Keeping up with hours of service regulations is costly, but with ELDs, fleet managers can avoid the hassle and cost of paper logs. Additionally, reducing roadside inspections and the time it takes to fill out reports can save money. Select an ELD with a user-friendly interface to ensure easy use for drivers and fleet managers. Ensure you also have a customer support team that can provide prompt assistance.
Vehicle Tracking
With ELD standards in place, many truck drivers use electronic logs to record their hours. These devices automate the process, reduce the risk of false data reporting, and make it easier for truck drivers to comply with hours of service rules. Whether fleet managers and drivers use an ELD device or paper logs, they can benefit from increased accountability and improved safety on the road. Especially when safety is integrated into employee evaluations, drivers want to maintain good safety records. They will be careful on the road, knowing their performance is regularly evaluated. The best ELDs are easy to install and simple to operate. Some vendors require their own proprietary accessory devices, which can add to the cost of the system. However, some providers allow users to bring their devices (BYOD), making it a more affordable solution for most fleets. Others also offer easy installation without a technician, saving time and money.
HOS Reporting
As part of the ELD mandate, drivers must use compliant ELDs to track their record of duty status (RODS). The DOT’s HOS regulations limit commercial truckers’ hours on the road. They also include mandatory rest periods to prevent driver fatigue. Using compliant ELDs, fleet managers can eliminate costly violations and improve safety with real-time HOS reporting. Countdown clocks in the driver app give drivers a clear view of their compliance health and alert them before they reach their limit. They can also rely on the adverse driving condition exception to extend their maximum drive window to two hours.
DVIR Reporting
The last thing you want to see is one of your fleet vehicles involved in a crash due to a defective component that should’ve been fixed. However, managing the inspection and maintenance process can be challenging. Much time could be spent handling paper-based DVIRs that must be manually collected and processed. In addition to helping drivers save time by eliminating the need for pen and paper, electronic DVIRs can help facilitate more efficient communication between fleet maintenance teams and drivers. In-vehicle telematics DVIR apps allow drivers to quickly and accurately go through inspection checklists, take pictures, and submit reports in real-time so office workers can instantly access the data.
In addition to reducing compliance risks, electronic DVIRs can lower fleet maintenance costs by allowing managers to identify quickly and group vehicle defects that need immediate attention. It will enable them to prioritize repair work, reduce downtime, and maximize uptime.
Maintenance Reporting
Centralized maintenance reporting allows for a variety of reports that can be used to analyze key metrics like work order completion rates and labor costs. These reports can help assess inefficiencies, improve productivity, and meet performance targets. Other essential maintenance reports include inventory management, vendor evaluation and contract analysis, and compliance documentation. Reporting on these data points can help companies optimize inventory levels, negotiate better contracts with vendors and suppliers, and assess insurance compliance.
In addition, centralized maintenance reporting helps create consistent procedures and artistry among technicians while preserving knowledge that may otherwise walk out the door with departing employees. This knowledge can be captured as a document or media and then associated with corresponding assets for easy access and transfer to new technicians. It can also be a critical reference during inspections and audits to prove compliance with industry standards and regulations. This information is essential for maintaining operational safety and avoiding regulatory fines.