How ELDs Can Help Your Company

With the federal electronic logging device (ELD) mandate on its way, chatter surrounding the law has erupted. Many companies are wondering if the ELD mandate will apply to them, while others ask what the benefits of ELDs are. Businesses that use ELDs have a clear advantage over their competitors, with improved federal compliance records and greater insight into vehicle statuses. The best ELDs go beyond federal compliance to give managers a comprehensive view of what happens on the road.

Improve Compliance, Productivity and Safety

ELDs provide drivers with an efficient way to enter hours of service (HOS) information. With paper logs, drivers have to fill in their logs by hand and fax them once they reach a fuel stop – a time-consuming, pricey, and outdated process that companies don’t need. With ELDs, drivers can instantly send digital reports from their in-cab device, saving time and staying compliant.

Save Time on Repairs and Maintenance

Sidelining a vehicle due to unforeseen maintenance or repairs is a costly decision. Driver vehicle inspection reports for pre- and post-trip inspections mitigate this risk. It is wise to track vehicle inefficiencies and needs so that they can be quickly attended to, keeping the fleet strong and on the road year-round.

Reduce Carbon Footprint

ELDs are paperless, helping companies reduce their reliance on physical resources. Companies can save a great deal as a result of their reduction in paperwork. On top of saving money, companies can reduce the risk of a costly federal audit with reliable HOS data.

Boost Driver and Dispatch Communication

Advanced ELDs include a slew of driver apps, including two-way communication, as well as federally compliant electronic log books and driver vehicle inspection reports. These devices can issue break-time alerts, send arrival and departure times, and allow drivers to ask for help without using a mobile phone or leaving their vehicle.

Visibility into Vehicle Activity and Driver Safety

An ELD that integrates with a cloud-based fleet management system goes beyond tracking HOS status changes. These fleet management systems include GPS fleet tracking features, such as real-time access to vehicle locations on a live, interactive map, ensuring managers can always remain in touch with their drivers. In addition, businesses can use dashboards, reports and business intelligence data to see what matters most to the company.

The ELD mandate gives companies an opportunity to dive deeply into their fleets’ operations and retrieve data that can reveal previously unknown inefficiencies.  The right ELD system can provide the framework for a stronger, better business. 

Click here to learn about Teletrac Navman's self-certified ELD solution.