Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/795447
2 You are aware of all the capabilities and advantages ELDs offer. While base-model ELDs that just meet the regulation requirements are available, many devices are capable of much more. In addition to the time- saving benefi ts of paperless logs, other potential benefi ts include: automated IFTA reporting and auditing; engine diagnostics; fewer logging violations; increased safety; easier scheduling and dispatch; reduced idle time, speeding and out- of-route miles; and cheaper insurance plans. Some insurance companies are lowering premiums because trucks equipped with ELDs have an 11.7-percent-lower crash rate than those without them, according to a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration study. OnCommand Connection's compliance solution – set to launch later this year - will provide all of these benefi ts and more in one low-cost bundle. Driver rewards programs, route planning and career advancement features are coming soon as well. 3 You know how to tell whether an ELD meets the federal mandate requirements. The ELD fi nal rule states the only approved devices are those listed on FMCSA's ELD device registry. ELD makers must ensure their products receive certifi cation, and register their products with FMCSA. Some ELD providers are waiting to launch their products while a few gray areas in the regulation are fi nalized regarding self- registration. The bottom line is to make sure the solution you are considering is labeled as FMCSA-compliant, like the OnCommand Connection solution. 4 You have a handle on the costs. FMCSA predicts an annual compliance cost of between $165 and $832 per truck. Visit OverdriveOnline.com to view a comparison chart, including price, of many devices on the market. Don't forget expenses related to training and operational changes. FMCSA holds that, over the long term, ELDs will pay for themselves. The agency projects paperwork savings of $705 per year per driver. The OnCommand™ Connection solution can further reduce total cost of ownership with its unique remote diagnostics features aimed at preventing small problems from becoming big catastrophes with services like fault code severities and over 18,000 Fault Code Action Plans. 5 You have educated your customers and addressed their concerns. Many sophisticated shippers are well informed of the ELD mandate and its details. These customers might be worried about losing shipping capacity and will want to know when you plan to implement ELDs. Make sure all your customers understand how the rule will affect operations. But be sure to explain how the safety and productivity of drivers and your fleet will improve with the widespread adoption of ELD technology. 6 You have a plan for training your drivers and logistics staff. Set aside time not only to train employees in the specifics of how their jobs will change, but to clearly explain why you are implementing the new technology and how it will affect your organization as a whole. Also create an ELD policy for any owner- operators your fleet contracts. Selecting an ELD solution with an easy installation process and straightforward user experience, like the OnCommand Connection solution, can dramatically reduce the time you spend onboarding and training. To learn more about the electronic-logging device mandate, search "ELD" at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.