Top Features to Look for in Electronic Logging Devices for Your Fleet

Published
12/04/2023

While most commercial motor carriers use ELDs to record driving time and digitally log HOS, the technology offers many benefits beyond meeting compliance. These functions help fleets increase efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Find out what to look for in an ELD so your trucking company can maximize its value.

Real-time GPS Tracking

Real-time tracking allows fleet managers to see where their vehicles or assets are at any given moment. This helps them optimize workflows, improve productivity, and boost customer service. It also improves dispatching routing and enables IFTA tax reporting.

A GPS tracking solution integrated with electronic logging devices can keep drivers within hours-of-service limits, preventing them from overworking themselves and helping ensure their safety on the road. In addition, it can be used to demonstrate that a driver has worked the number of hours they've billed customers for.

Using vehicle tracking software can help fleets minimize theft and locate equipment, such as trucks, trailers, or shipping containers that may be stolen or lost. It can also improve asset maintenance, dispatching, and ETAs.

Mobile Apps

Whether truckers are on the road or in the office, fleet managers can access their fleet data through an easy-to-use mobile app. They can track drivers' HOS compliance, view vehicle locations, receive DOT inspection alerts, and track fuel usage. They can also use the app to create routes, accept work orders, and monitor idle times.

Easy-to-use Interface

ELDs automate the recording and tabulating of drivers' Hours of Service, which makes them an essential tool for fleet efficiency, safety, and compliance. But they're also a powerful vehicle for boosting productivity and improving profitability.

For fleets that want to minimize their learning curve, some solutions offer a simple interface with a low upfront hardware cost and no ongoing fees. It includes a one-year hardware warranty and phone-based customer support.

Other ELD vendors require you to buy their proprietary accessory devices, which can add up quickly. An FMCSA-approved ELD is all-inclusive, so you get the entire platform for one monthly fee. That includes features for preventing theft, scheduling preventive maintenance, and coaching your drivers. It's also available on a free trial. Request a demo today.

Compliance

ELDs digitally record a driver's HOS status to replace paper logbooks and ensure fleet operations adhere to federal safety standards. They also provide insights into engine performance and fault codes, which help dispatchers arrange preventative vehicle maintenance.

A good ELD can monitor truck driving behavior, such as idle time, rapid acceleration, or harsh turning, helping fleet managers build driver incentive programs to boost efficiency and cut fuel costs. Some ELDs also feature a live satellite view or GPS map of your entire fleet, allowing managers to identify vehicles and drivers in the field easily.

For example, a unique document tracking features allow drivers to scan and upload documents directly into the ELD app, making them go paperless much quicker. This is a valuable feature that you won't find on no-frills compliance ELDs.

Security

An ELD device can minimize paper log errors, making DOT inspections easier for truck drivers and fleet managers. It can also provide insights into harsh driving events, idle time, fuel usage, risky driving, etc.

These insights are then used to arrange preventative vehicle maintenance to help you avoid breakdowns. You can even track vehicle locations with real-time GPS tracking, helping prevent theft and dispatch drivers to their routes.

An ELD solution is FMCSA-approved and includes a built-in WiFi hotspot with 500MB of data included at no additional cost. The system can be easily installed without wiring and provides a user-friendly interface for truckers and safety managers. Learn more about how this feature-rich solution can save money, improve safety and compliance, and increase profits.