ELDs allow truckers to spend less on paperwork and more on the road. They can also track a truck engine’s activity to identify drivers who waste diesel by excessive idling.
nnnnThe best ELDs offer other valuable features, such as fuel cost tracking, IFTA fuel tax reporting, fault code monitoring, better route management, and more. To ensure an ELD’s reliability, choose a provider with excellent 24/7 support and a mobile app that offers a full suite of features.
nnnnReduced Paperwork
nnnnTrucking is a storied industry, and many business, safety, and political arguments exist for and against ELDs. But, despite the pushback, these devices provide significant benefits that make them worth the investment.
nnnnThey reduce paperwork by automating DVIR and IFTA reporting. They also improve fleet efficiency with digital route planning tools, allowing drivers to save fuel costs and reduce vehicle idling.
nnnnDrivers get audio and visual notifications when their driving hours are running out. This ensures that they take breaks as required and helps them avoid overtime infractions. It can also help prevent form and manner violations and eliminate the need to keep paper logbooks that can be lost or damaged.
nnnnIn addition, an ELD for trucking can act as a black box for your truck and capture data about the truck’s movements that is indisputable in court. This could save your company a substantial sum in lawsuits if you’re involved in an accident.
nnnnIncreased Efficiency
nnnnA good ELD can eliminate the need for drivers to fill out paperwork by recording their drive time automatically. This will allow them to focus on the job rather than worrying about logging hours and ensuring they aren’t breaking HOS regulations.
nnnnAdditionally, an ELD can help trucking companies improve efficiency by providing real-time data on route performance. This information can be used to plan routes more effectively, reducing the amount of fuel wasted inefficiently. It can also be used to avoid traffic and road closures, improving delivery times and reducing the chance of delays.
nnnnLastly, an ELD can improve efficiency by eliminating paperwork and automating processes like IFTA fuel tax reporting, weigh station bypass, etc. This can save time and money, making it easier for trucking companies to manage a profitable fleet. In turn, this will increase profits and boost driver retention rates.
nnnnImproved Safety
nnnnELDs reduce driver fatigue and allow fleet managers to monitor driving trends. They can identify drivers with unsafe driving habits and encourage them to improve their performance. This helps reduce CSA violations, FMCSA fines that add to operational costs, and lower insurance premiums.
nnnnThe telematics technology that powers ELDs also gives drivers audio and visual notifications ahead of their break times so they can find a nice place to pull off the road for a rest. Additionally, most systems automate IFTA reports, reducing paperwork and saving valuable time for trucking companies that operate in multiple jurisdictions.
nnnnDispatchers can see drivers’ locations and ETAs through an online portal, eliminating the need for phone calls. This information can also be used to manage routes and dispatch drivers on time, reducing fuel costs and avoiding costly delays. Fleets can also use data to track vehicle utilization and cut engine idling costs. This reduces maintenance and repair expenses and increases productivity.
nnnnIncreased Profits
nnnnWhile trucking companies may initially have to invest a lot of money into ELDs, their profits will grow as the devices reduce paperwork, improve efficiencies, and boost driver retention rates. This means fewer costs associated with administrative duties that can be reinvested into other business-enhancing initiatives like route optimization, better insurance rates, and improved customer service.
nnnnTime is a precious commodity for drivers, and with ELDs, they can spend more of it driving. According to the experts, paper logs cost drivers an average of 20 hours per year filling out, purchasing, and submitting records. With ELDs, all of that can be avoided — giving drivers more time to drive and increase their earning potential.
nnnnFleet managers also benefit from using ELDs to run actionable reports quickly. By automating the HOS reporting process, eliminating recording errors, and simplifying quarterly IFTA reporting, fleets can save thousands of dollars in administrative time. Additionally, identifying drivers who idle too long can help reduce fuel waste and lower fuel expenses.
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