If you happen to run a small trucking firm, you already know that the Federal Motor Service Security Administration requires you to make use of Digital Logging Units to trace the variety of hours your drivers are on the street for a consecutive interval. In case your drivers go over 11 consecutive hours of on-the-road driving, you might face severe fines.
In keeping with Simplex Group, Not all ELDs are created equally. The very best ELDs can carry out a number of duties and make managing a trucking firm a lot simpler. There are a number of traits it is best to search for when choosing the ELDS that your drivers will use.
Compliance Options
Clearly, a superb ELD will maintain you compliant. The machine ought to match into your truck’s diagnostic system and browse the mileage precisely. Search for a system that permits drivers to log their break occasions and lunch. They need to be capable to report when they’re doing non-driving duties equivalent to inspections, loading and unloading, and gassing up their vehicles.
When you get your ELD gadgets, keep in mind to self-certify them by visiting the FMCSA’s web site. You could register them with the web site earlier than they’re thought-about a sound technique of measuring your drivers’ hours.
Security Auditing
Security is the very first thing any proprietor/operator or small trucking firm proprietor must be involved with. They need to even put it earlier than revenue. An excellent digital logging machine could have a number of security options.
The ELD you select ought to be capable to report your driver’s day by day inspection experiences. The FMCSA will anticipate you to maintain a report of those experiences filed electronically. If data are usually not updated, you possibly can face fines and even an inspection from the company. You also needs to be capable to maintain upkeep data as effectively.
If a truck fails any a part of its inspection, it should bear upkeep earlier than it may be pushed once more. The FMCSA will anticipate to see an in depth report of any upkeep carried out to your vehicles after they come to carry out your New Entrant Audit.
Navigational Options
Speaking along with your drivers while you’re on the street is essential. Nonetheless, it’s unlawful to speak in your cellular phone and drive on the identical time, and radios could be unreliable. The very best digital logging gadgets will let you talk along with your drivers whereas they’re on the street.
Your machine ought to include an impressive GPS that can provide your drivers turn-by-turn instructions. You’ll be capable to see precisely the place a truck is in any respect attainable occasions and be capable to inform your driver if they’re going within the mistaken path. Getting misplaced or taking the mistaken route can value your organization 1000’s of {dollars}. Therefore this can be a very priceless characteristic.
It’s best to purchase your ELD from an organization that handles compliance. An organization that understands what the FMCSA desires can be in a position that will help you decide the proper machine to your firm.
