Some years back, firms operating commercial motor vehicles relied on electronic onboard recorders (EOBR) and paper logs to monitor service hours. However, the two had their limitations. The EOBR didn’t have a standardized data format and necessitated data regeneration on a paper format for analysis and use. The paper logs burdened the drivers with filling out the forms that took most of their time and had higher chances of errors. The two were replaced by the electronic logging device (ELD).

The ELD mandate compelled all commercial vehicles to be installed with ELDs supplemented by electronic logbook software. The new system has many advantages and overcame the earlier solutions’ challenges by providing real-time, correct, and enforceable information on hours of service. Although the ELD and software are mainly for compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) directive, the system has other benefits for those in logistics.

Benefits of Electronic Logbook Software

Reduced Fuel Costs

Logistics operators can monitor how much fuel the drivers are using by relying on the electronic logbook software. The system enables the managers to check the duration the driver is idling, and that can minimize fuel wastage. Additionally, the fleet manager or operator can see any deviations from the specified route, which avoids misuse of the company vehicles that lead to high fuel costs.

Monitoring Vehicle for Rescue

The software enables tracking of the route and abnormal long stopovers thanks to the pairing of the ELD with GPS. This can help to know about incidents of hijacking, accidents, vehicle breakdowns, and so on. If the driver cannot call for help, the software sends notifications prompting a quick response to save the driver, cargo, and vehicle.

Vehicle Maintenance Reminders

The vehicle’s diagnostic port has a connection to the ELD, which facilitates real-time monitoring of the vehicle fault code. From the information obtained from the system, the fleet manager can be on top of the vehicle maintenance schedule and take precautionary actions at the appropriate time. This eliminates vehicle breakdowns, delayed deliveries, and lost workforce hours, as well as high repair costs.

Monitoring Driver’s Habits

With a fleet that employs electronic logbook software and the whole system, the management and vehicle operator can monitor and see behavior among the drivers. The data from the system enables taking corrective actions and deciding on various matters. Besides that, bad driving habits lead to higher fuel costs, penalties, and fines due to non-compliance, litigation due to accidents, increased operational costs, and many other issues.

Reduced Liabilities

Sometimes, accidents on the road are not due to drivers’ fault but could be due to other road users, including other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. But the logistics companies will find themselves facing legal suits now and then and have the burden of proof to show that their drivers were not contributors to the accident. The data from the electronic logging software can be useful for a strong defense.

ELDs and the accompanying software have a ton of benefits to vehicle owners and fleet management. It helps to save them a lot of money including fuel costs, operational and vehicle maintenance, and can track the vehicle’s location, among other benefits.