Electronic logging devices, or ELDs, have been a major topic of discussion in recent years. This is because an ELD mandate was recently passed that affects all fleets across the country. If your fleet is starting out and you’re unfamiliar with fleet electronic logging devices, we’ll help you get acquainted. Being familiar with these devices is critical to avoid fines and other penalties on your business.
What is a Fleet Electronic Logging Device?
ELDs are used by commercial motor vehicles to record their driving time. Businesses use them to stay within HOS, or Hours of Service, regulations. These devices capture vehicle engine data, including its movements and how many miles it has traveled.
There are three parts to an ELD:
- The tracking device that connects directly to the truck.
- The fleet management system you will use to see the data obtained by the device.
- A mobile app that drivers can use to see their status.
How Does an ELD Work?
Your ELD will use your vehicle’s engine information to determine how long your drivers have been operating. It automatically records data like ignition status, engine hours, location, and miles driven.
As the ELD gathers this information, it sends that data to a server. This is where Duty Status logs are created for viewing in the mobile app. The information in the mobile app is updated in real-time to avoid errors. Both drivers and managers should have access to the data.
What is the ELD Mandate?
The ELD mandate was passed as a part of MAP-21 in 2012. MAP-21 stands for “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century” and was an act to promote road safety. Fleets were given until the end of 2017 to meet this act’s compliance standards.
The most significant effect of this act was the ELD mandate. This mandate requires vehicles to use an ELD in their vehicles. Recording on paper was no longer allowed. The ELDs chosen must be approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can check which devices are compliant on the FMCSA Equipment Registration Portal.
We won’t explore the ELD mandate in extreme detail here. To learn more about the specifics of this mandate, check out our article ELD Mandate Guide: Compliance, Standards, and Devices.
What are the Benefits of ELDs?
ELDs aren’t only suitable for fleets because they keep businesses compliant. No, there are lots of benefits to installing ELDs for your fleet.
- Safety: ELDs prevent drivers from working too long and becoming tired. Tired drivers are a significant danger to themselves and others.
- Streamlined RODS Process: Keeping Records of Duty Status is challenging when using pen and paper. You’re far more likely to make mistakes. With ELDs, everything is automatic.
- Reduce Paperwork: Not only does paperwork lead to errors, as we last mentioned, but it’s also time-consuming! You can use fewer people and waste less time when everything is automatic.
- Save Time and Money: We all know the old adage: time is money. When you’re not wasting time recording everything manually, you’re saving money!
Azuga’s ELD is FMCSA-Approved!
Azuga is always one step ahead when it comes to the fleet industry. We ensure that our ELDs are currently compliant with FMCSA standards and that we will stay ahead of the game to keep them compliant! To learn more about our ELDs, schedule a demo with one of our fleet experts today.
