Electronic Logging Devices or fleet control tracking is become increasingly popular across the world, especially in North America.
Us truck drivers should always document our Record of Duty Status or RODS required by the law. Also, logging our Hours of Service or HOS is a must too. Habitually, some of us truckers still implementing the use of manual log books to store information about the days’ work.
It’s undeniable that technology has helped us make our task much simpler especially when it comes to automated logging device. Say goodbye to our manual logging and introduce the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) and certainly make our task easier. Upon installing the ELD within the vehicle’s engine, it will track and record when our truck is moving or not.
With the help of the tool, we truck drivers can easily register into the device and record our work status. Activity status such as on-work, on-work but idle, off-duty, and work done. The ELD allows us truckers to view the finished documents and aware of our work time and drive hours.
Though, most of the devices are requiring a subscription for the software to fully gain access of the other features. The activation cost depends on the duration or plan you’ve chosen. Different ELDs with various features to offer to us truckers so it’s wise to do some research before investing.
When we need to share log evidence to law authorities, we can simply display or transfer those data with ease. The built-in connection enables us to share documents to fleet owners or during routine check through USB, WiFi, or Bluetooth. The ELDs installed in our trucks should be compatible with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association’s requirements.
Advantages of owning an ELD
Time-efficient and reduces human errors
The biggest feature that ELDs provides for our truckers is the automated tracking and recording of our vehicle’s movement. Also, it reduces or completely vanishes the use of manual logging or paper work and administrative load. With Electronic Logging Devices, we don’t even have to worry about the traditional hand written logs.
The ELDs is automatically logging the Hours of Services (HOS) in our journey at the same time saving and storing those records. The core benefit of owning this electronic logging devices is to help cost and time efficiency. Hence, fleet owners and us truckers are more aware of the liability of our actions in work
Reduces the wastage of gas
A big contributor to the fuel wastage of trucks are utilizing the company trucks for personal use or a long period of idling. With the aid of ELDs, fleet owners or us truckers can monitor and track the idle time. As a result, this can help in distinguishing drivers with improper behavior of idling too long or too often.
With ELDs providing this kind of information, we can save a ton of money for buying fuel for our trucks. The device will certainly be helpful for cost-efficiency and reducing excessive idling in regards to fuel wastage.
Truck Diagnostics
The ELD is checking and monitoring for diagnostic issues due to the ELD being connected to the truck’s engine port. This enables the device to continuously monitor for diagnostic trouble codes, also known as fault codes. Thus, we are always ahead and informed of any truck maintenance issues with up-to-date notifications and complete reports.
Apart from this, we get real-time updates whenever a diagnostic trouble code is found on our truck’s engine. Also, it is easier to recognize the repetitive engine issues of our truck by looking at the previous fault code reports. Allowing us drivers to take necessary actions in avoiding accidents from occurring while on our trip.
Preventative actions can be carried at the right time, as a result that leads to a higher efficiency and productivity in our work.
Site Tracing and Improved Path Management
The ELDs grant fleet owners to continuously monitor commercial vehicles via GPS tracking. Not only does it provide fleet owners with updated visibility, but it also enhances the productivity and reduces work errors. This device truly helps fleet owner to strategize and implement a policy for a better production phase.
Since fleet owners are well-informed of the truck’s location, they can easily trace each company vehicles with ELDs. Therefore, owner’s can avoid calling us drivers every time they want an update on our work. Also, GPS tracking can aid fleet owners and us drivers to plant out and maneuver the best possible routes to go.
Improved path management also helps our drivers to point out the potential shortcuts to take that leads to fuel saving. The best of all, everyone is more productive as well as higher profits for everyone.
Decreasing of Liabilities
Let’s be honest, us truckers are inevitable to road accidents such as crashes or property damage. Not all of us are always cautious or it just happen so fast that we don’t have the time to react fast enough. Due to this, us truckers can be guilty or not, have to deal with charges every now and then.
In cases when we are not responsible for the damages, ELDs can help our case as proof of evidence. The gathered information by the ELDs can be handed to the judge of the case to prove our innocence. If the court has seen no violation, and over speeding, the judge may plead you as not guilty.
In a case of such unfortunate events, rest assured that the ELD has your back. Owning an ELD can help us win lawsuit cases or erasing fraud penalties that saves us thousands of cash.
Monitoring of Improper Driving Behaviors
One of the greatest advantages of an ELD can offer is that our owners can monitor driving behaviors. Us truckers sometimes have bad driving behaviors such as over speeding, hard braking, hard cornering, and excessive idling. With the help of ELDs, our truckers can avoid this type of improper behavior.
Once the fleet owners identify which driver has bad driving habits, they can use the info collected from the ELD. We can ask why our truckers are behaving improperly on work so we can help them to improve productively. Also, knowing those bad drivers reduces the percentage of potential accidents and liabilities along their journey to work.
With electronic logging devices, it helps us to efficiently track and gather this type of data. In addition to this, fleets can also make a list of their best to worst performing drivers. In a case were our worst performing drivers are identified, they might undergo proper training for improvements.
While our best-performing drivers should be rewarded and acknowledged, which may increase work productivity. With the right information gathered from the device, not only do fleet owners improve our drivers but also their companies.
Increases drivers’ Safety
Most of us truckers are sometimes prone to road hazards such as sharp turns, potholes, roaming wildlife, and more. In preventing such unfortunate events to happen, using an ELD for our truckers ensures their safety on the go. As a result, Fleets are implementing the use of ELDs for the safety of their truckers.
Us truckers with ELDs are substantially safer than those without ELDs in their trucks. Also, ELDs could save lives and prevent injuries due to road accidents that our truckers face. We truckers sometimes put our lives at stake just to get the job done and go home to put food on the table.
Moreover, ELDs with GPS tracking, excellent route management, engine monitoring, bad driving behaviors, and lack of driver exhaustion could help. It is surely a tool worth investing in for us truckers in preventing potential numerous accidents.
Greatly Improves Profit
The best benefit of owning an ELD for our trucks is that it can give the highest amount of profit. Whether in a company or individual business, we can’t help to notice that ELDs helps to improve financial growth. Due to this reason, more and more of our truckers are investing in this great device that benefits us truckers.
Our fleet owners and managers also benefit from the ELDs because of the automated data they can gather from it. The absence of executive liability diminishes working costs. The ELDs proved helpful in decreasing liabilities and improved insurance rates which has a positive effect on the stability sheet.
With proper drivers management, fleets also capable of improving our truck driver’s retention rate. Furthermore, with idle-time tracking, improved route management, lessened fuel consumption, and truck engine monitoring can help in cost-efficiency using ELDs. With increased work productivity and reduced operation cost, could result in a higher amount of profits.
Investing in electronic logging devices surely has more pros than cons when it comes to our trucking business necessities. Now, since we already know the advantages of owning an ELD, let’s talk about the best devices. Here are our best picks for ELD devices that will certainly help you in your journey.
Best Electronic Logging Devices to Invest In
I’ve built this list based on reviews and customer success stories. If you would like to be included, then please reach out and I will need to test your platform first.
1. KeepTruckin ELD
The KeepTruckin ELD is the best all-around ELD and the most affordable and remains at first place on the market. In buying this device, I have the choice of paying every month for $35 or a three-year contract. Also, another option is paying $20 per month with an upfront payment ranging around $150.
A great set of features, a user-friendly interface, and affordable price point makes KeepTruckin one of the go-to ELD truckers’ choice. Additionally, a customer support service willing to help us truckers 24/7. A recommendable ELD choice for us truckers or any fleets that needs a continuous tracking device for their HOS.
Key features for KeepTruckin ELD:
- Inspection for fault trouble codes
- Easy to use interface
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Serving fleets of all sizes
- GPS tracking
- Fuel monitoring
- Idle-time tracking
- Log Auditing
- KeepTruckin Notifications
2. Garmin eLog
Garmin is a well-known company for making a variety of devices such as GPS tracking, navigation, and marine mapping. Unquestionably, this company would provide a top-notch electronic logging device to add up in their products. Though, Garmin products are considered to be more on the expensive price point.
Yet, it offers our truckers fully installed features upon purchasing the ELD. Unlike other ELDs, this device wouldn’t hassle our truckers in paying monthly subscriptions or other payments. The Garmin eLog can improve thousands of businesses with the features it offers.
Key features for Garmin eLog:
- Data can be backed up on a mobile app
- Free mobile app
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Serving fleets of all sizes
- Fuel monitoring
- USB and Bluetooth Compatible
3. Rand McNally ELD 50
The Rand McNally ELD 50 is considered the best for easy setup. It installs quickly and also comes with a low monthly subscription fee. With amazing ELD features included are helpful perks for our fleet managers that don’t have a complete FMS service.
The two-way messaging feature comes with the ELD 50 that is a useful way to quickly communicate changes or updates. Also, truck tracking offers our managers some comfort that their truckers are going in their assigned areas. Rand McNally’s plug-and-play unit provides simple installation, however, some of us might find the interface difficult to navigate.
Key features for Rand McNally ELD 50:
- Quick and Easy Installation
- Serving fleets of all sizes
- GPS tracking
- Comes with a free trial
- 24/7 customer support
- Two-way messaging
4. Gorilla Safety ELD
The Gorilla Safety ELD is best known for its document management and a cost-efficient option for our fleets or truckers. The ELD provides high-quality ELD conformity and DVIR service and the lowest upfront and monthly costs for ELDs. Businesses that are looking for an ELD that prioritizes documentation, then Gorilla Safety is the best choice on the market.
Also, Gorilla Safety offers a unique feature by using their app. Our truck drivers can move to document tracking as they drive. Thus, allowing us to scan and file digital documents to various categories namely sections specific to our driver, truck, or the company.
Key features for Gorilla Safety ELD:
- Low price point cost
- Best Document Management
- Comes with a free trial
- Customer Support during work hours
- Serving fleets of all sizes
- Promotes paperless documentation
- Mechanic inspection
Conclusion
The ELDs provides the best work productivity and reduces operational cost which are great tools to consider on our businesses. It is also wise for us to do some research to be more knowledgeable in the field of ELDs that suits us. With all the information said, I wish my fellow truckers a safe and healthy work on their trip using the best ELDs.