How the Right ELD Makes a Difference for Drivers

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are an expected part of almost every commercial trucker’s day. Since the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published its ELD mandate in 2015 and allowed fleets until 2019 to achieve full compliance, every non-exempt trucker has come to accept their fleet’s ELD device and procedures as a part of their daily job tasks.

Fleets face a wide range of choices when selecting an ELD device, but not all are created equal. At the end of December 2024, for example, the FMCSA removed four ELDs from its list of registered devices (10 ELDs were removed in 2023 for non-compliance). Fleets still using these revoked devices after 60 days are considered as operating without an ELD and subject to associated penalties.

In addition to compliance issues, ELDs can vary in how easy they are to use, how they help or hinder a driver’s day, and how easily they deliver useful data to the back office. In a tight employment industry where turnover rates continue to be concerning, fleets benefit from selecting an ELD that makes drivers’ days safer and more efficient, while offering deeper insight into fleet operations.

What is an ELD?

Sometimes referred to as electronic log books, ELDs are electronic hardware devices that are internally connected to commercial motor vehicles (CMV) to record key data points and ensure compliance with government regulations. ELDs must be registered with the FMCSA and integrally synchronized with the engine of the CMV to automatically capture information regarding engine power status, vehicle motion status, miles driven, and more.

The ELD mandate was established by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s FMCSA to “improve roadway safety by employing technology to strengthen commercial truck and bus drivers’ compliance with hours-of-service regulations that prevent fatigue.” The mandate was also aimed at reducing falsification of records, and giving more support to drivers who were feeling pressured to bend the rules to meet deadlines.

ELD Requirements

The FMCSA has established several requirements for ELDs to ensure a consistent level of recordkeeping and reporting for commercial fleets. They include:

• Certification: ELDs must be certified and registered with the FMCSA. 
• Installation: Portable ELDs must be mounted in a fixed position and visible to the driver. 
• Data recording: ELDs must automatically record data when duty status changes, and record date and time. 
• Data transfer: ELDs must be able to transfer data using wireless services and email, or using a thumb or flash drive. 
• Data access: Drivers must be able to provide the display or a printout of their ELD data to an authorized safety official.
• Information packet: Drivers must keep an ELD information packet that includes a user's manual, instruction sheet for producing and transferring records, instruction sheet for reporting ELD malfunctions, and blank driver's RODS graph-grids. 

How do ELDs Help Fleets and Drivers?

ELDs are designed to digitally track hours of service (HOS) and other key record of duty status (RODS) data points. Since the devices are automated, it is more difficult for records to be falsified and data is more accurate and up-to-date. ELDs must be easily accessible during inspections and be able to provide RODS historical data for the previous six months. 

Some ELDs are part of a bigger fleet management system that can offer additional management tools and features that – when integrated well – deliver operational efficiencies, improved compliance and safety, and a better daily job experience for drivers and back office. Additional technology add-on apps developed by industry experts can enhance specific features in the fleet’s digital ecosystem, from weigh station bypass to fuel price tracking, trailer matching to safer navigation, fatigue alerts to real-time driver coaching, and more.

ELD Benefits for the Driver’s Day

ELDs are the central check-point of a driver’s day. The right ELD can make a driver’s job safer, more efficient, and even more enjoyable, promoting driver retention and job satisfaction. For example, a well-integrated ELD supported by a robust fleet management system can support:

• Safety: Ensure drivers are abiding by safety guidelines and road regulations. Violations and red flags can be addressed immediately with real-time coaching or well-checks from fleet leadership. These guidelines are in place to help drivers complete every route successfully and safely.
• Job Security: Improved safety ratings for a fleet support business reputation and new/repeat customers. ELDs that promote improved safety metrics help ensure drivers job stability for the long term.
• Job Satisfaction: Top ELDs integrate technologies that reduce busywork and eliminate repeat tasks for drivers, helping them complete their tasks and get back on the road faster.
• Compliance: Well-functioning and easy-to-use ELDs help drivers stay in compliance, reducing the chance of receiving an out of service notification or fines. From ensuring they are abiding by HOS guidelines to making inspections as straightforward as possible, a good ELD is key in taking the mental load off the driver.

How to Pick the Right ELD

Whether you are looking to install your first ELD solutions or wanting to update your existing system, it’s important to do due diligence in research and comparing options. Keep these tips in mind when evaluating ELDs and other telematics tools.

Simplified Driver Experience: Your ELD should have built-in features that make work more manageable for your drivers. These include only asking for required data once and then using that data to pre-populate other areas, ultimately saving you time and creating a cleaner data set. When drivers see that an ELD actually improves their day rather than hindering it, they are more likely to use it regularly and correctly, benefitting the quality of your data and improving safety and compliance.

Future-Proofing for Your Fleet: When searching for an ELD that will serve you well into the future, look for a provider who can help you grow with the times rather than holding your business operations back. Make sure the ELD is easy to install or replace, and that the hardware is rugged enough to withstand the day-to-day toll of everyday use in all driving conditions. You should check that any software you're evaluating has frequent feature updates, ongoing product development, and easy-to-perform remote updates.

Integration with Additional Features and Apps: Commercial trucking continues to modernize with every year; leading trucks are now rolling out cutting-edge rigs with technology built in at the OEM level. By leveraging fleet management technologies and trusted telematics partners, you can take your operations to the next level, gaining unprecedented access to your own real-world data. Integration is imperative, so be sure to work with a provider who is willing to discuss your fleet’s needs, their portfolio of services, and their future outlook. 

Training and Support: Look for an ELD and/or telematics provider with an in-house team dedicated explicitly to implementation and training to ensure a smooth rollout and onboarding process. Ask how frequently training is updated and speak with references to evaluate the implementation process. Ask potential fleet management software providers how their customer support teams are staffed, their availability, and their average time for answers and resolutions. A stellar company will have 24/7, 365-day support, paired with a swift response time.

ELD technology is undoubtedly here to stay, and embracing the best tools to meet requirements with as little impact to drivers as possible is a smart decision for today’s fleets. Choosing the right ELD to support your drivers’ tasks will go a long way into supporting your retention efforts, encouraging more compliance and better data entry, and improving your workplace culture and productivity.

Ready to take your fleet operations to the next level? Check out Platform Science’s full offering of fleet tools that help drivers thrive. 

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