Category: ELD (Electronic Log)

What Happens If You’re Not ELD Compliant

Posted on | by Anna | Leave a Comment on What Happens If You’re Not ELD Compliant

December 16th, 2019 is an important date for many commercial fleet organizations as it marks the day that commercial drivers are required to install and fully understand how to use ELDs within their vehicles, unless an AOBRD was in use prior to December 18, 2017. But, if an automatic onboarding recording device was in use prior to December 18, 2017, drivers will have an extended deadline of June 21, 2021, to become ELD compliant. 

While there was a soft enforcement period which graced drivers with not having ELD violations affect their CSA scores, full enforcement will be in effect shortly. 

What Being ELD Compliant Means 

Being ELD compliant means that a commercial fleet which meets the criteria in relation to the ELD mandate must have the ELD recording device. As well, it’s worth noting that the electronic logging device must be self-certified, and in Canada, the devices must be third-party certified. Meaning, work-rest cycles will be obeyed as service compliance and fatigue management is at the core of this. 

Apart from having the proper device, being ELD compliant also means that the drivers who are operating commercial motor vehicles must also know how to use the device. Specifically, how to provide authorized safety officials supporting documents or information regarding their travels. 

 

“As an industry we are committed to improving road safety. Today’s announcement is a big step in the right direction and initiates the countdown toward the elimination of paper logbooks as a legal compliance option. The Canadian introduction of third-party certification of ELD devices will also ensure that the non-compliant operators in our sector cannot find workarounds to hours of service compliance in an electronic monitoring environment.”

–David Carruth, Chairperson, Ontario Trucking Association.

Common Violations 

As the deadline to be compliant with electronic logging devices quickly approaches, it’s critical to understand that the regulation will be strictly enforced. Among the many infractions a driver could receive, below are the four most common, and possibility the most detrimental to drivers or fleets. 

Affect CSA Score 

For carriers, the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program helps to hold motorists accountable for their role in road safety. The program looks to monitor unsafe driving, vehicle maintenance as well as driver fitness with hopes to encourage fleets to operate in a safe manner. While there are many factors that make up your CSA score, it’s important to remember that once ELD compliance is in effect, failing to meet standards can lower your score. With severity ranging depending on the ELD infraction, fleets can’t risk it as low CSA scores can result in more roadside inspections as well as interfere with best-paying load or good business opportunities. Additionally, depending on the violation, drivers may be placed out-of-service until they are compliant. 

Some violations that are known to typically be weighted more heavily in terms of severity are listed below;

  • No record of duty status 
  • Using an incomplete or wrong method to record HOS (Hours Of Service) 
  • ELD screen unable to be viewed from outside of the vehicle 
  • Using a device that is not registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)

Out Of Service 

If a driver is found to not have the proper ELD device for their commercial vehicle, it is possible, and likely that they will be placed out-of-service for at least 10 hours based on OOSC (Out-Of-Service criteria). While this typically occurs if a driver creates false reports or uses unauthorized ELD or ABORDs, being OOS can be detrimental. Not only are drivers unable to work for a lengthy period of time, or until they are compliant, but being out-of-service directly correlates to lost revenue as no work is completed. 

Penalties fines 

As one can assume, violations will have penalties and fines associated with them. Depending on the severity of the violation, the fine received can be thousands of dollars, translating into wasted finances that could be used to better the fleet. On average, the North American Trucking Association found that the average fine associated with failure to comply was $2,867, with the highest recorded fine being $13,680. 

Towing costs 

In addition to penalties and fines, fleets can see additional expenses adding up if they are not ELD compliant. One major expense to highlight is the cost of towing non-exempt vehicles if the driver is placed out-of-service. Depending on the location of the vehicle, the tow can cost hundreds. 

With the repercussions of not being ELD compliant looming over some fleets, it’s crucial for businesses to begin anticipating their transition to the new device. As discussed, overlooking such an important change can greatly impact the success of the fleet. 

 

GoFleet Promo Offer Free Go Device and Harness with ELD Solution

With the deadline for ELD compliancy quickly approaching, be sure to take advantage of our GoFleet Promotion that can save you hundreds today!

ELD’s – How to Choose the Right Solution

Posted on | by Anna | Leave a Comment on ELD’s – How to Choose the Right Solution

Currently the transportation sector is undergoing major changes as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) are creating regulations to better the transportation industry. The main topic of discussion is the new regulation which encourages being ELD compliant. This mandate looks to enforce the use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) in commercial vehicles. While ELD systems are already enforced throughout the United States, Canada is following suit by enforcing the widespread compliance of such electronic logbooks.

With the deadline to become ELD compliant quickly approaching, it’s important for drivers and fleet managers to review whether or not they actually are compliant, and if they’re not, to begin to take the right steps to obtaining an electronic logging device. 

 

Temporary Compliance Under The Grandfather Clause 

 

Even though commercial fleets within the United States are already required to meet ELD compliance, Canadian fleets will soon be under similar regulation. At the moment, electronic logging devices are not mandatory for all vehicles if the vehicle was using an AOBRD (Automatic On-Board Recording Device) prior to December 18, 2017. If an AOBRD was used prior, the drivers will not be forced to implement ELDs until the mandatory start date of June 12, 2021. However, if no AOBRDs were put into use before December 18, 2017, carriers and drivers will be required to use ELDs as of December 16, 2019. 

 

While there are additional specifications to this regulation depending on the daily use or age of the vehicle, it is always recommended that fleets perform additional research to ensure that they are compliant.

 

Not ELD Compliant? Under The Grandfather Clause? – What You Should Do 

 

If you’re part of the many who are noticing that your fleet will not be compliant come December 16th, or June 2021, it’s critical that you begin to take the right steps to becoming compliant. Or in other words, look for a solutions provider. However, depending on your business, there will be different features that you should pay attention to when investing in an ELD. Specific qualities will not only allow you to stay ELD compliant, but improve your business overall. 

 

Key Factors In Considering How to Choose an ELD Solution 

 

Vehicle Flexibility 

When researching electronic logging devices, it’s important to confirm that the device you’re investing in will work in any type of vehicle. Ensuring that an ELD can be used in nearly any commercial vehicle guarantees that your business can grow and that the device can continue to be used. Ensuring that you will be complaint in the future and that the technology is well worth the money you are spending. 

Simple Installation And Use 

When you’re adopting new technology, it’s critical that the tools you’re implementing are easy to use or install. Devices that are focused on user experience mean that your fleet will embrace it rather than dread it. As well, when a new tool is easy to use, you’re more likely to see positive results from it as there are no excuses to not use it. 

Affordability 

While researching a product, it can sometimes be hard to not be discouraged by the price. However, when it comes to ELDs, you’re investing in the future of your business. Meaning, you aren’t only spending money to better your fleet, but often, the solutions will help you save money in the long run! 

Mobile-Friendly 

With technology advancing, it seems as though everything can and should be synced to smartphones. With that mindset and the ability for many solutions providers to do this, it’s critical to confirm that your ELD is mobile-friendly. Ensuring that your solution has smartphone connectivity will make it simple to use and easy to implement. 

Consistently Evolving 

In addition to ensuring that an electronic logging device can be used on any vehicle, it’s also important to confirm that the device is agile. Purchasing an ELD that is continually evolving will guarantee that no matter how regulations or business goals change, it will be a worthwhile investment.  

Leverage The Cloud

Using an ELD that is cloud-based will only benefit you as a fleet driver, owner, or manager as data can be accessed from anywhere. No longer will you need to wait for drivers to provide you with paper documents or wait until you’re provided access to files, everything can be obtained through the cloud. While remote access to data is a major advantage of using cloud-based ELDs, there are additional benefits;

  • Increased reliability as data is continuously backed up and stored, 
  • More reliability as there is no pairing process required,
  • Better battery life as power consumption can be reduced,
  • Better compatibility to various platforms such as Android and iOS, 
  • Easy document access so showing compliance is simple, 
  • And consistent coverage regardless of cellular coverage. 

Expandability 

It is critical that you are unlimited with the data you’re gathering from ELDs. With this said, expandability (or having unfiltered access to data) is a focus that many are unaware of until they need it! Being able to easily share data to third-party vendors or being able to use integrations through third-party solutions is a feature that needs to be highlighted as it can help make fleet management much easier! 

Customer Service 

When you’re using any service or buying any product, it’s important to do business with a company who aims to achieve positive customer interactions every time. If you forgo doing business with a customer-focused organization, you may run into problems in the future. With this being said, while you’re researching your next ELD, let us know. We always strive to ensure that our customers are happy not only with the solution they’re investing in, but the experience they’re having!

GoFleet Promo Offer Free Go Device and Harness with ELD SolutionWith the deadline to be ELD compliant quickly approaching, be sure to take advantage of our GoFleet Promotion that can save you hundreds today! 

 

 

 

Thank you Robin Kinsey, HOS/ELD Training Specialist for the valuable insight via Geotab.

Taking Your Fleet Telematics to the Next Level

Posted on | by Anna | Leave a Comment on Taking Your Fleet Telematics to the Next Level

With basic telematics implemented into your fleet, you are now able to track the location, movement and speed of all of your vehicles, which helps your organization increase efficiencies, and effectively, reduce wasted time and improve costs.

So, what comes next?

Advanced Fleet Tracking
Once you have the basics in place, you can start to dive deeper into telematics technology in order to really fine tune and optimize your fleet operation.

Check out these major benefits your company can gain by implementing advanced fleet telematics solutions.

Increased Safety
By monitoring driver behaviour – things such as how fast your driver is driving and how aggressive their driving may be – you can use technology that allows you to talk to the driver and coach them through safer driving practices, thereby increasing safety for them and for your vehicle.

It has been shown that drivers who are aware that their driving habits are being monitored, are more apt to perform safer behaviour which not only increases their safety, but also reduces accidents and damage to vehicles and freight.

Increased Efficiencies
By using real time communication as an add-on to your basic telematics, and adding in some routing apps, you can manage driver routes more efficiently – if there is an accident, you would be able to re-route the driver and eliminate wasted time having them stuck in traffic with high priority loads on the vehicle.

By using some of these type of add-ons to your basic telematics, adding a few minutes more to your driver’s HOS (Hours of Service) can really increase your fleet efficiency and delivery rate.

Reduce Operating Costs
In being able to track even the smallest things, such as idling time and minimizing it, a fleet can increase savings by reducing fuel costs. Other things that can be looked at are tracking at a more granular level, such as live movements on a map, maps routing, stopping vehicles, accidents and who’s responsible, which allows for increased productivity thereby reducing costs.

Optimize Vehicle Performance
With advanced telematics, sensors can send out alerts about engine issues and other diagnostic problems. Further to that, the data can be used in a predictive manner to determine when service should happen on a vehicle and allow for advanced planning in order to ensure as much uptime for the fleet as possible and manage the expenses related to repairs.

Reduce your Carbon Footprint
It’s a hot topic these days more and more companies realize that not only is this good for business, it’s good for the planet as well. By reducing your fleet’s idling time and decreasing speeding (thereby reducing the amount of exhaust and CO2), not only are you increasing the safety of your fleet and drivers, increasing your efficiencies and reducing your costs, you are also helping to do your part in reducing emissions in the air for our future generation.

Streamline Compliance
With the Canadian ELD mandated for June 21st, 2020, it is imperative that fleets ensure they are compliant and implementing advanced telematics not only ensures this but provides many other benefits previously mentioned. In addition to the benefits, the cost of not being compliant is expensive and can be avoided with the correct telematics solutions in place.

Do you need to upgrade your telematics plan for advanced fleet tracking?
Some features are already built into your tracking device that collects the data and some solutions require you to step up to the next level of offered services and products.

In order to get the most out of your fleet telematics so that you can save your company time, money and increase efficiencies and safety, give GoFleet a call. We are here to help create a customized and fully integrated telematics solution that is specific to your needs and lets you get the most value for your money.

Advanced fleet tracking is much more than GPS services and with the telematics of the future, there are and will be so much more you can do in order to continually create the best fleet management company you can envision.

GoFleet – Connected Technology. Smarter Solutions.
Discover more about GoFleet and its Telematics Services

Are You Under the Grandfather Clause? Let Us Migrate You!

Posted on | by Anna | Leave a Comment on Are You Under the Grandfather Clause? Let Us Migrate You!

By June 21, 2021, all commercial vehicles and trucks in Canada must have approved Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). If your fleet is still using Automatic On-Board Recording Devices (AOBRDs), now is the time to switch as there is no grandfather clause in Canada to allow AOBRDs after the June 21, 2021 deadline.

Read on to find out what you need to do if you are under the Grandfather Clause and how to make sure your fleet is compliant with the ELD mandate.

What was the grandfather clause? Why is it being eliminated?

According to the FMCSA, the grandfather clause previously applied to older automatic onboard recording devices in the United States. This clause granted a 2 year period for fleets using existing electronic recording devices to transition to ELDs. So, the grandfather clause allowed commercial vehicles to continue using their existing devices between December 18, 2017 and December 16, 2019.

However, in Canada, there is no grandfather clause within the ELD mandate. It was determined by Transport Canada that the orginally proposed 4 year roll out period is no longer necessary given the updates can be made rather quickly. With the removal of the grandfather period, all fleet vehicles and commercial trucks must be using an appropriate ELD by June 21, 2021.

What are AOBRD devices?

Automatic On-Board Recording Devices, or AOBRDs, are designed to automatically or manually record the driver’s duty status. Using these devices means that drivers no longer had to fill out a lot of paperwork. They are also more accurate and reliable for recording HOS than paper logs. However, ELDs are not the same as AOBRDs. This means that these recording devices don’t meet with new guidelines as set out in the Canadian ELD mandate.

What’s the difference between an AOBRD and ELD?

Although ELDs and AOBRDs have similar functions, there are differences between these logging devices. Understanding the difference between ELDs and AOBRDs is the first step in knowing how to comply with the ELD mandate.

One of the key differences of regulation-compliant ELDs from AOBRDs is that they synchronize with the vehicle’s engine. This automatically records motion status, miles driven, driver ID, and duty status.

Another requirement of ELDs is that they are enabled to transmit data immediately to authorized personnel. So, an ELD must send data by Bluetooth, USB, or through its data connection. This was something that isn’t possible with current AOBRDs. Other differences between the ELDs and AOBRDs include:

  • Automatically records driving from 8 mph
  • No ability to alter auto-generated events
  • Record a vehicle’s location at specific times. For example, every 60 minutes, when the engine is turned on or off, and before and after yard moves and driving for personal use.

How do I migrate from AOBRD to ELD?

Of course, to migrate from AOBRD to ELD, it is important to assess your current equipment and future needs.

It is important to remember that when it comes to choosing the best ELD for commercial vehicles, not all ELDs comply with the Canadian ELD mandate. The regulations outlined in the Canada Gazette Part II on June 3, 2019, require third-party accreditation for electronic logging devices. This is one of the key differences between the Canadian and US ELD rule.

To easily migrate to the ELD mandate, it’s important to choose a compliant device. For example, the Garmin ELD Bundle, powered by Geotab complies with all aspects of the Canada ELD mandate. This includes HOS reporting and automatic duty status changes. In addition, the bundle comes complete with an HD dash camera and has Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity.

Another ELD option compliant with the Canadian rule is the Geotab Drive ELD bundle. This ELD has everything you need as it records Hours of Service (HOS), Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs), and helps to improve fleet management.

Why should I switch now instead of waiting for the deadline?

There are many reasons to make the switch now from AOBRD to ELD. A 2018 survey conducted by CarrierLists found that 40% of carriers in the US still need to make the switch before their December 2019 deadline. The same survey found that 80% of these users plan to migrate from AOBRD to ELD at the last minute.

To ensure that your commercial vehicle fleet can operate without any disruption, you should make the switch as early as possible. This allows fleet managers to give appropriate training to drivers so as to avoid the risk of non-compliance. Remember, depending on the number of drivers, it could take weeks to provide all of the appropriate training.

Another reason to migrate to ELD as early as possible is to ensure you get the best possible ELD devices available. Leaving the switch over until the last minute may mean that your choice of suitable device and service provider is limited.

In conclusion

The ELD mandate in Canada will improve road safety and help prevent fatigue among drivers. To ensure this happens, devices fitted to vehicles need to be third-party certified and regulation-compliant. GoFleet ELD solutions help to make sure that your business remains compliant, competitive and efficient at all times.

Switch to ELDs today!

Canadian ELD Mandate: Quick Facts for Fleets

Posted on | by Anna | 1 Comment on Canadian ELD Mandate: Quick Facts for Fleets

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for trucks in Canada are due to become compulsory by June 21, 2021. The Canadian ELD mandate will make paper logbooks a thing of the past and improve safety on the roads. Fitting licensed ELD devices to commercial vehicles will also help save Canadian trucking companies time and precious resources.

If you are involved in logistics and transportation, there is every chance that the ELD mandate will apply to you. Of course, Canadian transportation firms who have a cross-border business are already familiar with ELDs. The good news is that the Canadian ELD rule will generally be similar to regulations in the United States ELD rule as set out by the FMCSA. However, there are some differences between approved ELDs for Canadian roads and those allowed in the U.S.

In this article, you will find out the essential facts about the Canadian ELD Mandate. This will help you know how to implement necessary plans to comply with the ELD rule in Canada.

What is the ELD Mandate?

The ELD Mandate requires logging devices to be fitted to all commercial trucks in Canada. One of the basic needs of ELDs is to ensure that drivers and transportation companies comply with Federal laws. For example, ELDs record hours-of-service (HOS) and are designed so the information can’t be tampered with.

However, there is more to using ELDs than just HOS compliance. Fitting ELDs in commercial fleet vehicles will also improve driver well-being and safety. Due to the monotonous nature of long-distance driving and irregular schedules, drivers may suffer from poor rest and fatigue. Fitting ELDs is one way to reduce this risk. Other benefits of the ELD mandate include helping to streamline operations and improve driver communication. Also, information from logging devices can assist the police when investigating road accidents.

The ELD Mandate ensures that logging devices such as the Geotab Drive ELD meet uniform technical standards for the following information:

  • Logbook edits so that drivers can certify their Record of Duty Status (RODS) and make edits.
  • Data sharing to ensure that all ELDs have a standardized format to record and share data.
  • Data collection to provide information including location, engine data, and motion status.
  • Driver alerts to warn when it’s time to pull over to prevent violating HOS rules.
  • Drive duty status to allow for special driving conditions.

 

Do the ELD Rules Apply to Me? Who is Exempt from the ELD Rule?

Previously, fleets that were equipped with AOBRDs (Automatic On-Board Recording Devices) were exempted from the ELD mandate for 2 years. This grandfather period is now set to expire – meaning the countdown is on. If your business operates commercial vehicles such as trucks and busses, then ELD rules apply to you.

Transport Canada announced in 2017 that regulation-compliant ELDs will become mandatory and replace paper logs. There are, however, some exemptions from the Canadian ELD mandate. For example, vehicles manufactured before 2000 are exempt from the rule as are vehicles that are subject to a rental agreement with terms under 30 days. For a full list of exemptions and additional information, refer to the Canada Gazette, Part II, Volume 153.

Canada v.s U.S. Mandate

Thankfully, if your transportation company already conducts cross-border deliveries, some aspects of the ELD regulations in Canada will remain the same. This means that you can use a single electronic device logging system in both Canada and the U.S. For example, how vehicle data is collected, driver notifications, standardized formats to share information, and recording HOS have similar regulations between the two countries.
The Canadian mandate will also be similar to the U.S mandate in that the ELD will be required to:

  • Synchronize with the vehicle engine
  • Provide GPS tracking and automatically capture drive time
  • Allow drivers to use special driving status including yard moves and personal conveyances

*Note, this is not a complete list

One of the most important differences between the U.S. and Canada ELD mandate is the type of logging device used. Devices in Canada must be third-party certified rather than being self-certified as the U.S. mandate requires. Another key difference is that Canadian ELDs must meet the Technical Standard for Electronic Logging Devices.

Canadian ELD Rule: Timeline

So, if your business deals in logistics and transportation, now is the time to make sure you are all set to be compliant by 2021. Remember, there is no “grandfather” period allowed in the Canadian mandate. So, this means that the earlier you comply with the new rules, the better. Here is a quick rundown of the important dates in the Canadian ELD mandate:

  • December 16, 2017 the Government of Canada published proposals for introducing the ELD mandate
  • June 13, 2019 Transport Canada published the final rule on ELDs in Gazette II
  • June 12, 2021 is the compliance date by which all commercial vehicles must have ELDs fitted and no longer use paper logbooks

GoFleet’s ELD Solution

How can you make sure that you are compliant by June 2021? At GoFleet, we supply ELDs for HOS and DVIR. These logging solutions already meet US Federal FMCSA 395.15 regulations and will be compliant with the Canadian ELD mandate.

For example, the Geotab Drive ELD Bundle logs HOS, DVIR, and provides all the services you need to comply with the Canadian ELD rule. This logging device doesn’t just help you comply, but it helps your company improve driver safety, includes a dash camera, and maximizes vehicle uptime.

You can also use the ELD bundle with Geotab GO9 that provides complete fleet GPS tracking solutions. The combination of these fleet management devices gives you real-time vehicle location, engine diagnostics, driver alerts, and also maintenance reminders.

Need more information on our ELD solution? Request a demo

How does it Benefit my Business?

Rather than being a burden for transportation companies in Canada, ELDs have many benefits. If you operate commercial trucks, vehicles, or busses, what are the benefits of electronic logging devices? Here are just a few:

  • Improve driver safety. Facts prove that drivers in trucks with ELDs cause fewer accidents than vehicles that are not fitted with logging devices.
  • Boost productivity. Knowing exactly where drivers are located and being able to plan routes efficiently increases productivity.
  • Save money on fuel costs. Improving driver behavior and planning shorter routes combine to make better fuel savings for transportation companies.
  • Increase vehicle uptime. Regular diagnostic alerts and reports on recurring vehicle issues help fleet managers arrange preventative maintenance. This helps to reduce instances of breakdowns on the road.

Sources:

https://eld.fmcsa.dot.gov/
https://www.canada.ca/en/transport-canada/news/2017/12/transport_canadamandatesnewtechnologiesfortrucksandbusestoimprov.html
http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2019/2019-06-12/html/sor-dors165-eng.html

A Complete Guide to ELDs: Prepare Yourself for ELD Mandate in Canada

Posted on | by Wisam Abou-diab | Leave a Comment on A Complete Guide to ELDs: Prepare Yourself for ELD Mandate in Canada

What are Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)?

ELDs have become a popular solution for businesses that prioritize monitoring safety, efficiency, and savings. They have also become a legal obligation for businesses in many cities. In the US, the ELD mandate has softly been enforced and Canada is next to join the party. Except it’s not so much a party, but more so a system used to electronically record a driver’s Record of Duty Status. So simply put, an ELD is an electronic logging device.

 

 

Who Needs Electronic Logging Devices?

So who cares? Well, if your business is required to fill Records of Duty logs and is operating in an ELD- mandated region you should care because you’ll need them. For example, ELDs are mandated in the US, Europe and other places as of this year.

Some exemptions in the American FMCSA include infrequent Records of Duty (Businesses keeping a Record of Duty for 8 or less days in a 30 day period are exempt from ELD mandate), driveaway-towaway service, and pre-2000 vehicles as they are not compatible with ELD technology. Experts expect similar exemptions to be put in place for the Canadians.

 

 

Canadian ELD Mandate

 

 

Yeah, that place.

 

Canada is currently in the middle of putting an ELD mandate in place but the timeline has not yet been finalized. Therefore, if you are a Canadian, we recommend that you take a look at your regional transportation authority’s official website for an updated list. And then maybe stop for a Double Double at Tim Hortons.

 

 

AOBRD vs ELD? Which Should You Use?

If you’ve heard of AOBRDs, you must be a dinosaur by now because they are compliant with 1988 regulations and we are living in the future, people! ELDs are compliant with modern mandates, AOBRDs, on the other hand, will have to be left behind as companies upgrade to ELD solutions in the future.

AOBRDs vs ELDs

So what’s the difference? Well, in one of our earlier articles we discussed:

 

  • AOBRDs can edit hours without leaving a trail sometimes

 

  • AOBRDs do not have the ability to switch driver status from Off to On Duty if the truck has been stopped for 5 minutes

 

  • AOBRDs also lack the ability to warn drivers of any unassigned hours upon logging in

 

Read more about which solution to use for your fleet

 

 

Main Benefits of ELDs

Driver Safety

With ELD, driving habits can be made safer and reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring. Things like speeding, harsh braking or acceleration, as well as distracted driving and optimized routes can be easily tracked by ELDs and help to monitor drivers.

Time Savings

With ELDs, the need for drivers to fill in their logs by hand and have them faxed while they are on the road is eliminated. Everything is paperless.

Money Savings

Did you know that 30% of fuel cost is influenced by driver behavior? With driver coaching features and optimizing the shortest routes, fuel efficiency is improved up to 12% while reducing the fuel usage by 18%. With better vehicle maintenance, downtime and any replacement costs are reduced to a minimum.

Full article here! 

 

 

ELDs and Trucks; Light Duty vs. Heavy Duty

When it comes to discovering if ELDs are needed in any vehicle, the biggest factor is compliance. Generally, ELDs for Heavy Duty and Light Duty vehicles are the same but there are some minor differences. The biggest? Installation. You see, heavy-duty vehicles usually don’t have an OBDii port so they would have to opt for adaptors such as 9-pin cables. Most light-duty vehicles, on the other hand, are equipped with an OBDii connector port which an ELD device can then directly be connected to.

This graph can be helpful when trying to understand the need for an ELD:

 

ELD Mandate
Light Duty ELD

If you are still unsure, feel free to reach out to GoFleet’s specialists and they can help you discover exactly what your options are.

 

 

Common Myths & Misunderstandings About ELDs

 

  • The Mandate Will Drive Owner/Operators Out of Business

FACT: ELDs save money and time with paperwork

  • The Government Has 24/7 Access to Driver Logs.

FACT: Data is kept on a private platform

  • ELDs Does Not Improve Safety.

FACT: Europe has been using ELDs for 10+ safe years

  • Only Big Fleets Will Be Affected

FACT: All drivers filling Records of Duty are affected

  • The ELD Rule Will Never Go Into Effect

FACT: The mandate passed through multiple appeals

  • The Cost of ELDs are so High That it Will Close Businesses

FACT: The benefits of ELDs outweigh the costs

  • ELDs Control Drivers

FACT: ELDs are only there to record data

  • All Drivers Will Quit

FACT: Drivers are becoming more accepting of ELDs.

  • Only Vendors on the FMCSA Website are Compliant with the ELD Mandate

FACT: The list includes vendors that are self-certified

See our solutions!

 

 

Avoiding ELD Mandate Fines

Still worried about those mandate fines? Here’s how you can avoid them :

  • Failing to provide documents. To avoid this, drivers must be trained in how to use their ELD. This way, most officers won’t fine drivers for not being able to use their logbooks. (Considering officers may get impatient instead of trying to resolve a possible glitch)
  • Racking up unassigned driving logs and improperly editing hours. Some drivers sign out of their electronic logging devices and mark that driving time as unassigned, others may improperly edit their hours. However, ELDs can keep unassigned log records and inspection officers are often not impressed when they see this.

(P.S if you’re a driver and you’re reading this… don’t do that.)

    • And lastly, not having your electronic logging device mounted. Yes, if the ELD is in the drivers pocket or on their passenger seat – they could be fined. (So don’t do that either, and make sure your device is properly mounted.)

proper mount of ELD

 

How to Choose an ELD Provider and Which ELD Device Should You Buy?

  • FMCSA Compliance

Is the solution FMCSA Compliant? If not, stop looking. Without being compliant with the standards set out by the FMCSA, even with an e-log solution, you could still be at risk of fines.

  • Experience

Even before getting into the features of the solution, take a look at the supplier’s experience and expertise with the FMCSA and ELDs.

  • Long-Term Solution

As you know, the Commercial Vehicle industry deals with constantly evolving and changing regulations. It’s crucial your future supplier is comfortable with the industry to easily manage constant changes and updates, without any downtime. It’s also important the ELD equipment/software you have invested in will allow for easy updates to stay on par with any new regulations or changes, and in order to grow along with your business.

  • Expandability & Integration

You want to work with a company that will be a long-term fit, and that usually means being able to adapt and integrate with other technologies as necessary. Does the supplier allow for 3rd party apps to be connected? With an open platform, you can easily integrate all your solutions, whether that be dispatching, accounting, or anything else, into an all-in-one solution platform for easier access and management.

  • Compliant in Canada, Alaska and Oil Fields

The FMCSA regulations are different in oil field operations, in Canada, and in Alaska. If your business also operates in these areas, ensure your supplier is able to meet those requirements to prevent downtime and keep your business in compliance.

If you’d like to learn more, we encourage you to check out the following video to get a walkthrough of GoFleet’s HOS solution.

What are the Benefits of an ELD?

Posted on | by Diana Savras | Leave a Comment on What are the Benefits of an ELD?

ELDs or Electronic Logging Devices are fairly new to the trucking world. Some people love them, others wish they never existed. But regardless of where you stand on the matter, you cannot deny that ELDs don’t have any benefits. Their primary uses include monitoring other driving habits in addition to driving hours, but that’s not all they’re useful for! Let’s dig a little deeper into the benefits of an ELD together…

 

Do ELDs Improve Fleet’s Safety?

 

It comes as no surprise that 90% of accidents are influenced by driver behaviour. By using the driver coaching features that ELDs offer, driving habits can be made safer and reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring. Things like speeding, harsh braking or acceleration, and optimized routes can be easily tracked by ELDs and help to monitor drivers. These features allow future employers to have a track record of how the driver performed and was rated for safety – allowing fleet managers to hire the safest drivers and keep the roads free of accidents.

 

How not to drive trucks and cars:

 

(PS: Maintain those good driving habits people!)

 

 

 

Less Paperwork with ELDs

 

ELDs allow companies to go paperless, leaving no room for human error. They allow drivers to save time by not having to go through the tedious process of logging their hours individually. With ELDs, the need for drivers to fill in their logs by hand and have them faxed while they are on the road is eliminated. Without ELDs, inspections take longer because of the paperwork that has to be searched through to find errors or HOS violations. This leads to drivers waiting… and waiting……..and waiting…

 

via GIPHY

But with ELDs, clear logs provide the information needed instantly, helping the repair shop identify the issue and help get the driver back on the road in no time! With the ability to monitor maintenance alerts, drivers can catch faulty issues before they become an even bigger, more time – consuming problem. Less time at a repair shop = more time on the road.

 

 

$ How ELDs Save Money?

 

With features such as driver coaching, another benefit of an ELD is it helps business save money. Why you ask? Believe it or not, 30% of fuel costs are influenced by driver behavior. Fear not however, because driver coaching features can actually help to improve fuel efficiency by up to 12% and reduce fuel usage by 18%! Another way ELDs help businesses save money is by optimizing the shortest routes for reduced fuel costs.

 

More on driver coaching, did you know distracted driving that leads to accidents impacts businesses in more ways than just inconvenience? It’s true. An accident drains a companies wallet in terms of legal expenses, for the driver and anyone else involved, as well as downtime and any replacement costs.

 

By keeping tabs on drivers and their activities, companies can save on costly federal audits with HOS data that’s more reliable than reports written by people. (Hey, we’re human – mistakes happen!) ELDs are also able to provide maintenance reports, this comes in handy when a driver knows about a problem before they get sidelined, and have to spend more money on last-minute repairs as well as downtime.

 

Optimization is incredibly important in any business. By having the right tools to retrieve data that can reveal areas where a business has been lacking and can improve previously unknown inefficiencies, it can be a surprise to see how much can be saved financially.

 

Make It Rain Money GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

 

 

Click here to see our fully FMCSA compliant, easy to use ELD solutions

 

 

Like this blog? We have more!

 

Who Needs ELDs & Who is Exempt?

 

4 Tips on Preparing for the Canadian ELD Mandate

ELD Mandate Canada: Check Out Our Complete Guide

Who Needs ELDs & Who is Exempt?

Posted on | by Wisam Abou-diab | Leave a Comment on Who Needs ELDs & Who is Exempt?

ELDs were a big industry item in 2017 because of the ELD mandate. It’s now making industry headlines in 2019. In this article, we’ll discuss who needs ELDs & who is exempt from ELDs in 2019.

 

What’s the buzz about ELDs in 2019?

 

ELD compliance will be on the radar again for 2019 fleet news for two reasons. Firstly, fleets with AOBRDS will need to upgrade to ELDs as the “grandfather clause” exemption expires in December 2019. Secondly, the industry is anticipating an announcement for the Canadian ELD mandate in 2019.

Who needs ELDs?

 

Who is exempt

Who needs ELDs in 2019? Long story short, drivers will need to use an ELD if they are required to fill Records of Duty logs and if they are operating in an ELD-mandated region. As of the beginning of 2019, ELDs are mandated in the US, Europe, and other spots around the world. There will be an ELD mandate in Canada but lawmakers have not finalized a timeline.

 

Who needs Records of Duties?

 

Who Needs RODs

A sub-question, then, is who need needs Records of Duties. The answer depends on your region. For instance, Ontario drivers must follow the MTO Rules. The MTO Rules specify that every CVOR-certified driver, every vehicle with a registered weight over 4500kg, and commercial vehicles carrying 10 or more people must keep a Record of Duty.

 

Because of differing rules and regions, we recommend looking on your regional transportation authority’s official website for an updated list.

Who is exempt from ELDs?

 

Another thing to note is there are some exemptions for ELDs. Who is exempt from ELDs in 2019? Similar to our discussion on Record of Duty, ELD exemptions vary depending on your region.

We’ll focus our discussion on the American FMCSA exemptions because experts expect similar Canadian exemptions. Three exemptions include infrequent Records of Duty, driveaway-towaway service, and pre-2000 vehicles.

Infrequent Records of Duty

 

Specifically, if a driver keeps Records of Duty for 8 or fewer days in a 30-day period, they are exempt from ELDs. This is most frequently applied to short-haul businesses that rarely go on jobs beyond the Record of Duty radius.

Driveaway-Towaway

 

Another category is driveaway-towaway services. These services hire contract workers to drive other business’s vehicles. Due to the nature of their work, they are also exempt from ELDs.

Pre-2000 Vehicles

 

Lastly, pre-2000 vehicles are exempt from the ELD mandate. These trucks do not have onboard computers, and as a result, are not compatible with sharing vehicle data to ELDs.

Summary: Research is Key!

 

Who Needs ELDs

In summary, ELD rules can get confusing. Who needs ELDs? Who is exempt? Ultimately, answers vary based on each fleet’s jurisdiction. Companies that are required to switch over to ELDs in 2019 and beyond should prioritize research to discover their personalized answer.

 

Links:

FMCSA: Who is exempt from the ELD rule? https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/what-exceptions-are-allowed-electronic-logging-device-rule

 

MTO: Commercial Vehicle Operators’ Safety Manual. Module 9 – Hours of Service. http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/commercial-vehicle-operators-safety-manual/module-9.shtml

 

Disclaimer: “Who Needs ELDs & Who is Exempt” references the MOT and FMCSA website. However, this information may become out of date and inaccurate and readers should not substitute this article for official legal documents.

 

Liked this blog? Please leave a rating or comment below! Check our other blogs on ELDs and the mandate:

 

5 FAQs About The Canadian ELD Mandate

4 Tips on Preparing for the Canadian ELD Mandate

What To Look for When Choosing an ELD Provider

A Complete Guide to ELDs: Prepare Yourself for ELD Mandate in Canada

4 Tips on Preparing for the Canadian ELD Mandate

Posted on | by Jimmy Song | Leave a Comment on 4 Tips on Preparing for the Canadian ELD Mandate

Oh Canada! Where does Canada stand on the ELD mandate? When does the eld mandate take effect? As of today, the Canadian Government has not finalized the Canadian ELD Mandate. However, fleets should prepare today because we expect the final ELD deadline to be within the next 2 years.

In this guide, we’ll share 4 tips to prepare for the Canadian ELD mandate, based on our experience with the American ELD mandate.

 

 

Canadian ELD Mandate[dm-embedable-media media-id=”22640″]

 

1 – Encourage Better Driving Habits

Before even investing in electronic logging devices, fleets should encourage better driving habits. The biggest reason why some fleets struggled with the American ELD mandate was that some of them relied on skimming hours. For instance, drivers commonly drove overtime by cheating hours on the paper log. These drivers tend to struggle with ELDs because they cannot “fudge” their Hours of Service on ELDs.</>

What can Canadian fleets do differently for the Canadian ELD Mandate? We recommend fleets to educate drivers on how to drive efficiently within their hours of service. In turn, drivers do not have to rely on skimming hours and will not experience major changes with ELDs.

 

 

2 – Introduce Technology Early

 

Another challenge is getting drivers to adapt to ELDs. “The ELD mandate was a bit hard on the veteran drivers,” said one fleet manager. “Some drivers only knew how to use a flip phone or didn’t have a phone at all. The ELD mandate forced them to learn how to use phones, tablets, and Garmins.”

 

In turn, our next recommendation is to introduce technology in phases. For instance, in order to prepare for ELDs, a trucking fleet started installing tablets in every truck to display route maps.

 

The company found that veteran drivers quickly learned how to use their new tablets. Afterward, when the fleet installed ELD devices, the same drivers were able to easily use their new ELD app because they had experience using tablets.

 

 

3 – Sign Up for Industry News

Our first two recommendations – driving habits and technology – focused on the driver. However, fleet managers also need to adapt to changes in a Canadian ELD Mandate.

 

Our biggest recommendation is to sign up for industry news. In the US, we found that over 50% of fleet managers did not know enough about the ELD mandate. The other fleet managers, however, were better prepared because they attended industry webinars and read white papers.

 

Thankfully, GoFleet has you covered! Over the next few months, we are hosting live webinars where you can learn about the Canadian ELD Mandate and get answers on your ELD questions.

 

 

4 – Start Early

Seriously, start early! This is something that a lot of fleets did not do for the US ELD mandate, and that led to some serious issues.

 

Some of the issues with buying ELDs in the last minute include:

 

  • Shipping delays due to low stock, resulting in missing the ELD mandate.
  • Drivers do not get time to learn how to use the ELDs. In turn, some impatient officers decided to fine drivers with ELDs if they didn’t know how to show their ELD logs.

Sign up for our newsletters at the bottom of our web pages to get invitations to Canadian ELD Mandate Webinars!

How To Avoid ELD Mandate Fines

Posted on | by Jimmy Song

Earlier in April, DOT officers started fully enforcing ELDs. Carriers and drivers must maintain ELDs and understand how to go through an ELD inspection. Unfortunately, since April, many drivers and fleets earned ELD mandate fines for avoidable mistakes. Let’s look at some strategies on how to avoid ELD mandate fines.

 

This guide covers:

1) What are some common ELD mistakes and how can fleets avoid fines for those avoidable mistakes?

2) How can first-time fleets avoid ELD mandate fines?

 

Common ELD Mandate Fines

 

FleetWaves, a freight industry news outlet, recently published a collection of severe violations. From this list, let’s take a look at common mistakes.

 

Failure to Provide ELD Documents

 

Avoind ELD Mandate Fines

 

Some people might wonder, “How can I get fined for failing to provide documents if I already have an ELD?” The most apparent reason relates back to a lack of training. It is evident that some drivers are unable to use their ELD properly, and as a result, run into problems during inspections.

 

“Some officers are very patient and work with drivers to solve their glitches,” said a fleet manager. “However, you will run into impatient officers who issue ELD mandate fines to drivers who don’t know how to show their logbooks.”

 

Tip:

 

The biggest tip is to train drivers on how to use their ELD. For example, Geotab Drive users can submit logs via web services, emails, or screen displays. Drivers should learn each of the three methods in case a function stops working.

 

Keeping Unassigned Driving Logs

 

Another common fine is keeping unassigned driving logs. This usually occurs in drivers that try to “hide” their logs. In other words, some drivers try skimming hours by logging out of their ELD device and then marking their driving time as unassigned.

 

However, ELD devices are smart and keep an unassigned log record. Inspection officers are often not impressed when they see several unassigned hours in the log’s history.

 

Tip:

 

Managers must teach drivers to respect the ELD system. ELDs specifically stops hour skimming. Therefore, attempts to hide unassigned hours will likely result in fines.

 

Improperly Editing Hours

 

Another common ELD mandate fine occurs when drivers improperly edit hours. ELDs allow drivers to edit and add driving time.

 

Edit ELD Hours

 

Some drivers, whether on purpose or lacking HOS legal knowledge, abuse this ELD function. For example, HOS laws allow drivers to add driving time for Adverse Conditions. However, the ELD keeps a record of edit notes, location and time. As a result, when officers see an Adverse Condition edit every single evening, they will likely issue an ELD fine.

 

Tip:

 

Fleets should host regular in-person HOS training and provide legal guidebooks. Let’s stick with the Adverse Conditions example. Drivers should learn Adverse Conditions edits are allowed for severe weather or collision roadblocks. However, things like regular traffic delays are not Adverse Conditions.

 

ELD is not Mounted

 

Drivers are required to have a visible ELD mounted on their vehicle. This rule especially affects drivers who use tablet or smartphone devices. A lot of drivers have a habit of putting phones and tablets in their pocket or on another seat. Unfortunately, that habit can lead to an ELD mandate fine.

 

Tip:

 

ELD Mounting

 

Fleets should equip each vehicle with a tablet or phone mount. Additionally, the mounts should be tiltable for outside view and should be flexible to allow drivers to remove them during inspections.

 

Avoid ELD Mandate Fines for First-Time Users

 

How can first-time ELD users (or Canadian companies gearing up for the Canadian mandate) avoid fines?

 

Avoid ELD Fines

 

The top 3 tips that we compiled include:

 

1) Comply Early.

 

Some people naturally delay implementation to save money. “We will save our money by waiting until the last possible moment and then buy ELDs,” said a lot of fleet managers before the ELD deadline. In fact, some people even waited until March, the month before ELD enforcement, to use ELDs.

 

Consequently, drivers had a few days to learn the entire system. Naturally, these are the drivers that get confused with ELDs and earn fines. In the end, the business might lose more money from ELD fines than saving money from delaying ELD purchases.

 

2) Training.

 

Next, businesses need to host more effective training. Good training is the best way to avoid ELD fines because drivers learn how to use ELDs to pass inspection and how to respect the system instead of trying to bypass laws.

 

3) Manage and Teach.

 

Finally, it’s a good idea to monitor fleet drivers. Many fleets don’t realize that their drivers skim hours until the fleet picks up fines and loses safety compliance scores. Rather than risking fines, fleets are much more successful when they internally monitor their drivers with HOS compliance reports.

 

Need more training on ELDs? Click here for a Driver’s Starter Guide.

 

Links

 

FreightWaves: A freight meltdown was avoided, but not these ELD problems

 

Geotab: 4 ELD Violations That Could Impact Your CSA Score and How to Avoid Them