Page 40 - ATR 5 2019 digital

smaller carriers on installation and
training issues.
“Use our guide and training
IF A CARRIER JUST GETS AN ELD TO MEET THE materials and start early,” says Frank
Lancaster, of global solutions provider
MANDATE, THEY ARE MISSING THE BOAT OF REAL ORBCOMM.
VALUE FOR THE DRIVER AND THE FLEET. YOU WANT Motor carriers should talk to their

A TOTAL FLEET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN YOUR ELD. industry colleagues who have imple-
mented ELD systems to learn of poten-
tial problems and head them off, and
—FRANK LANCASTER, OF GLOBAL SOLUTIONS they should review the FMCSA website
PROVIDER ORBCOMM to see if they qualify for any of the
exemptions.
Pricing for ELD devices varies
within the industry and among manu-
confirming their products meet FMCSA ciplines of the company is essential,” facturers, ranging from $165 to $832
requirements. Ahart says. “Drivers and system admin- per truck annually, according to the
Also, carriers must keep installa- istrators must be well informed on the FMCSA, but there is a system for every
tion, maintenance and troubleshooting operational requirements and limita- need and budget.
documentation. Since all ELD systems tions of the ELD. Mechanics and yard Some vendors charge both for hard-
are unique, it is recommended that the drivers must be aware of the potential ware, whose costs can vary, and month-
carriers contact the manufacturer to for unidentified driving segments. ly service subscriptions, with some also
receive documentation for each step. Dispatch and management require an charging installation fees, Ahart says.
The FMCSA website notes that, understanding of the harassment and “ELDS can also vary a great deal in
since late 2017, drivers have been coercions provisions of the ELD regula- terms of the added functionality beyond
required to carry an ELD information tions.” the basic software for tracking a driver’s
packet containing the following: To mitigate the burden of the logis- hours of service,” he says. “The price
“a user’s manual for the driver tics, planning and manpower needed to goes up as features increase.”
describing how to operate the ELD; an make the transition, preparation is key, Vendors may offer tiers of service
instruction sheet describing the data especially for smaller fleets. for a monthly fee and include wireless
transfer mechanisms supported by the “All new technology involves a connectivity. Some systems may leave
ELD and step-by-step instructions to learning curve,” Thompson says. “The it up to the carriers to figure out, other
produce and transfer the driver’s hours- good news is, most transition and grow- companies offer enhanced packages
of-service records to an authorized ing pains can be avoided through train- with features like around-the-clock
safety official; an instruction sheet ing and allowing time for drivers and customer support, routing, dispatching,
for the driver describing ELD mal- staff to get used to the new tech.” driver vehicle inspection reports and
function reporting requirements and “Some small carriers, including IFTA tax reporting.
recordkeeping procedures during ELD many independent truckers, are vocal Vehicle tracking, driver behavior
malfunctions; and a supply of blank opponents of the new rule,” Thompson monitoring, vehicle fault codes, idle
driver’s records of duty status (RODS) says. “However a larger percentage of time tracking, geofencing and two-way
graph-grids sufficient to record the carriers are supportive and plan to com- messaging, are among other bells and
driver’s duty status and other related ply. The number of carriers with new whistles.
information for a minimum of 8 days. Department of Transportation autho- Lower end systems meet the
Prior to December 18, 2017, FMCSA rizations exceeded those leaving the requirements of the mandate but offer
recommends that drivers have the user’s business. ELD vendors report a steady little else, and owner operators of
manual, malfunction instruction sheet, stream of sales.” smaller fleets may opt for these easy-
and graph-grids.” Companies can head off some of to-install, simpler systems, though they
Once installed, the carrier must the logistical, financial and infrastruc- will need to download a mobile app to
train all pertinent employees, which ture problems by slowly integrating access the software.
includes managers, administrative per- ELDs into their fleets. Lancaster says the industry seems
sonnel and auditors along with the driv- It is recommended they contact to be coming around to the ELD and
ers. The carrier will set up individual multiple manufacturers to get the ELD recommends carriers consider paying
accounts for all ELD users. that best helps with the integration; more for the tricked-out technology.
“Training across the various dis- several ELD suppliers will work with “They are more accepting now

40 Issue 5 2019 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT