The rising role of electronic logging devices (ELDs) in fleet management

Electronic logging devices (ELDs) have been on the radar of fleet managers and drivers for a few years now. But they’re not just another safety technology, they can represent a major shift in the way fleets operate. And while most fleets are aware of ELDs and their benefits, many don’t realize how far-reaching the implications of this new technology will be.

What are ELDs?

ELDs are electronic devices that record and monitor the time a vehicle is in motion, engine is running, and driver is present. The device also records hours of service violations such as speeding or idling too long.

ELDs were mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to help prevent accidents and improve safety by reducing fatigue-related crashes among commercial drivers. According to FMCSA data from 2021:

There were 168,667 crashes involving large trucks on U.S roads; these accidents resulted in 5,332 deaths
Large trucks accounted for 79,120 injuries, with another 11,611 injuries resulting from buses
Despite these high numbers, 1,782,229 truck vehicles were inspected in 2021

ELDs are just one of many shipping terms used in this continuously-growing industry.

How is ELD technology changing fleet management?

Electronic logging devices (ELDs) are changing the way fleets are managed. The technology has improved efficiency and safety, while also helping to reduce costs for carriers and drivers alike. This applies to multiple types of large vehicles, such as an electric fleet or a bus.

In addition to being more efficient than paper logs, ELDs provide real-time information about driver behavior that can be used by fleet managers to improve operations. For example, if an employee begins driving at excessive speeds or driving too far over the speed limit, their employer will be notified immediately through their ELD device so they can take corrective action before any accidents occur.

Why do carriers need ELDs?

The FMCSA requires ELDs because they help to improve safety and efficiency. They also help to increase driver compliance, which in turn reduces the risk of accidents. In addition, ELDs can increase productivity by allowing you to monitor your drivers’ driving habits so that you know when they need additional training or rest breaks.

What are the benefits of ELDs for carriers?

There are many benefits to ELDs. These devices are designed to reduce driver distractions, which can be dangerous and cause accidents. They also help drivers keep their eyes on the road by providing information such as speed limits and traffic conditions. This can improve safety on the road and reduce fuel consumption by making it easier for drivers to maintain a constant speed without having to constantly check their phones or maps for directions.

The devices also have other benefits for fleet management: they make it easier for companies to track vehicle maintenance schedules so that vehicles can be repaired before they break down unexpectedly; they help managers identify problem areas in their operations (such as high accident rates); and they provide real-time data about mileage, speed limits, traffic jams etc., which can be used in planning future routes with fewer delays or problems along them

What are the benefits of having an ELD for drivers?

The benefits of an ELD for drivers are numerous and include:

Increased visibility into their driving hours, speeds, and patterns. Drivers can use the data to plan their next day’s route and ensure they don’t exceed their daily driving limit. They also can use this information to identify areas where they need improvement so that they can improve their overall safety record.
Easily accessible fuel usage data. Fuel is one of the most expensive parts of operating a vehicle; therefore it’s important for all fleets to know how much fuel is being used on each trip or in general over time (monthly). With an ELD, you’ll be able to see exactly how much fuel each driver was using throughout their shift–and if there are any opportunities for improvement! This feature is especially useful when trying out new routes or trying out different ways of getting around town during rush hour traffic jams.
Engine hours tracking capabilities give fleets insight into how many hours per day/week/month each vehicle has been running so that maintenance schedules can be planned accordingly based on usage statistics rather than guesswork alone.

Electronic logging devices can be a game changer for fleet management.

Electronic logging devices (ELDs) are a game changer for fleet management. They can help you save money, increase safety and reduce emissions. In fact, ELDs are mandatory in most states as of December 2015.

In addition to the obvious benefits of monitoring driver behavior, ELDs are also an excellent way to track vehicle maintenance and improve your driver retention efforts–which is especially important when you’re trying to compete with Uber or Lyft!

How do they affect your drivers?

The biggest benefit of ELDs is that they allow drivers to focus on driving. When you’re behind the wheel, there are many distractions that can take your attention away from the road and put your safety at risk. For example, if your phone rings or buzzes with a notification, it’s easy to glance over at it and answer it–even if doing so puts you at risk of crashing into another vehicle or hitting something else along the side of the road (like an animal).

In addition to allowing your employees more time for other tasks while driving (such as eating), electronic logging devices also help prevent fatigue because they make sure everyone has breaks throughout their shifts. This will be especially helpful during long drives where getting lost in thought could lead someone into danger when they start dozing off behind the wheel after hours on end without rest!

How do they affect your business?

How to manage the cost of ELDs. If you’re considering ELDs for your fleet, it will be important for you to understand how much they will cost. The first thing that comes to mind is the price of the devices themselves–but this is only part of what goes into managing costs for an ELD system.
How to manage training costs for drivers who use ELDs. Drivers need training in order to operate vehicles equipped with electronic logging devices properly and safely. It’s also important that they learn how these systems work so they can use them more efficiently when driving across state lines or international borders where different laws may apply (for example, some states require drivers keep paper logs).
How to manage compliance requirements related specifically toward using electronic logging devices (ELDs). These include: keeping accurate records; ensuring data integrity; providing access by authorized personnel only; protecting against unauthorized modifications or deletions; ensuring tamper resistance during installation/maintenance processes etc…

How should you prepare for their use in 2023 and beyond?

Now that you’re aware of the impending changes and have a better idea of how your company will be affected, what should you do next?

For starters, make sure that all of your vehicles are equipped with ELD devices. In 2015, the FMCSA announced that electronic logging devices would be required across all commercial trucks and buses.

It’s also worth noting that there is no grace period–if an inspection station finds that a vehicle isn’t equipped with an ELD during an inspection or roadside inspection (RVI), they may issue penalties against both trucking companies and drivers alike. Enforcing such strict penalties regarding ELD devices helps to keep drivers and fleet management teams accountable, making sure that all on the road are safe and following standard driving rules and regulations.

ELDs have many benefits but can be complicated to implement.

Electronic logging devices (ELDs) are a good idea for many fleets, but they can be complicated to implement. Not only are they relatively new in the trucking industry, but they come with a variety of controls that can make it overwhelming for a driver not familiar with these devices. Before you begin the process of implementing ELDs in your fleet, it’s important that you understand their benefits and drawbacks.

There are many things to consider when implementing ELDs, including:

Cost: The cost of purchasing and installing an ELD system may vary depending on how many trucks you have in your fleet and what type of vehicle each truck is equipped with. You should also factor in monthly subscription fees for software updates and maintenance support if necessary.
Data security: If privacy issues are a concern for your company or clients who use its services, then encryption may be necessary so that only authorized people can access data stored on an ELD device while it is being used on public roads by drivers during their shifts at work hours.

Moving forward with electronic logging devices

Electronic logging devices are a game changer for fleet management. The benefits of ELDs are clear and numerous, but the technology is still in its infancy. As these devices become more widespread, it will be important for carriers to understand how they work so they can take advantage of all the benefits they offer.