Electronic Driver Logs- An All-Inclusive Guide

If you are running a business that involves a fleet of trucks or vehicles, it is imperative that each of your vehicles comprise an Electronic Logging Device (ELD). It plays a crucial role in enhancing the safety of the professional truck drivers.

Besides, using this device will help you streamline your electronic driver logs in the USA. In addition, you can consider it to be a convenient way to track, manage, and share data during driving as well as downtime. Also, technology is evolving and it becomes easier to regulate the number of hours drivers are spending on the road.

Well, if you own a fleet of vehicles for your business, you must get a comprehensive understanding of what ELDs are and how they work. So, here we will try to cover everything that comes with this device. It will help you manage your fleet effortlessly and efficiently.

What is an Electronic Logging Device?

An electronic logging device in the USA is used by individuals who operate commercial motor vehicles. The purpose of these devices is to record the hours of service (HOS) along with the driving time records. It will do it automatically and syncs directly with the engine of the vehicle.

It will record myriad pieces of information such as location, driving activity, ignition status, miles driven, and engine hours. It will not only help the commercial drivers but the dispatches as well to know about how many available hours the drivers and ensure that there is no risk of HOS violation.

What are the features of an electronic logging device?

·         Cell connectivity:

It is one of the best features of this device that you will come across. The device will be connected to your mobile so that there are no gaps in the coverage. Also, it will simplify the real-time use of the system for dispatches and operations.

·         Vehicle engine connectivity:

There will be instances when your Bluetooth connection will become unstable. It will not only make the roadside inspections difficult, but it will also limit the drivers. During those times, the connection of the device to the engine will come in handy. It will provide you with the precise logs.

·         Easy to use:

If you find out that a device has a steep learning curve, it could frustrate you. It will impact both compliance and cooperation. Thus, the manufacturers have crafted these devices in such a way that you can handle them without any complications.

·         Recording and reporting:

With this device on your side, it has become easier to present the ELD records on demand during roadside inspections as well as certifications. Additionally, the drivers have to report their logs every 24 hours to ensure compliance, which they can do without a hitch with the help of this device.

What are the benefits of using ELD devices?

·         Routes:

Most of the efficient ELDs come with built-in tracking devices that relay real-time location data. These details will help the dispatchers to comprehend where the vehicles are at any time. They don’t have to go through the hassle of contacting the driver.

·         Driver compliance:

Now, it is one of the most significant features that you will come across once you avail of this service. It will ensure the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) ELD compliance. These devices are capable of recording the duty status along with HOS electronically. It will eliminate the need for a log book or paper logs.

·         Maintenance:

When it comes to preventive and repair maintenance, the ELDs come with a more straightforward diagnosis as they are connected to the truck’s OBD (Onboard diagnostics) port. With the help of it, the drivers can easily get access to critical engine data such as mileage and fault codes.

·         Driver safety:

Installing ELDs has a significant role to play when it comes to reducing related incidents as well as driver fatigue. It will also reduce the related incidents as well as detect the improver driving practices. It includes collisions, harsh turning, and braking picked up by a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope.

·         Reporting:

It is beneficial for fleet managers as they will get robust reporting from ELDs, which can help you identify areas of cost saving and improve operations. For instance, less fuel usage and reductions in improper driving behaviour are made possible by analyzing the data reported through an ELD.

·         Security:

ELDs are valuable company assets as they promote the security of the drivers together with the drivers. It comprises the geofencing feature that enables a virtual boundary that will send an alert any time the vehicle leaves the boundary. It will indicate security issues as well as theft.

So, these are all the things that you need to keep in mind before making the final decision. If you are looking for the best manufacturers in this field, you can get in touch with ELD MANDATE. They have expertise in ELD transport systems in the USA.