What Fleet Managers Need to Know About Electronic Driver Log Books

What to Know About ELD
What to Know About ELD

At the end of 2019, the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate will be fully in effect. The grandfather clause for older e-log devices will run out, at which point virtually all fleet drivers will need an FMCSA-compliant logging device.

Hours of Service rules cause a cascade of effects on the transportation industry. If you’re short on drivers or time, you’ll need to get creative. Using battery-powered terminal tractors that don’t require a CDL license offers one easy solution for time management.

Approved Electronic Logging Devices

The mandate includes several necessary specs for an ELD. The device must connect to the truck’s engine and know when the vehicle is moving, and it must be able to transmit data by USB, Bluetooth, or the web. Drivers can log their on-duty or off-duty status, but otherwise the whole tracking process is automated.

ELD Costs and Savings

Each device will set you back hundreds of dollars. Most are around $500, but they vary from about $200 to $800.

The FMCSA and industry groups both find that the ELD mandate will provide long-term cost savings. Reduced paperwork and fewer truck accidents will save more money than the initial outlay.

One wildcard to consider: if your drivers have been fudging their time sheets, adhering to the HOS rules might mean that you’ll need to hire more drivers or avoid wasting your CDL drivers’ time.

Save Time for ELD Compliance

Many drivers are only struggling with ELD and HOS compliance because they waste too much time in the truck at warehouses. Electric terminal tractors make it easy to tow trailers from the dock to the yard—so your CDL drivers can simply pick up and go.

Contact DJ Products to learn more about TrailerCaddy Terminal Tractors.

Trucking ELD Mandate – Myths Debunked

Questions About the New ELD Trucking Mandate? We Can Help.
Questions About the New ELD Trucking Mandate? We Can Help.

There are many technology unknowns within the trucking industry. According to an informative article, the newest time-logging solutions known as ELDs(or electronic logging devices) have been under intense scrutiny and myths have emerged as a result.

Why veer away from the more traditional method of paper logging? Does new technology cause irreparable harm? What is a myth and what is real?

Factual Foresight

The facts acknowledge that ELDs solve complexities in logging, count driving times to the minute, and allow dedicated drivers to devote their time and energy to their deliveries. Similarly, DJ Products yard trucks use the newest advancements to take on the complex role of heavy-duty organization.

Progress continues to improve and eradicate the idiosyncrasies that cause costly mistakes. Likewise, yard trucks and ELDs bring an added sense of control and consistency to an industry fraught with the unexpected.

Are there areas in your business that need quality machinery to improve the work environment? The trucking industry is realizing that lower labor and logistics can go hand-in-hand. The right tools take the pressure off dedicated employees and allow them to manage their time wisely.

Well-designed, high-quality technology is the only solution to an industry that is racing to be current and applicable. The world is rife with the unexpected. Yard trucks are high-tech and the reliable constant in a constantly moving industry.

Fast-Forward to Success

It’s the age-old battle of familiarity versus progress. Don’t be left behind! Technology drives demand and demand drives technology. It’s important to safeguard the dedicated workers you have from extra labor and potential injuries on the job.

DJ Products can be the go-between solution for labor-intensive tasks that add unneeded strain on warehouse workers and drivers. Visit us today and discover high-tech problem-solvers!