The Perks & Advantages of Complying Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Aside from adhering to regulations, Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) provide numerous advantages for drivers, fleet managers, and carriers.
Minimize documentation.
As per the Department of Transportation (DOT), drivers dedicate approximately 20 hours annually to completing manual logs for carriers. ELDs offer the potential for drivers to save around 15 minutes daily by minimizing paperwork, thereby reducing the effort and costs for both drivers and fleet managers.
Streamline IFTA reporting through automation.
The Internal Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) streamlines fuel reporting for carriers operating in multiple jurisdictions, requiring comprehensive paperwork at the end of each quarter. Implementing an appropriate ELD solution provides drivers the capability to automate the IFTA calculation process, resulting in time savings and lowered operational costs and administrative burdens.
For instance, Advaya's IFTA fuel tax reporting feature automatically computes travel distance and fuel purchases by jurisdiction. This not only enhances productivity and precision but also minimizes the risk of errors.
Monitor vehicles in actual time.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) utilize GPS tracking to facilitate seamless tracking and monitoring of drivers by fleet managers. This eliminates the need for managers to contact drivers for check-ins, as they now have immediate visibility into their drivers' locations in real time. Consequently, managers can provide customers with precise information about the driver's current location and estimated time of arrival (ETA), allowing drivers to focus on safe driving without interruptions.
Additionally, some ELDs capture historical breadcrumb trails and locations, aiding both fleet managers and drivers in planning the most optimal routes.
By offering real-time vehicle tracking, ELDs contribute to simplifying fleet management, enhancing dispatch efficiency, and streamlining communication within fleets.
Oversee the well-being and status of vehicles.
Employing Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) allows for the enhancement of fleet-wide vehicle safety through diverse features, including personalized vehicle inspection reports, customized inspection forms, real-time alerts, and a comprehensive history of vehicle inspections. By adopting a proactive stance on vehicle maintenance, drivers can not only boost vehicle uptime but also mitigate repair costs.
Enhance fuel economy.
In spite of the expenses associated with fuel, fleets have the potential to achieve substantial cost savings by optimizing operations and minimizing fuel inefficiencies.
Certain Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) provide fleet managers with the capability to monitor each driver's idle time, a critical factor in curbing fuel waste and reducing costs.
For instance, Advaya's AI-driven Fuel Hub solution incorporates a vehicle utilization feature that automatically logs information such as idle time, idle fuel consumption, driving time, and driving fuel usage for each vehicle. Having visibility into this data enables fleet managers to identify drivers who excessively idle. By enhancing efficiency and maximizing utilization rates, significant positive impacts can be made on the company's financial performance.
Enhance vehicle and driver safety
The FMCSA projects that the implementation of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) will result in saving 26 lives and preventing 1,844 vehicle accidents on an annual basis. This reflects an 11.7% decrease in the overall crash rate when compared to vehicles lacking in-cab hardware.
Through its advanced features, an ELD solution proves instrumental in accident prevention. This is achieved through real-time vehicle tracking, monitoring fault codes, effective route management, mitigating driver fatigue, and enhancing overall driver behavior.
Improve CSA scores
Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) is a government initiative aimed at ensuring safety and reliability in the transportation industry. CSA scores are determined based on factors such as crash reports, roadside inspections, investigation reports, and regulatory compliance details. It is crucial to maintain low CSA scores, as elevated scores can lead to increased compliance checks, higher insurance rates, and a decrease in clients.
Utilizing the right Electronic Logging Device (ELD) allows for the monitoring of drivers' behavior, ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting safe driving practices. Moreover, ELDs play a role in reducing violations related to Hours of Service (HOS) and preventing log falsification, which can otherwise negatively impact CSA scores.
For an enhanced approach to improving CSA scores, solutions like Advaya's CSA Insights functionality can be considered. CSA Insights provides a comprehensive overview of drivers' risk profiles, enabling proactive coaching to prevent penalties, CSA score increases, and costly legal issues.
Boost financial viability
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) play a crucial role in streamlining and enhancing fleet management, ultimately leading to increased profitability.
According to reports from the FMCSA, the annual savings per driver due to reduced paperwork include:
- Driver completion of record of duty status (RODS): $487
- Driver submission of RODS: $56
- Clerk filing RODS: $120
- Elimination of paper driver logbooks: $42
- This amounts to approximately $705 in savings facilitated by ELDs, which significantly minimizes paperwork.
Moreover, companies can realize additional savings on operational costs through ELDs by:
- Reducing idling and fuel wastage
- Alleviating administrative burdens
- Ensuring compliance to avoid violations and fines
- Enhancing overall efficiency and productivity