The trucking industry never sleeps, as trucks are constantly moving and delivering freight to their destinations. As a result, thousands of trucks can be moving across landscapes at a given time to make a delivery. Managing such an extensive network of truck operations can become a challenge for any organization.

And that’s where an electronic logging device (ELD) can come in handy. The device allows organizations to track their truck drivers while providing access to important information parameters such as mileage, distance traveled, and time on the road. By opting for an ELD trucking solution, companies actively using trucks for freight management can adhere to compliance requirements while making tracking easy.

What is an ELD?

ELD stands for Electronic Logging Device and is a device commonly used by commercial vehicle drivers to track parameters like recording driving time and Hours of Service (HOS) records, status of the vehicle’s engine, movement, and miles driven. This device makes it easier for trucking companies to adhere to fleet compliance, inspections, and planning.

As the driver status can be tracked in real time, ELD is an excellent way for companies to ensure they are maintaining records while adhering to industry and government regulatory requirements. An ELD consists of a vehicle tracking system that connects directly with the truck. It is attached to fleet management software, making tracking easy and hassle-free.

Why ELD Is Important in Trucking?

Adherence to compliance requirements by making HOS reports, configurable alerts for any on-road violations, and real-time insights helps companies to plan routes and manage their freight. Other reasons why an ELD is essential are as follows.

• As the device actively sends stored data to a server, logging information is a quick process. The ELD mobile app for real-time visibility adds transparency to the entire process, boosting workplace culture.
• ELDs can be paired with telematics solutions, offering deeper insights into driver behavior. The system helps drivers comply with their roles and responsibilities by automating manual processes like logbook entries and adhering to safety protocols.
• The tool also reduces overall admin work by automating HOS reporting and data collection. Access to operational data further simplifies tracking driver performance and safety.
• As ELDs can seamlessly integrate with the vehicle, they can be used to assess engine diagnostics and vehicle health issues. It helps optimize the vehicle’s performance, reducing downtime and increasing overall productivity.

5 Key Benefits of ELD in the Trucking Industry

The following are some benefits of ELDs in trucking that are worth considering.

1. ELDs offer the most accurate details about the vehicle, reducing the scope for errors and false reporting.
2. The tool tracks driver activities in real time. The data can be used to optimize routes, create performance-focused schedules, and comply with regulations.
3. Manually managing logbooks is tedious and time-consuming. With ELDs, data reporting and fleet management become easy and hassle-free.
4. With ELDs, fleet managers can track the hours a driver has spent on the road, improving the safety and well-being of the drivers.
5. ELDs can be used to generate accurate and tamper-proof records, making sure your organization is always prepared for inspections and audits.

What is the ELD Mandate?

ELD is a necessary equipment system that every trucking company must invest in. It was introduced by FMCSA and made mandatory in December 2017 to ensure road safety by tracking driver hours of service. The mandate aims at making tracking and management of driver hours, as well as vehicle performance.

ELDs offer accurate and dependable data sets about driver hours and other parameters, depending on the tool you use. The tool simplifies adherence to hours of service regulations, making mandatory adherence important and worthy.

What Data Does an ELD Record?

ELDs track a wide range of data sets, including the ones listed below.

• Date and time
• The vehicle’s location
• Engine power status
• User authentication
• Miles driven

The Bottom Line

An ELD is particularly beneficial for trucking companies. It helps dispatchers and commercial vehicle drivers stay connected to the driver’s travel status in real time. The information is actively used to track crucial parameters that ensure safety, performance, and quality services. The device also ensures that your organization adheres to HOS requirements.