Q. Colleagues who implemented ELDs in their fleets last December, have told me that I should start the process of choosing a provider now. How should I start?

A. While there are a number of technical factors you’ll have to take into account when choosing an ELD provider there are two steps you should take to get started: 1. Make sure the ELD model you are considering is on the FMCSA’s list of registered ELDs, which can be found at https://3pdp.fmcsa.dot.gov/ELD/ELDList.aspx. Providers on this list have self-certified that their ELDs are compliant with all of the technical specifications under the ELD Rule. 2. Research the provider you are considering by checking with the Better Business Bureau and online reviews of the company’s products and customer service. Keep in mind that many established ELD providers also offer fleet management systems (FMS) as part of their ELD solutions. While there are a number of benefits that fleets can derive from a bundled FMS-ELD solution, there is no requirement that fleets must use an FMS. The only requirement is that the ELD complies with the technical specifications of the ELD Rule.

Answered by : Scott Sutarik from Geotab

Associate VP, Commercial Vehicle Solutions

Scott Sutarik is the Associate VP of Commercial Vehicle Solutions at Geotab Inc. He has extensive experience within the truck manufacturing industry, specializing in medium duty and heavy duty trucks. He previously worked in sales and marketing at Navistar Inc. where he supported over 700 dealerships, worked with suppliers and telematics providers, and managed the OnCommand Connection Program. With his expertise in telematics, regulatory compliance, engine diagnostics, and alternative fueled vehicles, Scott provides training and works with Geotab's partners to develop leading-edge fleet management solutions for the trucking industry.

Q. How do I know a vendor is ELD certified?

A. Manufacturers are responsible for registering their ELDs with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration by certifying that they meet the technical specifications set forth in the ELD rule.

Q. What kinds of questions should I ask to decide on an ELD provider?

A. What types of rule sets and exemptions do you support? Do these meet your organizational needs? Does your device meet the Hours of Service (HOS) compliance and reporting requirements?

Q. How should I rollout ELDs to my drivers?

A. Firstly, it's important to establish policies and practices to address any challenges that you foresee with ELD implementation by meeting with your fleet team.

Q. What commonly asked ELD questions from drivers should I prepare for?

A. What information is recorded by the ELD? How accurate is the data recorded by the device?

Q. What other benefits could my fleet get out of ELDs?

A. ELDs in combination with advanced Open Platform telematics capabilities provide remote engine monitoring, fuel usage monitoring, MPG, receipt and invoice scanning at the point of delivery, and the ability to geofence trucks and track arrival and departure dates and times.

Q. In adding ELDs, should I consider what telematics data might also be useful?

A. Light-and medium-duty fleets have been capitalizing on the benefits for several years, so now is the time for the trucking industry to enjoy those same benefits.

Q. What are some basic benefits that trucking fleets can get out of GPS tracking/telematics?

A. You can improve routing efficiency and reduce drive time by planning routes based on customer locations, pick-up and drop-off times, and traffic patterns.

Q. What are common challenges that I could face in trying to add telematics to my fleet?

A. Cost can be an issue to some fleets before they understand the overall return on investment and cost savings that are made possible with a open platform fleet management solution.

Q. I’m a small trucking company, do I really need telematics?

A. Regardless of your fleet's size, telematics can reduce costs, reduce idling, improve driver behavior, and keep your vehicles well-maintained and running smoothly.

Q. I’m an owner-operator, are there any benefits to adding telematics to my truck?

A. To remain in compliance with the ELD mandate, owner-operators must install these ELDs.

Q. I run a mixed fleet, could telematics help me better spec my vehicles?

A. Telematics not only helps you keep track of your current fleet, but can help you make data-driven decisions about its future.

Q. As a trucking fleet, what should I look for in a telematics provider?

A. When it comes to telematics, it's important to consider a solution that provides much more than just GPS location on a map.

Q. How much and what kind of training will I need to provide my drivers so they can use ELDs properly?

A. As with any new technology or process that you introduce, there will be a transition and training period. The great news is that you can begin equipping some of your trucks with ELDs now, letting your business and drivers become familiar with them well ahead of the deadline.

Q. I heard the FMCSA recently clarified ELD compliance extensions. What do I need to know about this?

A. On February 15, 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued new guidance on the use of older logging devices and compliance extension dates. Fleets will now have until December 2019 to comply with the ELD mandate.

Q. I’ve heard there may be productivity losses with ELDs. Is this true, and, if so, what can I do to overcome them?

A. Experts say that fleets will likely see a drop in productivity when transitioning from paper logs to ELDs. This can be chalked up to the expected learning curve when adapting to a new technology.

Fleet FAQ

Got Questions? ELD and Telematics