Recognize how the ELD mandate will impact your operations. Schedule implementation during less busy operational periods so your drivers, dispatchers, and fleet managers can get used to the system. Consider an ELD provider with a reputation for responsive customer support. Prompt assistance and technical guidance will be critical for addressing any issues that arise during the transition to and usage of your ELD solution.
Implement a Telematics Solution
Trucking companies can’t ignore the ELD mandate, and a comprehensive telematics solution is essential for navigating these new operational challenges. Truck drivers can easily comply with ELD regulations using a telematics system while leveraging valuable data for optimizing maintenance schedules and fuel management strategies. ELD in trucking eliminates the flexibility offered by paper logs to stretch driving hours, contributing to a drop in productivity and increased driver attrition. A telematics solution can provide valuable insights to fleet managers and drivers to help improve productivity and increase driver satisfaction.
In addition to making compliance with HOS rules easier, telematics solutions can help streamline operational processes like routing and load assignment. Dispatchers can assign loads to drivers based on their real-time availability while ensuring they won’t exceed their available driving hours. They can also reduce wasteful idle time, which cuts fuel usage and enables trucks to return to the road faster. Moreover, a telematics solution can integrate with back-office business systems for seamless integration and eliminating inefficient technological siloes.
Invest in Training
ELDs generate valuable data that trucking companies can harness for broader operational insights. Incorporating this data into other technologies can help streamline processes and improve productivity. However, this requires ensuring everyone is up to speed using these new tools. That’s why trucking companies must offer comprehensive training on using ELDs and train their drivers to follow HOS rules.
To do so, trucking companies can use various means to communicate company policy, such as physical handbooks, wikis, and online training videos. They can also set up rewards programs to encourage good performance and foster a culture of compliance. It will help reduce the apprehension that often comes with the ELD mandate and ensure that drivers are ready to meet the challenges of the new landscape. Moreover, it will support the mandate’s goals of promoting driver well-being and improving road safety by minimizing fatigue-related accidents.
Monitor Driver Behavior
Many truck drivers are used to using traditional logbooks, and introducing new technology can be intimidating. However, offering comprehensive training on ELD usage helps to ease the transition and improve overall driver performance. By encouraging a culture of wellness and compliance, fleet managers can minimize fatigue-related accidents. Real-time monitoring of driver behavior allows for optimized route planning and load management based on driver availability. Additionally, reducing idle time helps reduce fuel costs and operational expenses. While ELDs help to ensure compliance with existing Hours-of-Service rules, they can also be a challenge for some motor carriers who have to work over their HOS limits to fulfill schedules. However, it is possible to avoid a violation by making limited edits to the original ELD record by adding a note (also known as an annotation). Drivers and authorized carrier employees can modify these, but the documentation remains. Once the change has been made, the driver must review and certify it to maintain compliance.
Ensure Compliance
Whether you have a fleet of trucks or just a few, you can take steps to ensure a smooth transition into the ELD mandate. Start by planning your implementation for a time when you can minimize operational disruptions and give drivers, dispatchers, and fleet managers enough time to understand how they will work with the new system. It’s also a good idea to communicate company policy in several ways, including printed documents, posters, and an online wiki. Consider incentivizing your team to get on board by offering rewards like days off, gift cards and coupons, or bonus payments. It will help them feel supported and motivated to succeed in their job and the telematics system.
Moreover, it will help ensure the system is implemented and used correctly, as you want your drivers to be as comfortable with it as possible. It will lead to improved productivity, lower operating costs, and compliance.
