Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) faced a significant degree of backlash when the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) first announced the mandate. While many in the trucking industry felt like ELDs were big brother-ish and would cause undue hardship, FMCSA was quick to point out that the devices were only meant to enforce existing hours of service (HOS) rules. Nothing changed regarding how drivers operate their vehicles—only how they record that information.

With grandfather clauses for automatic onboard recording devices (AOBRDs) set to expire in December of this year, most fleets are familiar with using ELDs by now. However, fleets that only rely on their ELDs for HOS compliance are missing out on significant business opportunities. These powerful devices collect a plethora of data that can help fleets improve several operations including:

  1. Driver safety
  2. Logistics
  3. Security
  4. Productivity
  5. Maintenance

Fleets that embraced the power of telematics early on are using the wealth of data to drive business decisions as well as improve their overall bottom line. The data allows them to address challenges like reducing driver turnover rates, optimizing routes based on driver HOS availability, improving safety, and decreasing vehicle downtime due to preventable damage or repairs.

As the initial pushback against ELDs fades, more fleets are realizing the potential of telematics data. It takes the guesswork out of improving fuel efficiency and preventative maintenance while providing actionable insights into better driver safety initiatives. It also allows for better productivity as dispatchers can make informed decisions on which routes drivers should take for deliveries as well as which drivers are best-suited to the route based on their remaining HOS.

Technology Hurdles Fleets Need to Overcome

The biggest challenges in harnessing the power of telematics data are finding a way to make it easier to digest as well as increasing the speed of data transfer. Data isn’t useful if fleets can’t understand it or organize it in an actionable way. As a result, many telematics devices now allow for filtering to allow different departments to find the information that is most relevant to them. There has also been an increase in customization options to allow fleets to arrange data according to their priorities.

Getting that data off the truck and onto a computer screen has also been a challenge. The vastness of the data overwhelms most processors and networks. However, many within the industry expect this issue will resolve itself after migrating to 5G networks.

If your fleet is struggling to implement functional, convenient telematics, DriverCheck can help. Contact us to learn more about our telematics solutions.