Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Solutions for Fleet Compliance and Efficiency

1. Electronic Logging Device Solution for the Logistics Industry Back in the day, a truck driver had to do much paperwork along with driving. Truckers had to manage paper logbooks to record their daily activity, including shift hours, break times, driven miles, fuel consumption, and more. Not only was this process counterproductive and tedious, but it was also prone to human errors. And these mistakes invited high CSA scores and penalties. In 2017-2018, FMCSA ruled out the ELD mandate that obliged commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to have certified electronic logging devices (ELDs). But besides being compliant with HOS and RODS rules, electronic logbooks for truck drivers offer numerous benefits like streamlined operations and reduced costs. So, let’s understand the concept first – what is an ELD solution, why is it so crucial for trucking companies, and how can you develop one for your business? What is an ELD? An electronic logging device (ELD or e-log) is an electronic machine attached to the engine of a commercial motor vehicle to record driving hours. Unlike the hours of service (HOS) in the United States and as Drivers’ working hours in Europe, different guidelines regulate the driving hours of commercial drivers. An ELD monitors a vehicle’s engine to track and capture data regarding whether the engine is running, the vehicle is moving, driven miles, and the like. Back in the day, trucking companies used paper logs or electronic onboard recorders (EOBR) to track service hours. However, despite being accurate in terms of data, the EOBR-style log lacked a consistent data format and required regeneration on an equivalent paper format for

2. examination and utilization. Electronic logbooks for truck drivers resolve this problem by providing real-time, accurate, and enforceable hours-of-service data. Why is an ELD Essential for Your Trucking Business? The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates to record all driving hours using an ELD. But besides compliance, ELDs can be conducive to your trucking business in the following ways: ● Reduced administrative burden ELDs automatically track and record vehicles’ movement, eliminating manual paperwork and administrative onus. With ELDs, you don’t need to bother about manually logging hours of service. You can, therefore, save time, cost, and efforts you would have otherwise spent doing administrative work. ● Minimized fuel wastage You can track how much fuel your drivers are utilizing, and how much they’re exhausting. ELDs allow you to ascertain how much time a driver spends idling, which can reduce fuel wastage. ● Vehicle maintenance Electronic logbook app connects to the diagnostic port of the vehicle, which enables active monitoring of the fault codes. Thus, you can always stay updated with your vehicle maintenance issues and take precautionary measures at the right time. ● Location tracking and route management Taking unnecessarily longer routes can add to your losses. With ELDs, you can monitor your drivers and vehicles using GPS tracking. In addition to real-time location tracking,

3. ELD also aids you in contriving better routes, minimizing distractions, and maximizing productivity. ● Identification of bad driving behaviors Bad driving behaviors can increase fuel consumption, operational costs, and risk of compliance issues. An ELD compliant fleet management solution allows you to track and identify bad behaviors and use the data to make the desired improvements. ● Reduced liabilities Road accidents are not always the driver’s fault, but trucking companies have to deal with lawsuits every now and then. In cases when your driver isn’t at fault, the data from ELD can be used as evidence to strengthen your case. ● Increased safety According to FMCSA, ELDs help save 26 lives and prevent 562 injuries every year. Additionally, ELDs entail GPS features that alleviate the risk of a stolen or hijacked vehicle. ● Lower insurance premium Trucks and fleets with ELDs get better insurance premiums. Since ELDs increase fleet safety, insurance companies offer better rates than fleets without ELDs. ● Enhanced profits Last, electronic logbooks for truck drivers reduce administrative burden, operational costs, and liabilities, thereby helping you with higher profits. All About ELD Compliance

4. ELD compliance, also known as the electronic logging device mandate or ELD mandate, is an attempt by the FMCSA to minimize road accidents and improve road safety in the USA. According to the mandate, vehicles will be put out of service for not having compliant electronic logging devices. The mandate is in effect since December 2017 for most commercial vehicles, and more than 80% of the large fleets have installed compliant ELDs. ELD Rule As per the FMCSA mandate, the ELD rule: ● Obligates the use of ELD by commercial drivers who are required to prepare records of duty status (RODS) and hours-of-service (HOS) ● Specifies the standards of ELD design and performance, and requires ELDs to be registered with the FMCSA ● Determines the necessary supporting documents truckers and drivers need to carry ● Forbids the persecution of drivers, and provides aid to drivers who feel they’ve been harassed Hours of Service (HOS) Rules ● 11-hour driving rule: A driver is required to take a 10-hour break after 11 hours of driving time. ● 14-hour on-duty shift rule: A driver must take a 10-hour break after a 14-hour shift. The 14 hours include the total driving time, along with the Off Duty and Sleeper Berth hours. ● 70-hour in 8 days rule/ 60 in 7: The total Driving and On-Duty time for a driver cannot exceed 70 hours in an 8-day period. A variation of this rule also exists, limiting the total Driving or On-Duty to 60 hours in 7 days. ● 8-hour, 30-minute break rule: When a driver changes the status to On-Duty, he needs to take a 30-minute rest break in Off-Duty or Sleeper Berth. After the 30-minute break, the driver has a maximum of 8 hours before taking another 30-minute break.

5. ● 10-hour break: After the expiry of an 11-hour or 14-hour clock, the driver must take at least 10 hours of consecutive break. ● 34-hour restart: In case a driver is low on time in his 70-hour clock, he can reset the 70-hour clock by taking 34 consecutive hours of Off-Duty or Sleeper Berth. This rule has some exceptions as well, such as Yard Moves, Short Haul 100 / 150 Air Mile Exemption, and 8/2 Sleeper Split. Read More: https://mobisoftinfotech.com/resources/blog/electronic-logging-device-solution-for-the-logistics-i ndustry