What You Need to Know About ELDs

What is an ELD?

ELD is an acronym for “electronic logging device.” It is used by drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to keep record of drive time, hours of service (HOS), and to transmit data on their vehicle’s engine, movement, and miles driven to a telematics software program for fleet management. Commercial drivers in the United States are required by law to use an ELD as part of their duties.

What Does an ELD Do?

An ELD can inform drivers and dispatchers of the status of a CMV in real time which enhances fleet management, compliance, inspections and maintenance planning.

The ELD gathers information such as ignition status, location, and mileage directly from a vehicle’s engine. 

Your telematics device can then transmit engine and GPS location data to a server where logs can be created for viewing on an ELD mobile app by a fleet manager in real time. 

Drivers can use the ELD mobile app on their smartphone or tablet to keep track of their own stats.  

Fleet management software, in conjunction with the ELD, can provide reports, maps and notifications for fleet and compliance managers. 

What are the benefits of ELDs?

ELDs have many important benefits for carriers. For instance:  

• Increase driver safety 
• Increase Hours of Service compliance for drivers
• Reduce paperwork for drivers and staff
• Minimize the risk of errors with automated tracking

ELDs based on open platform telematics software like Nexxo Fleet also provides extended benefits:

• Vehicle inspection reporting
• Fuel usage monitoring
• Proactive vehicle maintenance
• Receipt and invoice scanning
• Access to real-time data — increase overall fleet productivity and efficiency

Nexxo Fleet developed our own ELD as part of our fleet management software solution. Our ELD is custom-built and proprietary to Nexxo Fleet which means that it is currently the only ELD that integrates with our cold chain management solution. 

This allows drivers with our ELD to receive alerts for fluctuations in temperature on the reefer and all other open door incidents that threaten shipments. 

They can also use the ELD to physically show the final customer that the temperature was managed consistently throughout shipping which makes for a significant competitive advantage in the industry.  

How much do ELDs cost?

There are several costs involved in an ELD solution: 

• the device hardware
• professional installation (if required), and 
• monthly software fee.

The ROI on ELDs—when paired with a strong ELD solutions software—can be substantial for carriers because they improve fleet productivity, fuel efficiency, safety, and preventative maintenance.

ELDs can help you maintain compliance, stay on top of maintenance requirements, improve safety, and save money by saving staff time. Most importantly, they save lives by preventing driver fatigue and accidents. 

We’re ELD-certified! To find out how Nexxo Fleet can align with ELDs to provide your fleet with all of these benefits and more, contact us today for a demo.