When the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate, there was significant pushback from all sides. However, while many within the trucking industry voiced concerns about the technology, it did nothing to affect existing hours of service (HOS) regulations. What it did do, though, is alter how fleets record and collect data about their trucks and drivers.

ELD Mandate Coincides with Technology Boom

ELDs couldn’t have come at a better time in regards to technologic advances. With sensors and connected trucks, fleets have access to telematics data regarding various trucking components, the remaining life and performance of those parts, as well as driver behaviors.

ELDs along with sensors are able to provide a plethora of insights into a fleet’s needs. For example, preventative maintenance is a part of any successful fleet. However, prior to telematics, fleets had to rely on a basic schedule. While this kept trucks in optimal shape and improved safety, it wasn’t the most cost-effective approach. Wear and tear doesn’t always happen on a linear path and some trucks may not need servicing as soon as others do. Telematics add much-needed insight into the preventative maintenance process.

5 Benefits of Telematics Technology for Fleets

While some fleets only adopted ELDs for compliance reasons, many who embraced the technology early on are emphasizing its benefits well outside the scope of adhering to FMCSA’s regulations. Some of the top benefits of the technology include:

  1. Optimizing routes for faster delivery times
  2. Improving fuel efficiency
  3. Boosting dispatching efficiency
  4. Increasing truck longevity with targeted maintenance efforts
  5. Reducing risk by enhancing driver safety

Telematics are changing how trucking companies do business as well. In particular, it allows them to set goals based on hard data rather than relying on intuition alone and hoping for the best. For example, fleets that want to improve fuel efficiency can harness data related to driver behaviors and how often the truck received tune-ups. Fleets can cross-reference this information to create metrics-based driver training as well as identify the best maintenance schedule. Trucking businesses can even offer bonuses or rewards for drivers who help the company reach its fuel efficiency goals as an incentive.

Having actionable data allows fleets to improve productivity, customer satisfaction, and fleet safety. To learn more about how telematics can help your trucking company, contact the experts at DriverCheck.