Did you know that ELDs aren’t something new? It’s true. In fact, a lot of commercial drivers have been using them or AOBRDs for several years and believe the devices are beneficial in many ways. However, many drivers resisted adopting ELD technology, until they became mandatory. So, now that you are required by the FMCSA to be ELD-compliant, remember, it’s not a punishment. You’ll be helping make America’s highways safer while also saving money. Not a bad deal, right?
One of the reasons for many commercial vehicle accidents is driver fatigue. An ELD can prevent some of these accidents by ensuring that drivers adhere to strict hours of service rules. For instance, the HOS rule allows an additional 2 hours of driving time during adverse driving conditions. Also, it requires a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. As a result, ELD trucking can save lives by keeping drivers accountable for their driving time.
According to the FMCSA, ELD compliance can possibly save 25 lives a year and prevent about 562 injuries annually. You can find their complete hours of service drivers final rule here.
How ELDs Benefit Today’s Commercial Vehicle Drivers
Of course, the next thing you want to know is how an ELD will affect you and your operation. Like most drivers, after the initial adjustment period, you’ll find that ELD trucking provides a variety of benefits. Whether you’re an owner/operator or manage a large fleet, the merits of an electronic logging device are significant. Here are the top ways an ELD will make your job easier:
- Reduces burdensome paperwork:
The FMCSA estimates that CMV drivers spend more than 20 hours a year doing paperwork. Of course, you didn’t get into the industry because you love filling out logs and reports. So, you’ll appreciate the time saved as ELDs automatically record HOS in real time as you drive.
- Inspections are easier and faster:
No more searching through handwritten logs or other paperwork to find errors or HOS violations. All your data is in one place, making it easier for DOT officers to perform their inspection. This lets you get back on the road more quickly.
- Cuts down on costly errors:
On paper logs it’s easy to record the wrong time or an incorrect location. These mistakes can add up, especially when it comes to IFTA reporting. An ELD will save you money by ensuring that all your math is totaled correctly.
- Helps dispatchers keep track of you:
Yeah, you’re probably not wild about this idea. But, think about it this way. What if your vehicle breaks down? With an ELD, dispatchers know your location and can direct roadside assistance to you. The information can also be used for assigning your next load to help cut down on deadheading.
- Improves customer satisfaction:
Nothing irritates a customer more than a late delivery. But life on the road is unpredictable, and sometimes you can’t help it, you’re just gonna be late. However, an ELD can help keep customers happy by providing dispatch with accurate information about your location and ETA.
Those are just a few of the many ways an ELD benefits commercial drivers. You’ll discover so much more along the way.
Choosing the Right Device: Why You Should Go for an ELD Integrated With a TMS
Electronic logging device technology has changed trucking in many ways. The most significant benefit of the device is driver safety. By tracking HOS, an ELD keeps drivers from spending too many hours behind the wheel. This feature makes the highways safer for everyone.
Another benefit is that the real-time data recorded by an ELD can optimize other aspects of a trucking business. But, when you integrate an ELD with a TMS, your job gets so much easier. Here are a few examples of how this works.
A TMS uses the real-time data recorded by an ELD for the following tasks and reports:
- Invoices.
- Expenses.
- Fuel use and mileage.
- IFTA reports.
- Driving behaviors.
- Engine idle time.
- Routine maintenance, repairs.
- Pick-up and delivery times.
- Roadside inspections.
- Road conditions and weather.
With just a few clicks, you can generate reports relevant to any of the above and more. All in all, an ELD and TMS working together can keep you organized, compliant, safe, and productive. Did we mention profitable? Yeah, that too.
So, join the thousands of truckers who have more time to drive with fewer headaches, thanks to the ELD and TMS partnership. Order your ELD today and also try out our TMS with this free trial offer.
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