ELDS: AN UPDATE PART 2

I’ve been discussing my thoughts on the fast-approaching Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate since June of 2016 (you can read my past posts here and here). We have a bit under one month until the official implementation date, and Kingsgate has published this video explaining the implications of the ELD mandate, how it will affect the industry as a whole, and what you can do prepare for these changes. 

As the video explains, the ELD mandate (or E-log mandate) will alter the way a professional truck drivers’ hours are tracked. Circumstances like traffic and required stops can no longer be ignored – which impacts the drivers’ overall drivetime and changes delivery times.

The E-logs will have a huge impact on the transportation + logistics industry, both negative and positive. It will be a difficult adjustment but this mandate is expected to help in these 3 ways:

1. Improve Productivity

ELDs aim to help increase productivity for truck drivers by eliminating manual time-management and providing them a built-in way to track their hours. The FMCSA estimates the E-logs will save $2.44 billion, due to the amount of time saved by not having to fill-out and submit paper logs.

2. Reduce Cost

Removing paper logs will also help carriers save an estimated $1.6 billion, according to the FMCSA. They also predict carriers will save on fuel costs, have less truck downtime, cut Hours-Of-Service (HOS) fines, and decrease crash rates. Which brings me to my next point…

3. Increase Safety

The E-log mandate was created first and foremost for safety. As I mentioned in my second blog post, the FMCSA believes that using ELDs could save an average of 26 lives and prevent 562 injuries resulting from crashes involving commercial motor vehicles annually. The ELDs should reduce driver fatigue currently managed by inaccurate HOS logging. The E-logs ensure all drivers on the road are following proper safety standards.

All the Best,

Jeff Beckham