How Does an ELD Work for Team Drivers?
Listen to this articleBefore electronic logging device (ELD) technology was introduced, paper logbooks were used to record vehicle and driver information. These paper logbooks were not sufficient in meeting the standards necessary for safety and accuracy. For example, they were prone to errors, and collecting, revising, and storing paperwork was cumbersome. ELDs made everything easier, faster, and smarter. Many fleet companies find them superior to use, and they say that they would never wish to go back to the manual systems they used before.
What Is an ELD?
ELD is an acronym for electronic logging device. It is a type of device that is meant to automatically record different information relating to the operation of trucks or commercial vehicles. This device can record information by itself, but in order to display it, the device requires a tablet or a smartphone.
Benefits of ELDs
Hours of service – Drivers are supposed to work for a specific period of time. An ELD assists in monitoring the driver’s hours of service. It also checks whether drivers are in accordance with the hours of service standards of their country. Drivers will take breaks when the ELD notifies them to do so. Limitation of the number of hours the drivers are supposed to work reduces the number of road accidents and makes the roads safer for everyone.
Provide location data – An ELD records information at a given time interval when the vehicle is in motion and when the driver powers up or shuts down the engine. Since the fleet managers are able to track the location of the vehicle, the vehicle cannot be stolen easily because the ELD acts as a tracking device that can be located. This is why you should visit a reputable fleet solution website to purchase these devices. Actually, you can learn more here about ELDs.
Increase transparency – ELDs provide information about the drivers to the company they work for. If they commit traffic violations or drive over the speed limit, they will be subject to the law or disciplinary actions. This makes the drivers compliant since their records show that they are following the set standards.
Enhance productivity – With ELDs, drivers will follow all the rules of the business they are working for. They will manage their time accordingly and deliver services on time. The business will run smoothly, and more improvements are likely to be recorded. In other areas such as fuel efficiency and maintenance costs, ELDs play a major role in a larger fleet management system that uses data to help bring about improvements.
Helps drivers become tech-savvy – Technology in current times has changed how work is done no matter the industry. This is no different for companies operating fleets and managing drivers. They have offered training to drivers on the ins and outs of ELDs. This has given drivers the knowledge and skills necessary to solve problems when issues arise.
Conclusion
All these benefits make ELDs vital in all commercial vehicles. They allow fleet owners to run a more successful business and increase safety. The good thing is that current ELD technology uses software that can be upgraded if the service provider has this provision. Hence, you should engage a solution provider with this option.
