Fleets using ELD devices reap various benefits that go far beyond compliance. For example, integrated ELDs provide vehicle health data, which helps operators keep their vehicles in great shape and prevent breakdowns.
ELDs automate HOS logs, which saves time for drivers and compliance managers. They also eliminate the need for manual paperwork and reduce roadside inspection costs.
Real-time Vehicle Tracking
Modern vehicle tracking systems allow fleet managers to monitor critical aspects of their vehicles. This information enables them to schedule maintenance and repairs proactively, eliminating the need for costly emergency servicing and reducing downtime. With engine diagnostics, fuel level indicators, reefer temperature, and more, optimizing routes, shortening loading times, reducing idling time, and boosting daily productivity is easy.
Keeping drivers safe is also paramount. Vehicle tracking devices help fleets monitor driver behavior and identify risky driving habits, such as speeding, sudden braking, or sharp turns. This can reduce insurance costs and liability claims and mitigate the impact of vehicle accidents or theft.
While implementing vehicle tracking systems, businesses need to establish clear objectives and communicate these to employees. This helps to reduce resistance and promote buy-in. It is also essential to provide training and technical support. This will ensure that employees have the tools they need to maximize the benefits of this game-changing technology.
IFTA Fuel Tax Reporting
ELD devices provide fleets with real-time vehicle tracking data. They can show where a truck is and its route, which can help operators confirm any issues with driver behavior or vehicle performance.
Aside from boosting fleet efficiency, vehicle tracking, and fuel monitoring also reduces costs. This is because ELDs eliminate the need for drivers to keep paper logs, saving them 19 hours a year.
Moreover, other ELD device automatically calculates travel distance and fuel purchases to generate IFTA reports in state-specific formats. Using this information, fleets can file quarterly IFTA tax returns hassle-free. They can also use this data to identify the best routes and streamline dispatch processes. Some ELDs can even record historical breadcrumb trails, giving fleet managers and drivers more visibility into the delivery process. This helps reduce detention time with shippers and receivers and ensures customer satisfaction. It can also improve vehicle uptime and reduce repair costs by detecting mechanical issues early on.
Enhanced Driver Communication
ELD devices help reduce costs by eliminating paperwork and speeding up decision-making with integrated data. Fleet owners can also realize savings in reduced accidents, liability claims, and maintenance costs resulting from better vehicle safety monitoring.
By accurately tracking a driver’s HOS, ELD devices prevent fatigue-related accidents and ensure that drivers have sufficient rest periods on the road. This boosts productivity by keeping drivers alert and productive while also improving overall fleet efficiency.
In addition, FMCSA-approved ELDs with GPS tracking allow fleet managers to see a driver’s current location in real-time. This will enable managers to dispatch drivers without calling and provide customers with accurate ETAs. This feature makes it possible to prevent theft and helps dispatchers work faster by reducing the need for phone calls. Some vendors require drivers to purchase proprietary hardware, but others offer a BYOD option that uses existing smartphones or tablets for logging duty status and GPS locations.
Real-time Alerts
ELDs make it easier for fleet managers to monitor vehicle and driver performance. Fleets that use leading telematic solutions can receive alerts if a driver exhibits hazardous driving, including hard braking and sharp cornering. This information is vital for maintaining safety standards and minimizing liability in accidents.
In addition, fleets can use real-time vehicle tracking and engine diagnostics to streamline dispatch, increase productivity, and reduce fuel waste. For example, specific systems notify fleets when vehicles have excessive idling time—which can save money on fuel.
Finally, ELDs can help fleets improve the lifecycle of their vehicles by identifying maintenance needs. This allows them to boost efficiency, increase service deliveries, and keep customers happy. It also helps them get more done quickly, a critical competitive advantage for trucking, passenger transit, food and beverage, local government, and other industries.
