ELDs are used to satisfy the FMCSA’s Hours of Service rules, but they also provide a wealth of other data that can help fleet managers improve efficiency and safety. They include GPS tracking, route strategic planning, fault code monitoring, and driver fatigue monitoring.
This information is fed to fleet managers via telematics software, allowing them to mitigate risks, prove compliance, and build tailored driver training. It also reduces fuel costs and risky driving behaviors.
Educate Your Drivers
The trucking industry is currently undergoing a major transformation with the ELD mandate. This new technology is a crucial piece of hardware that allows trucking companies and owner-operators to comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules regarding Hours of Service (HOS).
Fleet managers need to ensure all their drivers understand how to use the electronic logging devices implemented in their trucks. This can help minimize errors and ensure all drivers are comfortable using the device.
The best ELDs should be easy to install, durable, and sleek. They should also have features that allow fleets to track driver performance and stay compliant. For example, some ELDs have a built-in GPS, while others use cellular connectivity to relay data. Additionally, it’s important to consider how the ELDs can be updated as the FMCSA changes its regulations and rules. For instance, some systems can provide a software update when the FMCSA requires it.
Monitor Your Drivers’ Performance
Fleet managers have many responsibilities, and the job can seem overwhelming. Tracking employee performance, monitoring vehicles, managing maintenance reports, and complying with regulations require your attention.
You need a reliable and easy-to-use system to help you stay on top of driver performance. Choose an ELD solution with a mobile app that supports FMCSA-compliant HOS and RODS records. It should also have a remote tacho download facility and provide real-time visibility of driver hours remaining.
Make sure you’re regularly seeking feedback from your drivers, too. If they feel like their opinions need to be heard, they may start pushing themselves too hard to meet unrealistic expectations. This could lead to lower levels of job satisfaction, unsafe driving behaviors, and decreased efficiency. It can also result in higher costs due to fuel and equipment maintenance. Ensure you’re addressing issues as they arise, and don’t let them fester. Depending on the issue, you may need to ride with your drivers, provide coaching and training, or terminate a driver.
Ensure Your Drivers Are Compliant
As you begin to instill a culture of compliance throughout your fleet, you’ll need to have clear policies and procedures for your drivers to follow. The easiest way to accomplish this is by implementing an ELD solution that your drivers can use and understand.
A quality ELD can reduce paperwork by manually eliminating drivers’ need to complete paper logs. It also provides more accurate HOS information and can prevent fatigue by alerting drivers when they are approaching their driving time limit.
It can also speed up work processes like payroll and vehicle inspections by automatically submitting data to the system, helping you save resources and improve efficiency. Finally, a quality ELD can give you a competitive advantage in the freight industry by providing real-time GPS tracking and ETA information to brokers.
Ensure Your Drivers Are Safe
While many people may think of ELDs as a way to comply with the FMCSA’s Hours of Service (HOS) mandate, they also offer several other benefits for fleet operators. For example, they allow dispatchers to see the real-time GPS location of vehicles, enabling them to work faster and provide accurate ETAs.
In addition, modern ELDs can record additional informative data, such as speeding, sudden acceleration, and harsh braking. This data can help fleet managers identify patterns and train drivers to improve their driving habits.
ELDs also help streamline work processes like payroll and maintenance by eliminating the need for manual reporting. As a result, they can free up time for fleet managers to focus on important strategic tasks that will help drive revenue and increase efficiency.
