The installation of electronic logging devices on commercial motor vehicles was to comply with government requirements. However, there are more reasons why vehicle operators should install them. These devices have a ton of benefits. With proper utilization, the businesses can save costs, smoothen operations, increase driver productivity, and improve profitability. The advantages far outweigh the cost of installing and maintaining the device. This article looks at the benefits of ELDs in depth.
An electronic logging device reduces costs
First of all, an ELD removes the paperwork that driver and administrative officers would have to do with manual logging registers. The device automatically captures the data on vehicle movements and other aspects and relays this to a viewing center, or the management gets the device to retrieve the data. The tasks of recording hours of service on hard copies, saving the records, and keeping them are eliminated, hence saving labor costs, storage space, and the cost of papers, among others.
The device also helps minimize fuel wastage by acting as a perfect dashboard for the fleet management to track idle time. The fleet managers can track the duration the drivers spend idling. With the data, the supervisors can tell which driver idles for too long and how frequently. That way, the device can help the company save a significant amount every month through monitoring excessive idling and minimizing fuel wastage.
The electronic logging devices improve productivity
Fleet managers can actively track vehicles to know their whereabouts using GPS tracking. They can have real-time information on each truck or van and can dispatch them accurately, mainly to pick up items or go for service to clients depending on which is closer to the customer. As such, managers can avoid distractions and improve the productivity of the staff.
Additionally, it is possible and easy to correctly plan the best routes to ensure the drivers avoid snarl-ups and reduce distance. The drivers have to stick to their defined routes and regions since they know that the supervisors monitor their routes. All of these improve the crew’s productivity and even enhance customer service, leading to happy and satisfied clients who offer repeat business.
Furthermore, the ELD is automatically linked to the vehicle’s diagnostic port and monitors the fault codes. This enables the management to be on top of vehicle maintenance as they receive real-time notifications and in-depth reports. With the information, they can avoid vehicle breakdowns to ensure no interruption to operations for maximum productivity.
ELD promote responsible driving and reduce accidents
ELDs enable fleet managers to track drivers’ behavior while driving. The device allows for identifying lousy driving habits like hard braking, excessive acceleration, hard cornering, and others. The fleet operators or managers can use the data from the gadgets to talk to the drivers concerned and help them improve their driving habits.
Identifying high-risk drivers also reduces potential accidents and liabilities due to legal suits involving other motor vehicles or passengers. The management could also use devices’ data to find the drivers in need of further training and reward the responsible ones for encouraging safer driving.
Conclusion
Electronic logging devices have many benefits beyond avoiding issues with the government for non-compliance. They help to improve the productivity of drivers and administrative staff by eliminating paperwork. They also reduce operational costs (especially fuel expenses), promote safe driving, among many other benefits.
