There are times when people ask whether they need an ELD device for their fleet or not. The answer to this is yes. It has been mandated by the FMSCA as a part of MAP-21. This rule is intended to help create a safer work environment for drivers, and make it possible for fleet managers to track, manage, and share records of duty status data efficiently and faster. ELDs collect vehicle operation data as well as driver activities such as driver hours of service (HOS) and duty status records (RODS).
Exemptions and the laws around the ELD mandate are two of the most frequently asked issues by truck drivers and carriers. Many truckers can now take full advantage of more lenient hours-of-service (HOS) requirements thanks to a recent modification to the ELD standards. The FMCSA's final regulation, which went into effect on September 29, 2020, enhances the short-haul exemption from 100 to 150 air miles and raises the working hours from 12 to 14 hours.
By using the HOS short-haul exemption, truckers can improve their operational range and capability while staying "off-duty." With the short-haul exemption radius increasing from 100 to 150 air miles, several carriers may wonder why and if they would deploy an electronic recording device. While short-haul drivers and carriers are theoretically free from the ELD obligation, they are not immune from HOS laws or keeping needed records.
Read on to learn more about ELDs and the reasons why truckers should utilize these devices are as follows.
What Is An ELD?
An ELD is an electronic logging device that offers an accurate and easy method of keeping HOS data that drivers and fleet operators are obliged by law to retain. These devices are mostly used in commercial trucking businesses.
It is crucial to recognize that ELDs do not introduce a new layer of regulation into the trucking industry. These technologies, on the other hand, are meant to make an already required daily activity easier to accomplish.
What Is the Role of an ELD?
An ELD links to the vehicle's engine and automatically captures and updates driver logs, providing dispatchers and drivers with real-time visibility into available hours and infraction risks.
HOS data is automatically logged in fleet management software, where managers and office employees may examine HOS statuses, run reports, and establish compliant routes. HOS data is also presented on the cab's tablet, allowing the driver to refer to it at any time or present it during a roadside inspection.
The firm's properly recorded hours of service and available driver hours can be maximized with the help of ELD devices. To perform this the device needs to collect and send a variety of data elements.
Information that is captured by ELD devices from vehicles directly includes:
Date
Time
Miles traveled
Vehicle identification
Motor carrier identification
Engine diagnostics and malfunctions
Information that is captured by ELD devices from drivers includes:
User identification
Hours of Service
Personal use
Driver's log on/off
Reasons to Use ELDs by Truck Drivers
1. No More Need for Paper Logs
For years, drivers recorded their HOS manually in the logbooks. The logbook method worked, but it needed drivers to keep precise logs, even though mistakes occurred from time to time. There were times when drivers would frequently take advantage of the system and fabricate records.
Accidents involving commercial vehicles grew over the years, which has been attributed in part to commercial drivers' lack of control over H.O.S. Many of these incidents were caused by driver fatigue: drivers who had been behind the wheel for an extended period. But thanks to ELDs, these issues can be fixed as these devices are paperless and drivers don't need to maintain paper logs for their H.O.S.
2. Electronic Maintenance of RODS
Although short-haul drivers are excluded from the ELD rule, they must still keep proper HOS records by logging work hours for your drivers and monitoring their compliance with the 150 air-mile radius limit for short-haul operations. Drivers may avoid laborious paperwork, computations, and tracking of the daily record of duty status by using an edge computing ELD and fleet management system.
Using ELDs also allows drivers to pick up cargo or take journeys that do not meet the short-haul exemption standards. Finally, by utilizing an excellent ELD, the driver may demonstrate with data that they were following the short-haul exemption requirements.
3. Improvement of Data for the Business
Electronic logging devices are used for more than only HOS compliance. The quantity of data that ELDs can provide truckers and the safety department is limitless. Truckers can compute and track mileage traveled using ELD.
For IFTA quarterly tax reporting and reconciliation, this information is essential. Even short-haul truckers need to report to IFTA when crossing the state boundaries. The most reliable ELD systems provide IFTA calculations and reporting as part of the fleet management plan.
4. Diagnostics Data of the Vehicle and Engine
The best ELDs can monitor vehicle and engine diagnosis codes generated by the vehicle's computer. These codes can assist in the identification of small defects before they become severe concerns impacting vehicle safety and function.
When these Vehicle and Engine Diagnostics codes are used correctly, they can result in enhanced overall preventative maintenance, reduced operating costs, and higher fleet dependability and customer service levels.
5. Improves Compliance, Productivity, and Safety
ELDs allow drivers to easily enter hours of service (HOS) information. Drivers must fill out paper logs by hand and fax them as they reach a fuel stop, which is a time-consuming, costly, and archaic practice that businesses do not require.
Drivers may rapidly transmit digital reports from their in-cab device with ELDs, saving time and being compliant. This will also allow them to deliver the products faster which will satisfy the customer and will help create transparency between them.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that ELD plays an important role to shape the future of the trucking industry. With all the points mentioned above, one can easily understand how ELDs can help truck drivers. To ensure a smooth transition to full compliance, develop strategies, while the ELD devices help lessen various burdens. With the addition of an ELD solution, drivers can enter data accurately and quickly.
FAQs
What is the cost of ELDs?
ELDs can cost hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars per vehicle. There are various fees associated with obtaining an ELD solution: the device hardware, a professional installation (if necessary), and monthly software charges.
Is it possible for drivers to edit an ELD log?
Yes, it is possible. In case an ELD log has an error or missing information, a driver or someone authorized at the carrier office can modify the record as long as they follow the requirements.
What are the features of ELDs?
Listed below are the features of ELDs:
Driving time and details are automatically recorded
It records the location of the vehicle
Prevents others from tampering with the data
It displays reports for safety protocols
It provides a user manual to drivers
