Q. Can I replace the hardware provided by my telematics provider with a factory installed OEM device?

Answered by : Scott Sutarik from Geotab

VP, Commercial Vehicle Solutions

Scott Sutarik is the 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. Our drivers routinely cross into Canada. Does their ELD have to be certified in both the U.S. and Canada?

Yes, per the Canadian rules, all devices used in Canada must be third-party certified. This will require that U.S. fleets that cross into Canada...

Q. Are there specific timelines for carriers to shutdown their 3G networks?

Yes, several carriers have announced specific timeframes for when they plan to shut down their 3G networks...

Q. With the 3G sunset going into effect, do I need to worry that it will affect my fleet’s ELDs?

You will if your ELD isn’t already 4Gcompatible. If your ELD is a 3G device, it will no longer work when your driver enters an area that is covered only by a 4G network...

Q. How can I prepare for the sunsetting of the 3G Network?

As networks are upgrading to accommodate for faster speeds and compatibility through 4G technology, we suggest that fleets consider the 3G sunset as an opportunity to upgrade their fleets to technology that can support them today and can scale to their needs in the future...

Q. With reports of potential cybersecurity threats aimed at ELDs and telematics solutions, how do I know if my fleet’s data is safe?

In addition to meeting federal government-level security standards, Geotab has outlined how fleets can help mitigate their cybersecurity risks. To this end, Geotab has implemented specific security measures for its solutions. One of these security measures...

Q. I’ve heard that ELDs may be vulnerable to being compromised by third parties. Is that true, and what can I do to protect the fleet and our company?

The FBI has recently identified significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities in several electronic logging devices (ELDs), according to a Private Industry Notification the agency sent out. Further, the FBI found the potential for hackers to gain access to other aspects of company operations...

Q. How can my ELD improve and reduce my costs?

Certainly adhering to ELD regulations will help keep your drivers in compliance and on the road, and more likely to avoid the possibility of a fleet audit, which is time consuming and potentially expensive. But beyond that...

Q. With today’s tough economic times—how can I convince my leadership that it still makes sense to invest in telematics?

Today, more than ever, trucking fleets are relying on data to help remain competitive and efficient, and telematics is the primary way companies are acquiring these crucial data points...

Q. I heard that the hours of service (HOS) rules have been updated—what are the changes and should I even be worried about them with enforcement being suspended?

First, even with the ongoing enforcement suspension, you should expect the rules to be reinstated sometime in the future. As for the revisions to the HOS rules, there are four main updates and changes...

Q. We seem to be running at 100% productivity—but I want to make sure that we are. How can we use our telematics data to make sure we’re optimizing our productivity?

Your telematics solution is key to measuring every aspect of fleet productivity...

Q. Our drivers are doing a great job during this difficult time, but I want to make sure that we’re rewarding the right drivers. How can I use our telematics data to make our reward system more objective?

Telematics has become a proven, objective way to increase visibility into driver behavior and consequently, reward drivers for their good behavior (or coach those drivers who may need some improvement)...

Q. With a number of regulations related to trucking being relaxed, many of my drivers (and a few of my executives) are questioning why we’re even bothering to collect telematics data. What should I tell them?

While it’s understandable that in today’s relaxed regulatory atmosphere questions related to compliance and data would come up, it’s important to note to your drivers and stakeholders that for today’s trucking operations—particularly in the age of COVID-19—data is critical to overall efficiency...

Q. So much data, so little time, how do I manage it?

First make a list of all the data points that are important to your business and then...

Q. How do I customize my reporting based on the unique needs of my business?

The customer can personally customize any of the “canned” reports and can actually create a new report based upon...

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