Commercial drivers are subject to stringent laws that limit the amount of time they may spend on the road. The federal government requires commercial drivers to use electronic recording devices that record driving hours. As technology evolves, it is critical to ensure that your equipment can stay up.
Yet, selecting an ELD supplier is not a simple task. There are several alternatives available, and the quality varies. Consider, for example, the recent closure of an ELD manufacturer that provided $0 monthly fees, requiring users to find another solution before the compliance deadline.
So keeping these things in mind, determining the best ELD mandate compliance option for you may be difficult. Read on to learn more about ELDs and how to choose the best one in 2023.
What Exactly Is an ELD?
An ELD is a commercial vehicle (CMV) driver’s electronic logging device (ELD) that automatically records driving time and Hours of Service (HOS) records, as well as data regarding the vehicle’s engine, movement, and the distance traveled. To assist fleet compliance, inspections, and planning, the ELD keeps truck drivers and dispatchers up to date on driver status in real time.
What Does an ELD Exactly Do?
An ELD connects to the vehicle engine to record driving time for correct Hours of Service reporting (HOS.). The ELD connects directly with the engine of a vehicle, automatically recording driving activity as well as other data such as engine hours, ignition status, location, and distance traveled.
Engine and GPS position data are then sent over to a server by the telematics device, which creates Duty Status records and sends them to the ELD mobile app for viewing. The data is always being updated.
Drivers can retrieve their electronic logging data from a smartphone or tablet using an ELD mobile app. The mobile app is also linked to fleet management software, allowing fleet and compliance managers to track and assess compliance using ELD data, maps, and notifications.
What Are the Features of a Good ELD Device?
ELD provides various features for companies that run a fleet. Here are some of the important features of ELD.
* Internal engine control module synchronization
* GPS tracking
* Record drive time and information automatically
* Identification of the driver
* Prevention of tamperingÂ
* User manual
* Audio controlsÂ
* Reconstruction of accidentsÂ
How to Choose the Best ELD?
Even though ELDs are a relatively new idea, the technology behind them is already evolving. For example, several mobile carriers are retiring their 3G networks to make way for new services such as 5G. When seeking to acquire an ELD, make sure it is up to date.
Listed below are a few tips that can help you choose the best ELD provider for your vehicles.
* Ensure that the ELD is FMCSA registered
It is critical to ensure that the device is compliant before using ELD. Any type of incorrect ELD logbook entry might get your company in hot water. You should also ensure that the firm from which you are purchasing the device is on the FMCSA’s list of registered ELDs. It is critical to confirm that the gadget you are using is ELD compliant.
* A provider’s experience should be taken into considerationÂ
The commercial vehicle sector is complicated due to the several governing organizations and laws. Because the sector’s norms and regulations are always changing, you need an ELD solution supplier who is conversant with the industry. This enables them to handle the ever-changing economy without disrupting your business. Examine the provider’s experience to establish their level of skill. The more experienced a firm is, the longer it has been in operation.
* Determine if the ELD provider is offering free trialsÂ
Before making a purchase choice, the best approach to assess the quality of ELD solutions is to try them. This helps you to become acquainted with a system and determine whether or not it meets your requirements. Choose a company that offers a free app or a free trial to its consumers to obtain the greatest ELD for you.
* Check if the ELD has a low price
Your bottom line is a primary focus as an owner-operator! Installing pricey technology that necessitates an expensive installation and permanent adjustments to your vehicles may be unnecessarily cumbersome for your needs. To maintain your truck in compliance with the new legislation, all you need is a simple plug-and-play solution. Search for a solution with no upfront hardware costs and a reasonable monthly subscription charge. You only need the fundamentals! Compliance does not have to be costly!
* Check online reviewsÂ
Before choosing an ELD provider, read reviews and comments from fleet managers and drivers who have utilized the company’s services in the past. Reviews may give useful information about the quality of a company’s products and customer experiences. Choose a firm that has received the most favorable comments and has received the highest ratings. A firm with excellent ratings has been evaluated by other drivers and managers, so it is likely to fulfill your demands.
* Ensure that the ELD is easy to use
Your work is already difficult; you must be an operations manager, a safety manager, a dispatcher, and a driver while adhering to these new ELD regulations! Search for a solution that is simple to understand and utilize. You want a system that will allow you to quickly and easily produce clean and compliant electronic logs as well as pull inspection reports for DOT officials. Choosing an ELD provider that makes the job of DOT enforcement simpler will make your job easier as well; it will help you get through an inspection and back on the road faster!
ConclusionÂ
Every commercial motor vehicle must have an ELD system, but the cost does not have to be prohibitively expensive. The greatest devices have new technology and features that can increase efficiency and so make you more money in the long term. The above-mentioned tips will help you choose the right ELD solution for your vehicles.
FAQs
What is the information recorded by ELD devices?
The ELD automatically captures the following data to maintain duty status records, assist drivers in tracking their driving restrictions, and minimize fatigue-related issues:
- * Time
- * Engine hours
- * Vehicle miles
- * Date
- * LocationÂ
- * User authenticationÂ
- * Motor carrierÂ
What is the cost of ELD?
ELDs can cost hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars per vehicle. There are various fees associated with obtaining an ELD solution:Â
* the device hardwareÂ
* professional installationÂ
* monthly software charge
To ensure that you are getting the most value for your money, perform research on the ELD provider and solution.
Is it mandated by the government that ELDs need to be mounted?
ELDs must be mounted in a permanent place and visible to the driver from a typical seated driving posture, according to the FMCSA.
