Is your trucking business struggling to transition from paper to electronic logging devices (ELD)?
Two years have passed since the
deadline for ELD compliance.
However, some companies still find transitioning to ELD a challenge.
How do you transition to an
electronic logging device for truckers? Continue reading below for a quick
guide to a smooth ELD transition.
Understand
the ELD Mandate
The first thing to do when
transitioning to electronic logging devices is to understand the ELD mandate or
ELD Final Rule. What is ELD process, and how does it affect your business?
The mandate requires operators of
commercial vehicles to use ELDs. These are devices that record data concerning
driver activity and vehicle operation. For this reason, drivers have a
specific number of driving hours between rest periods.
As a company, you should strictly
implement these regulations using the ELDs. You may need to tweak some company
policies for compliance purposes.
Ensure
the Electronic Logging Devices are Working
As you start using the ELDs, make
sure they’re working correctly. Do regular battery checkups to ensure they have
a full charge. Ensure the devices are compliant with data transfers.
If you find any issues, record them
and put them in writing. Make the manual, transfer guide, and other documents
accessible. In case of malfunctions, have enough paper for backup logs.
For the drivers, teach them how to
take breaks at the right time. Moving the truck around during rest without
applying the correct ELD action interrupts their rest.
Have a look
at some good options if you’re looking for the best electronic logging device.
Revisit
Your Existing System
Revisit your current system and the
most vital features of each department. What type of reports does each department
run? Who are in charge, and who receives them?
Use these details to create a flow
chart for each report. Treat each terminal and distribution center as separate
businesses for large fleet operations. It allows you to divide them into
segments and assign start and end dates for better data management.
Apply
Phased Implementation
Use phased implementation when
rolling out the ELD transition. Adapting to ELD across multiple terminals and
business units can be challenging if you do everything at once.
Transition in phases and take note
of real-time feedback from each sector. Resolve the concerns ASAP as you
continue the transition.
Expect problems if you have
different drivers sharing the same truck. You may experience mix-ups between
regular grid-logging drivers and short-haul exempt drivers.
Evaluate
Customer Training and Support
Lastly, evaluate the customer
support of the ELD provider. Pick one that offers 24/7 customer support. Having
a live agent who can assist via chat or over the phone is ideal.
A good provider also oversees
customer training. They’ll teach about ELD malfunctions and data diagnostics for faster problem resolutions.
Discover
More Helpful Tips Now
Following this guide allows you
to transition to electronic logging devices faster. You can also minimize
errors and reduce operational disruptions.
Check out our other articles for more helpful tips. We share various topics about business, technology, and health, to name a few.
