In trucking, the single largest operating cost is diesel fuel. To put it in perspective, the average passenger vehicle consumes 500 gallons of fuel per year while a commercial vehicle consumes 20,500—that is 41 times the amount of fuel. This represents nearly 40% of the total operating cost of a commercial truck. While most drivers try to find ways to improve their fuel economy, not many are aware that their own behaviors are increasing their fuel consumption.
Using ELDs and Telematics to Reduce Fuel Consumption
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) electronic logging device (ELD) mandate requires fleets to monitor their hours of service (HOS) electronically. Before ELDs, drivers kept paper records; however, unscrupulous drivers could fudge their HOS, putting themselves at risk. Driving beyond the established HOS can lead to fatigue and drowsy driving—a common cause of commercial vehicle accidents.
In addition to improving driver safety, ELDs provide a treasure trove of data on driver behavior. This data, mined via telematics technology, provides a way to measure behaviors such as hard braking, shifting, speeding, idling, and other activities that use excess fuel. Telematics also provide unbiased feedback, something that another driver or observer can’t do. Some telematics systems can even provide real-time feedback to help the driver change his or her behavior. Most fleets don’t have the time to provide this kind of one-on-one training, whereas an onboard system is always ready to help with driver improvement.
Finding the Best ELD
When the FMCSA implemented the ELD ruling, the transportation industry struggled to become compliant. With a multitude of ELDs flooding the market, fleets couldn’t be sure which devices were legitimate. That is why DriverCheck worked in tandem with truck drivers to develop a solution that meets their needs. Simple to use for drivers and administrators alike, fleets can rest easy knowing they are compliant. To learn more about our transportation safety solutions, contact us today.
