Smart Tips For Selecting The Right ELD Provider

The trucking industry has experienced a major transformation with the implementation of the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate. It has a major impact on the trucking business after it came into force. Before ELD mandate, truck drivers used paper logbooks for recording their HOS. These logbooks were easily falsifiable leading to incorrect track record and low levels of compliance.

On the other hand ELD mandate enhance compliance with hours-of-service and ensure safety on the roads by connecting directly to the engine computer of a truck. This has made the ELD device not just a requirement but a critical component for efficient operations. However with so many available options choosing the right ELD providers in Canada is a challenging task. 

This blog will explore the details of choosing the best ELD provider for your business that will optimise your trucking journey.

Before delving into the tips, let us discuss in detail what an Electronic Logging Device is.

What is an Electronic Logging Device?

Electronic logging device or the ELD is an electronic hardware which is attached to the engine of commercial motor vehicle and automatically record driver’s hours of service and record of duty status ensuring compliance with regulations of transportation authorities, like the Transport Canada.

Traditional paper logs which were previously used by truck drivers often leads to error and manipulation. An Electronic Logging Device on the other hand has various features that help drivers for monitoring and managing hours of service compliance (HOS), vehicle performance and other aspects of transportation operations. The data given by the ELD device is accurate and even easier to audit.

The main goal of the ELD Mandate is to ensure that drivers of commercial vehicles are complying with the existing HOS rules. They automatically record driving time thus ensuring that drivers abide by the required time off before returning to the wheel.

With ELDs implemented, drivers are unable to alter their logbooks to satisfy deadlines or compensate for lost time. A notable impact of the ELD mandate is the enhanced precision of record maintenance. ELDs automatically track driving duration, work status, and rest periods, removing the necessity for manual logging.

The ELD Device Offers:

 [1] Enhanced Adherence to HOS Regulations

A primary objective of the ELD mandate was to guarantee that drivers adhere to the current HOS regulations. The gadgets record is driving hours and rest periods automatically, guaranteeing that drivers comply with the necessary time off before resuming driving. With ELDs implemented, drivers are unable to alter their logbooks to satisfy deadlines or compensate for time lost.

[2] Precision in Record Maintenance

ELDs from top ELD Providers in Canada automatically track driving hours, work status, and rest periods, removing the necessity for manual input. This has lowered the amount of mistakes and omissions, facilitating the verification of adherence to HOS rules by authorities. The devices also offer real-time data on driver availability, facilitating dispatchers in managing schedules and minimizing delays.

[3] Increased Utilisation of Technology

The ELD requirement has resulted in a greater adoption of technology throughout the trucking sector overall. ELDs are merely one of numerous technological advancements reshaping the industry; tools like GPS tracking and predictive maintenance systems assist trucking firms in enhancing efficiency, lowering expenses, and boosting safety.

[4] Higher Compliance Expenses

The enforcement of the Electronic loggin device in Canada has incurred expenses for the trucking sector. The Transport Canada states that the typical price of an electronic logging device is approximately $500 for each unit, in addition to annual maintenance expenses. For fleets, this expense can be considerable.

Time savings can counterbalance some of the expenses associated with manually managing logbooks and enhance the efficiency achieved by integrating the devices with fleet management systems. Nonetheless, incorporating ELDs still adversely affects the financial results, at least in the short run.

Criterias to Consider for Choosing an ELD Provider:-

➥ 24x7 Phone and Email Support

The most important aspect to consider when choosing an ELD provider is round-the-clock phone support. This is a key aspect that can help you save time and money on training, fixing issues, and avoiding violations and upset drivers. As you are aware, problems are unexpected and may occur at the least convenient moments, so maintaining a reliable support team consistently will provide you with the reassurance you need.

Be sure to try this out before choosing a provider, as numerous ELD providers assert they offer 24/7 support, yet this is often misleading. Make sure the providers’ hotlines or contact methods are well-staffed and capable of assisting you and/or your team whenever required.

➥ Ease of Use

A key factor to consider for the success of your operations is the user-friendliness of the ELD device. If you or your drivers find it overly complex to operate, errors are far more probable, resulting in increased violations.

Moreover, it will be significantly more difficult to utilize the real benefits of possessing an ELD, including driver analytics, managing violations, training insights, and additional features.

Ensure that you and your drivers have the opportunity to try the ELD for a while, and record any feedback (positive or negative) before reaching a final decision. The ideal approach is to choose a provider that provides a trial period without any commitment.

➥ Enhanced Audit Readiness

Your provider must keep data and logs for more than 6 months to guarantee you are in good standing during spot audits. With certification, you’ve conquered half the challenge, but the rest involves ensuring your drivers are swiftly trained and know how to utilize the ELD and accurately record their logs.

Numerous carriers face challenging scenarios during audits because of inadequate documentation and data retention, so ensure that you avoid this issue.

➥ Coverage

Cellular signal is vital to guarantee your ELD remains connected continuously. Numerous ELD providers might offer excellent coverage in the States but experience unreliable connections when the driver crosses the border.

It’s essential to verify that the ELD device is tested across all the routes you typically use. Irregular coverage will produce erroneous data and logs that may and will cause additional violations.

Choosing ELD devices for your operations is a challenging task, considering the numerous providers available. Therefore before arriving at a conclusion, we believe this guide will help you in avoiding the selection of an ELD solution that you may later regret. Get in touch with ELD Mandate for best quality ELD Devices in Canada.