In today’s fast-paced world, massive supply fleets keep the economy running. They form the backbone of the supply chain. These supply fleets consist of motorized vehicles like ships, trailers, trucks, vans, bikes, etc. This end to end supply chain needs strict surveillance to allow you to track the status of each component to keep the cogs running efficiently.
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What is an ELD?
An Electronic Logging Device or ELD is an electronic device that professional and commercial motor vehicles use to easily track Hours of Service (HOS). This technology cuts out the need for tedious paperwork and provides a simple yet accurate solution to maintaining the records that drivers and fleet operators are required to keep for internal as well as statutory compliance.
What does an ELD do?
ELD captures and transmits various vehicle and driver data points throughout the length of their journey.
Vehicle information tracked by ELD includes:
- Vehicle identification
- Date & Time
- Geographic location
- Distance traveled
- Engine power up and shutdown
- Engine diagnostics and specs
Driver information tracked by ELD includes:
- Driver logon/logoff
- Driver or authorized user identification
- Duty status
- Hours of service (HOS)
- Personal use
- Summary of the driver’s daily record
The ELD tracks this data automatically. The information is uploaded to a database where management personnel can review HOS statuses, create reports and make sure all statutory marks are met.
How does an ELD work?
An ELD is connected to a vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU). From this, it receives detailed engine status as well as provides accurate, near real-time GPS location information to a logging device or app that DOT officials can check when needed.
Only a DOT-certified ELD can be used to record Hours of Service (HOS). The ELD mandate requires all commercial vehicles to have an ELD device installed to replace the previous paper logbook systems.
Benefits of an ELD
All drivers with a CDL license are mandatorily required to keep a Record of Duty Status (RODS) through the use of an ELD to document their compliance with HOS rules.
By using an ELD device installed in a vehicle and following regulations, drivers and businesses are benefited in many ways
- IFTA and IRP mileage tracking and optimization
- Engine fault reporting and maintenance
- Fuel usage monitoring
- Log errors
They also allow drivers to safely and easily pass through any DOT roadside inspection and avoid the potential risk of a fine.
Businesses can also optimize their fleets by running simulations on which routes cost the least fuel and time, which drivers need further instruction, and which routes are the most profitable for the company. Some important data is also visible to the driver on their EOD tablet in their vehicle which they can track and use for any on-duty assistance.
Benefits of GPS Fleet Tracking
Most businesses have a simple need for GPS fleet tracking devices as it allows them to locate their assets and acts as a theft deterrent. Beyond its simple capabilities, there are many other ways to use this technology to benefit your business. Some additional benefits of GPS Tracking include:
Maintain Control
GPS tracking helps you maintain control over your vehicles that are important for moving inventory or performing customer service. It allows you to track the precise location of your vehicles which allows you to make managerial calls more effectively.
If a customer requires an urgent pickup or service call, a GPS fleet tracking system helps you locate the nearest serviceable driver and assign the customer to them. Or in case of any delays, another driver in the vicinity could make the customer visit.
This greatly improves productivity, increases your profitability and reduces unnecessary phone calls to drivers.
Improve Safety
A major benefit of GPS tracking of vehicles in a fleet management system is improving the overall safety of your entire fleet. GPS tracking devices allow you to track driver habits which help identify a problem which they may be causing to your vehicle before you are hit with an expensive repair bill due to poor driving habits.
When drivers know that their driving habits are being monitored then they too will not take unnecessary risks and put wear and tear on your vehicles.
Route & Fuel Optimisation
By installing a GPS tracker in your fleet vehicles, you will have access to real-time data on the location of every vehicle in your fleet allowing you to plan the ideal route for your fleet vehicle to take. This will go a long way in helping the vehicle avoid delays due to construction, traffic jams or accidents.
Fuel costs are one of the biggest operational expenses when it comes to fleet management but GPS tracking devices can help cut these costs through route optimization and tracking driver habits through ELD devices.
GPS tracking devices allow you to reduce the idle or stationary time that your fleet vehicle spends sitting in traffic or not in use by providing live route updates and delivery information.
Reduced administration paperwork and other productivity benefits
A GPS fleet tracking device sends stores vehicle activity logs like ‘key on and key off’ information which is a very simple report function to track the kilometers traveled each day which are now statutorily required to replace paper-based logbooks.
Reports on average speeds, long stops, mileage, total travel hours for a specific time period can be obtained easily as well.
