Tired of ELDs yet?

April 7, 2016
Mandate or opportunity, it’s up to you

Devices for automatically logging a driver’s hours of service have been around for a long time.  They’ve had many forms and many names (often not fit for print), but basically they provide a way to collect and independently verify a driver’s work load.   While these devices have been a common requirement in the rest of the developed world, here in the U.S., plans to make them mandatory for interstate trucking have been wildly controversial,  and critics succeeded for many years in holding off any federal action to make them mandatory. 

We’re not quite there yet, but the end of the paper logbook is finally scheduled.  A new federal rule requires the move to electronic logging devices (ELDs) and similar grandfathered devices within the next two years. The argument is over.

However you feel about ELDs, you will have to comply. There are many approaches to satisfying the requirement with a wide range of initial price points and complexity, so doing so shouldn’t be too onerous.  But if your sole concerns are meeting the letter of the law as cheaply and quickly as possible, you’ll be missing out on a big opportunity.

Fleets covered by the ELD mandate, which is any carrier currently required to have drivers maintain paper logbooks, generally fall into two categories—those that already use telematics to manage operations and those that do not.  In either case, you should look past the associated hassle and costs of the new mandate.

If you’ve invested in telematics over the last few decades, either you already have some type of automatic logging in place or have the ability to add it to the current service.  For you, the opportunity starts with the more rigorous data standardization spelled out in the new rule, which includes ELD synchronization with engine and vehicle ECM data and requirements for information displays and wireless communications. 

Virtually all current telematics providers are focused on extending that ELD data to a variety of other fleet management functions. More efficient maintenance, better customer service, and streamlined dispatch should be just the first of the business benefits.  And, of course, that’s on top of any level playing field benefits responsible fleets see as it becomes much harder for the irresponsible to undercut prices by skirting HOS restrictions.

And for those fleets still without telematics, the opportunity becomes golden.  These are mostly smaller fleets that are at a competitive disadvantage to those already invested in telematics. They will now have access to the same operational insights that help larger fleets run more efficiently and can offer advanced logistics services on par with those larger competitors.

The key for either category is to view ELD deployment not as an additional mandated cost, but as a vital investment in information technology.  With that perspective, you will evaluate your many options on what they bring to your business not just what they cost to install. You’ll ask the important questions about back office functionality, training, support, integration, and all the other criteria involved in productive IT investment. 

There is, however, one important question unique to ELDs that you should be especially careful to ask.  Initially at least, ELDs are going to be self-certified by providers to meet federal requirements. You need a clear answer on what a provider will do to rectify the situation if your particular ELD system is declared non-compliant.

I know you’re probably already tired of hearing about ELDs. I also know it’s only going to get worse as we near the deadline.  But don’t let all the noise obscure the facts—you have to move to ELDs so you might as well get your money’s worth.  

About the Author

Jim Mele

Nationally recognized journalist, author and editor, Jim Mele joined Fleet Owner in 1986 with over a dozen years’ experience covering transportation as a newspaper reporter and magazine staff writer. Fleet Owner Magazine has won over 45 national editorial awards since his appointment as editor-in-chief in 1999.

Sponsored Recommendations

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry at our April 16th webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive pay...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!