefits tremendously from TMS, including load planners, dispatchers, accountants, and drivers.

With a TMS program, you can capture a wide range of data including rating and billing, expenses, IFTA compliance, repair records, vehicle maintenance, load planning and dispatching, driver availability, and much more.  

Another great thing about TMS systems is that truckers can integrate them with an ELD to collect even more in-depth data.  Combining your TMS with your ELD can streamline your operation and provide the following 5 benefits.

5 Benefits of Integrating ELDs with TMS

Pairing TMS with your ELD is easy with our TruckingOffice vehicle interface device (VID).  The app allows ELDs to receive information via Bluetooth.  This information is necessary to calculate mileage reports and more.  Here are some of the benefits:

1. Drivers no longer have to worry about keeping track of their mileage manually.
2. All calculations are made automatically to avoid errors, fines, and downtime.
3. Keeps any payments based on mileage fair and accurate.
4. Helps expedite inspections because all information is available in one place.
5. Increases highway safety by keeping drivers in compliance with FMCSA regulations to prevent fatigue.

Without a doubt, the world of truck driving is changing, but this changes aim to make your job easier and safer.  Some of it may take time to get used to, but in the end, you’ll be a better driver and more successful in your business because of these changes.  

What Does ELD Certification Mean?

As in every line of work, no one likes change. And as truckers are accustomed to following long-used routines and rules, it is especially daunting. 

However, the trucking business has indeed experienced a change in the form of additional documentation and certifications as mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). 

The mandate requires that all commercial truckers install electronic logging devices (ELD) within their trucks to track mileage, engine data, and Hours of Service (HOS). By implementing these requirements, FMCSA ensured that all truckers receive the rest they deserve, which, by extension, allows for safer roads for all drivers. 

Trucking businesses have their ELDs certified before they ever leave the manufacturer. And, at TruckingOffice, truckers can rest assured that they are receiving the highest quality ELDs on the market. 

Through combining TMS and ELDs, TruckingOffice created an ELD system that offers an array of benefits, including:

• Safety when driving due to HOS required breaks
• Less paperwork as all documentation occurs digitally
• Quicker inspection time
• Immediate driving status updates
• Quick and improved customer service

Clearly, there are many benefits that come with installing a certified ELD in your truck. And, although change is not desired in any business, the safety of truckers and their fellow drivers is worth the undertaking.

How Trucking Office Can Help

At TruckingOffice, we know there’s so much more to being a professional motor carrier than knowing how to drive.  We know the trucking industry and we understand what drivers need.  That’s why TruckingOffice aims to help drivers make the most of their time and money through an efficient TMS.  With that in mind, we’ve made it easy for you to try our TMS with this free trial.  It’s an opportunity for you to find out why you won’t want to drive without it.