Electronic Logging Device
What Is an Electronic Logging Device?
An electronic logging device (ELD) is an innovative and electronic hardware installed in commercial motor vehicles, such as trucks, to record driving hours. An ELD automatically records a driver’s driving time and other hours of service (HOS) to enable accurate recordkeeping.
How Does It Work?
An ELD functions by plugging into a vehicle’s onboard diagnostics port. Data is directly pulled through here from the engine. Information gathered includes how much fuel was consumed, distance traveled, real-time location of the vehicle, and when the motor vehicle’s engine is turned on and off. In addition, the ELD transmit collected data to the fleet managers back in the office, which they utilize to bring drivers to tow the HOS regulations line.
Who Is Required to Use an ELD?
In a bid to improve commercial motor vehicle safety within the motor carrier’s industry, the ELD rule was established. Commercial motor vehicle drivers are required to use ELD and adhere to HOS regulations. Whether you are a truck driver, or if you drive any other type of commercial vehicle, you are required to use an ELD.
Benefits of ELD
There are some top reasons why ELDs are needed to be installed in motor vehicles. Some of these reasons are:
Minimize Fuel Waste
Do you know that ELDs allows you to monitor idle-time tracking, which you can use to reduce fuel waste? ELDs enable a fleet management board to track how much time truck drivers spend idling. Using the information, they can save thousands of dollars every month through ensuring drivers do not idle frequently or for too long.
Better Route Management
Furthermore, the electronic logging device offers the benefit of better route management. ELDs allows fleet managers to monitor motor vehicles through GPS tracking. Since fleet managers are actively able to gain a vehicle’s visibility, it minimizes distraction and boosts productivity as they will not have to call drivers every time to gain their locations.
Identify Bad Driving Behaviors
In addition, electronic logging devices can be used to identify bad driving behaviors. This is one of the most worrying concerns of fleet managers. ELDs allows fleet managers to easily identify drivers with bad driving behaviors. Once you identify a driver with bad driving behavior, you can use the data gathered to talk to them and help them improve.
Low Insurance Premiums
One of the parameters insurance companies utilize to grant low premiums for auto insurance is the safety of the vehicle. The safer a motor vehicle appears the lower the insurance premium gets. ELDs guarantee low insurance premiums since they increase truck safety. This is because they minimize the risk of the vehicle being stolen.
Endnote
Electronic logging devices can assist fleet managers to streamline their operations to increase safety, productivity, and boost profits. With all the information gathered by ELDs, the fleet company stands a better chance to comply with the FMCSA’s ELD rule and regulations.
