Telematics Archives - Page 6 of 6

Questions To Ask Before Buying ELD Solutions

Posted on March 31, 2020 | by Anna | Leave a Comment

As the deadline to be ELD compliant is looming closer (or as already passed), it’s important that every fleet manager researches what electronic logging device will work best for them. As many fleets could still be operating without such devices, it’s only a matter of time before drivers are asked to show hours of service without using paperlogs. Prior to discussing the important questions that fleet managers should ask when buying ELD solutions, it’s important to understand how buying the right (or wrong) device could affect your fleet and why you need to be ELD compliant.

What Is The ELD Mandate?

The ELD Mandate is a regulation which focuses on the amount of travelling a commercial motor vehicle operator has and can complete. Specifically, it focuses on limiting the amount of driving to a pre-set and pre-determined ‘safe duration’ to ensure that drivers are not overworking themselves to complete more deliveries or routes. This stems from the concern that more driving incidents, accidents or poor judgement calls typically happen when drivers behind the wheel are tired because they have not had enough rest on the clock or between shifts. In order to complete this, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) began to move towards electronic devices (ELDs). ELDs are devices which record the driving time and hours-of-service (HOS) of a driver via telematics and IoT innovation. This is possible as the device typically has a plug-and-play feature which allows it to be installed into nearly any vehicle to immediately start to monitor the engine and whether it is running. However, as every fleet is different, it’s important to perform your own research in regards to your specific fleet size and location with up-to-date information to ensure that you are compliant at all times.

What Are The Deadlines?

In America, most fleets were required to make the switch in December 2017. However, American transport companies that were utilizing automatic onboard recording devices (AOBRDs) prior to December 2017, were provided with a different compliance date of December 2019. Canada on the other hand, is required to be ELD compliant by June 2021.

What Benefits Can Fleets Expect To Notice After Becoming Compliant?

Apart from being compliant and limiting the fines or penalties could receive, it’s important to learn about the additional benefits that come from being ELD compliant. In some cases, fleet managers may find that they are not only able to better organize their efforts, but can see financial improvements happen. The following are some benefits that managers can expect to notice once their fleet is ELD compliant:

Increased accuracy with administrative tasks as the devices automatically record and log information
Improved fuel use as idling can be monitored and addressed
Better vehicle diagnostics as engine fault codes can be detected quickly with ease
Improved location tracking of assets and route management as ELDs automatically gather information about where the device is
Improved identification of poor driving behaviours for each driver (that can later be addressed in training modules or employee reviews)
Increased safety as there is less of a risk of drivers operating the motor vehicle if they are overworked and tired
Improved Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores as the device can help ensure that you are meeting strict standards

Interested in viewing what electronic logging devices GoFleet can offer you?

However, with so many options to look at and so many details to review, we understand that sometimes becoming ELD compliant can be overwhelming. That’s why we compiled a list of questions that should be asked when inquiring about ELD Solutions.

Read our top 7 questions to keep in mind before buying ELD solutions below!

1. “Will the same device work in any type of vehicle?”

When you’re speaking with a solutions provider or buying ELD solutions, it’s important that you discuss in-depth your current needs and how your fleet could change (or how you would like it to change) in the future. Specifically, mentioning information like what class of vehicles are or will be used (ie. makes, models and fuel type), the size of your fleet, and your current struggles of fleet management in relation to driver and workload monitoring.

All of this information can better help your ELD provider supply devices that are compatible now and in the future.

2. “What is the installation procedure for ELD solutions and how long does it take?”

To fully understand the installation process, it’s important that you inquire not only about how easy the ELD solutions will be to install, but what the failure rates are in addition to the simplicity of troubleshooting or replacing. For example, if a device has a high failure rate or is difficult to replace due to rarity, it may not be the right fit for a small-sized fleet that needs to be agile and functional at all times.

3. “How much does the device cost and what are the ongoing fees?”

Often, the go-ahead to deploy new technology typically relies on the financial burden that the company will take on. So always inquire twice about this. Asking not only at the beginning of your research, but finalizing the cost and fees at the end (right before you purchase the devices). This will ensure that there are no surprises.

Somethings to remember to consider while asking about the cost are:

How expensive the hardware itself is
Whether you will require professional installation or if it is a plug-and-play device
What the monthly recurring charge (MRC) is for each vehicle
What is the training or onboarding process typically like – taking into consideration downtime to install devices or train personnel

4. “Is the ELD device easy to use?”

If a device is too complex or difficult to understand, you may find that it’s not the right fit for your team. As you need to ensure that your entire team, especially your drivers, will understand how to use it – you need to be confident in the capabilities of the device. Ensuring the device is user-friendly, easy to setup and requires minimum upkeep are only a few things to keep in mind.

Additionally, prior to buying ELD solutions, you should consider how the device will be supported. For example, asking whether it is supported with iOS and Android devices, or whether you will need to purchase specific devices to use it. For many fleet managers, cross-compatibility with adaptable ELD solutions are the most attractive.

5. “How will you ensure that the solution will remain compliant in the future?”

Since a major factor of the adoption of electronic logging devices are compliance requirements, it’s important that the device you adopt will always remain compliant. Specifically inquiring whether the solution will adapt to new regulations and whether you are satisfied with the vendor’s commitment to updating their device.

6. “What types of plans do you offer? How easy is it to switch?”

Depending on the current needs of your fleet, certain plans will be better for you. With this being said typically, there is a Base Plan that has basic GPS tracking features, a Regulatory Plan with improved data tracking, a Pro Plan that tracks engine data, and a ProPlus Plan that does all of this with 24/7 support! While it is fairly easy to upgrade in most cases, it’s important to not only clarify this but understand all features available.

Some key features to keep in mind are:

Support for ruleset and exemptions
The ability to share data with 3rd party users or backend customers
Open platform expandability and data ownership

7. “How long has your company been in business? Have you offered an AOBRD product before?”

Working with a business that is well known and experienced in the industry is critical. While some newer organizations may have an attractive price, you may find that in the future they are unable to provide the right offerings and support because of their young age. With this being said, always research and look for reviews with who you are working with so you don’t unknowingly work with a less than a reputable provider. You can also inquire about their core business offerings, how long they’ve been supporting your industry, how long they have been offering ELDs, how large their customer base is and the names of businesses they work with who are similar to yours.

Even though we only listed the seven important questions, there could be additional concerns that you need to address before buying ELD solutions. With that being said, we invite you to give us a call to talk about your fleet and your unique ELD needs. We’re confident that with our extensive knowledge of electronic logging devices, we have the experience necessary to help!

Remember while many Canadian fleets still have some time to migrate to using electronic logging devices, many American fleets should already be compliant!

Driver Turnover: How Telematics Can Reduce It

Posted on March 16, 2020 | by Anna | Leave a Comment

Just like in any industry, even some of the largest transportation companies encounter turnover. However, in recent years the discussion of employee turnover and the need to counter it has grown due to increasing rates. In 2019, it was reported that in the third quarter, large U.S. fleets saw driver turnover increase by 9% to reach 96%. With such high rates, it shows that fleets must work even harder to encourage employee growth and encourage drivers to stay. Recently, fleets of various sizes are starting to look at how telematics and new technology can help combat high driver turnover.

Telematics Solutions To Reduce High Driver Turnover

With job expectations changing and technology advancing, many have found that telematics could be a solution to combating high driver turnover.

Focusing On Optimization And Task Streamlining

When looking at the transportation industry and the need to reduce employee turnover, it’s important to use new technology to make work more efficient or enjoyable for drivers. One way this is being approached is by employers who are utilizing technology to their advantage. Specifically by implementing and introducing tools to increase productivity and simplify tasks.

For example, using management and automation solutions to reduce much of the repetitive or administrative tasks that drivers must complete. This can be seen through electronic logging devices (ELDs) like the Geotab Drive ELD that automatically records and produces logs about driving history or even solutions like ZenduWork that quickly optimizes dispatching routes and allows for work orders to be completed electronically. When tasks are simple to complete, many drivers could begin to feel efficient and happy with fewer challenges to overcome.

Focusing On Training And Support

Another approach to combating driver turnover is maintaining a workplace that focuses on boosting employee skills. Specifically by ensuring that drivers will always be provided with new training opportunities and coaching support to ensure they’re driving safely. When this option is available many drivers can feel a sense of connection and positive morale as they see their employer wanting to help them succeed! Thus, prompting a satisfied (and more skilled) workforce! This is seen by implementing software solutions such as ZenScore, an interactive training dashboard that encourages safe and efficient driving habits throughout fleets. The solution allows fleet managers to not only create and set up training modules to boost skill and learning but can act as a tool for measuring KPIs and productivity automatically and electronically.

Focusing On Rewards And Culture

The final approach that many fleets are taking to attempt to reduce driver turnover is offering rewards and maintaining a positive workplace culture. As many drivers can be on the road alone for hours or even days, it’s important to keep their work morale high! Forgoing this may result in drivers feeling disconnected, unmotivated or even unwilling to stay with the company. To help combat each of these issues, some fleet managers are doing the following:

Measuring KPIs and coordinating friendly competitions that offer rewards to those who meet and excel past set criteria. For example, holding weekly or monthly contests that reward the driver who speeds the least.
Offering additional paid time-off, increased pay wages or gift card bonuses for drivers who are going above and beyond driving expectations. For example, rewarding the safest driver each quarter with some sort of incentive.
Encouraging social connection and positive culture with drivers on the road by organizing company events so they feel part of a team.

For many fleet managers, they could be feeling pressure to change their workplace in order to try to combat any high driver turnover that they may be facing. In times like this, it’s critical to implement the right processes and procedures to keep drivers happy, productive and satisfied with their current position. As you have read, in some circumstances technological solutions can help with this. If you’re interested in learning how certain telematics solutions such as electronic logging devices, ZenScore, or ZenduWork may be able to positively influence your fleet, contact us today!

New Partnership: Working With Samsara To Better Help Fleets

Posted on March 2, 2020 | by Anna | Leave a Comment

As the needs of businesses are continually evolving, it’s critical for organizations to stay on top of industry trends. This is amplified with it comes to the IoT and telematics sector as new tools and solutions are always transforming. With this in mind, GoFleet is excited to partner with Samsara! This partnership allows us to expand our solutions offerings to better help businesses stay efficient, safe and sustainable.

Partnership With Samsara

With Samsara’s help, we will now offer additional fleet management, asset tracking, camera and safety solutions. The core of these Samara offerings will provide businesses with end-to-end and cost-effective solutions that are billed monthly. In the past, Samsara has been highlighted to help those within various industries such as transportation and logistics, food and beverage, as well as state and local government.

Fleet Management Solution

Samsara offers end-to-end fleet management solutions that many businesses may find of interest as they offer a modern platform with real-time visibility in addition to AI-powered analytics. As the deadline for drivers is looming closer (or has already passed) for fleets to adopt innovative tools such as electronic logging devices, it’s critical for managers to find the right device for their needs as soon as possible. It’s important to note that Samsara’s fleet management solutions are able to connect to third party systems to improve real-time data and visibility efforts.

Learn more here: https://www.gofleet.com/product/samsara-gateway-gps-system/

Camera And Safety Solution

Samsara has numerous camera and safety solutions that fleets can take advantage of. Among the basic features of being able to collect video footage, Samsara dashcams and sensors can leverage computer vision. This allows it to automatically identify unsafe driving behaviour, offer in-cab voice coaching and conduct automatic upload. All of the features truly pushing businesses forward to a safer future.

Learn more here: https://www.gofleet.com/product/samsara-ai-dash-cams-for-fleets/

Asset Tracking

Lastly, Samsara offers various tracking options for fleets. Apart from offering basic trailer tracking to increase GPS visibility of your team, Samsara also offers wireless reefer and asset tracking products. So whether you’re looking to stay compliant to critical temperature monitoring regulations or monitoring where costly equipment is throughout the day, it can be done.

Learn more here: https://www.gofleet.com/product/samsara-ag24-trailer-tracker/

If you’re interested to learn more about our partnership with Samsara, and how it may benefit your new fleet management needs, contact us today!

Aviation and Ground Service Crews Taking Advantage of Telematics

Posted on February 24, 2020 | by Victoria Gole | Leave a Comment

The merging of telecommunications and informatics seems to be an ever-evolving sector as it continues to impress business owners across various industries. While it may be apparent of how it’s used for location tracking and maintenance monitoring in the trucking and logistics sector, it’s time to highlight its use in aviation. Similar to other industries, leading aviation and ground service crews use the technology in ways similar to fleet managers as the outcomes are as equally beneficial.

Where Did Telematics Originate From?

When telematics technology was first being developed in the 1960s, it was initially used by the U.S. Department of Defense to aid in the position tracking of varying assets in addition to being a way to improve communication on the battlefield. However, as time continued and the technology evolved, leaders in other industries saw the potential of telematics elsewhere. When discussing airports and aviation, focus is greatly on the GPS tracking, asset monitoring and communication features.

Below are two examples that speak to the beneficial outcomes that resulted from aviation and ground service crews investing in telematics on runways.

Why Aviation and Ground Services Continue to Implement Telematics Technology

Ensure Cost-Effective Utilization & Efficiency

When large quantities of data are collected in real-time, immediate decisions can be made. That is especially true when airports utilize telematics solutions for the purpose of resource management and productivity. From monitoring fuel usage to asset location, beacons and sensors can be installed to track nearly every aspect of aircraft operations. Ultimately allowing officials to allocate employees and equipment properly to achieve maximum productivity, as well as being able to monitor and report on their efforts.

A common and well-known example of this is allocating vehicles to complete tasks in relation to proximity and location. Meaning, when a specific type of vehicle is requested, officials can deploy an available vehicle that is closest. Allowing for fuel, physical resources as well as personnel to be used efficiently. If GPS tracking was not used, airports would risk sending vehicles that are much farther than others, causing them to waste time and resources.

This is evident when deicing vehicles are required to spray aircrafts with a mixture of hot water and propylene glycol during the winter months. If a deicing vehicle is requested, it’s important to not only send the closest vehicle to the aircraft, but send a vehicle that has enough of the deicing fluid to complete the job. Both of these requirements are trackable by custom telematics solutions. However, when telematics technology is not used, airports risk using additional and unnecessary resources or equipment. This is simply because they were unaware and unable to track the most efficient way to complete the assigned task.

Verify Safety Protocol

Telematics solutions are also highlighted as a means to increase and maintain safety within certain industries. This is true within the aviation sector as technology can not only be leveraged to track both employees and assets but to ensure safety protocol is followed.

An example that highlights telematics technology aiding in the safety of aviation teams is how the technology can be used to track the efforts of employees on runways. Meaning, managers and officials can always have real-time updates about where individuals are located. So if they see that an employee is operating a vehicle in an unauthorized zone, they can make communication not only with the individual in the unauthorized zone, but with others around them to stop any activity that may accidentally harm the individual. Additionally, telematics can be used to track the driving behaviours of employees using company vehicles as many airports require drivers to authenticate who is in the driver’s seat. Meaning, sharp turns, speeding, or other dangerous behaviours can be recorded, addressed and monitored. Allowing for accidents and incidents on runways as well as the surrounding property to be drastically lowered.

For more information about telematics and government services, visit: https://www.gofleet.com/government-services/airport/

The GoFleet Experience

To successfully implement a telematics solution, airports must feel confident about integrating a platform that addresses their full system. This includes ground handling, airlines, and airport authorities so true transparency and visibility can be accomplished. If you’re interested to learn more about how we can help provide a true 360 solution of complete management for any industry, contact us today!

Competing With E-Commerce Delivery Giants

Posted on February 3, 2020 | by Anna | Leave a Comment

With so many products available on the internet, there are varying factors that influence consumers with completing online purchases. While price, quality and features are a few factors, it’s important to note that delivery time is a large factor. In fact, 50% of respondents of a recent survey conducted by Toluna found that due to an unsatisfactory delivery option, they abandoned their cart and decided to go with an alternative option that delivered sooner. As some businesses can’t risk losing customers over delivery options, they must do everything they can to stay competitive with e-commerce delivery giants. One thing that businesses must do to stay competitive is to utilize telematics solutions to their advantage.

ASAP E-Commerce Delivery: The New Norm

ASAP delivery has been an ongoing revolution for consumers as, over the years, it has been perfected and desired. Two ASAP delivery giants to focus on normalizing this is Amazon and Walmart as they both cater to this quick e-commerce delivery need. Recently, Walmart was reported to have made its same-day delivery option available for approximately 75% of the United States while Amazon similarly delivers to approximately that same amount within 24 hours.

Below we discuss some ways that transportation and logistics businesses can compete in the age of Amazon Prime or 24-hour delivery services by using innovative telematics solutions.

Real-Time Tracking

One way to stay competitive with companies who offer ASAP e-commerce delivery is to use a telematics solution, as previously mentioned. Specifically by utilizing real-time tracking features to provide consumers with up-to-date information about shipping. This stems from the theory that the more information you provide to your customer, the more that they will trust you and as a result, do business with you. So even if you are unable to compete with the quick turn around of shipping time of other businesses, you could still stay relevant to consumers as you are honest and transparent (a quality that many look for in a business).

Route Optimization

Another way that small business owners can stay competitive in an age that relies on ASAP e-commerce delivery is to take advantage of route optimization. Specifically by using telematics information to help maximize their efforts while scheduling routes. With telematics solutions, dispatch managers have been able to successfully take into consideration and communicate traffic, weather and other delays with drivers so they can coordinate around such issues. Ensuring that businesses are always offering their consumers the quickest and most efficient delivery options. Not to mention, dispatch managers can better group deliveries and add to deliveries within the same geographic location. Making their efforts more optimized in regards to time and resources used.

Fleet Maintenance

The final way that many small businesses can compete with e-commerce delivery giants, is to ensure that their fleet is always in peak working condition. Meaning, drivers and vehicles are always ready to work. Not only does this include having enough delivery teams to complete shipments regardless of the season or shipment demand, but completing preventative maintenance so breakdowns on the road are reduced. Using telematics solutions that focus on preventative maintenance allows fleets and vehicle conditions to be automatically monitored for current errors. Additionally, telematics solutions can automatically complete and schedule preventive maintenance with algorithms so drivers are not surprised by engine errors or breakdowns. Essentially keeping fleets in peak working conditions to maintain productivity.

Since consumers are always looking for the best and quickest options when it comes to buying online, businesses must do what they can to compete with e-commerce delivery giants. While these are only a few ways that even small businesses can see benefits from, it’s important that dispatching managers always stay on top of new technology trends that can help them.

If you’re interested in learning more about how your business can boost its delivery options by using IoT and telematics solutions, contact us today!

State of Utah Police Fleet: A Case Study

Posted on January 28, 2020 | by Anna | Leave a Comment

The Need To Improve Vehicle Utilization

For fleets to function seamlessly and efficiently, telematics solutions should be used. And that’s exactly what the State of Utah did when they found that they were struggling to follow specific state and federal guidelines that depict how equipment and vehicles should be used.

The Needs of the State of Utah Police Fleet

Overall fleet reporting
Measuring vehicle utilization
Tracking on-duty and off-duty vehicle use
Monitoring driving behaviour
Ensuring drivers are running code and following policy
Maintaining accurate historical data

The Solution: Geotab IOX Integrations

The State of Utah utilized Geotab’s IOX integrations to address all of these concerns. Specifically they utilized Driver ID with NFC technology (IOX-NFCREADER), light monitoring and siren usage (IOX-AUXM), and seat belt tracking.

If you’re interested to learn more about the State of Utah’s primary challenges, the solutions they used, or the results they saw, check out Geotabs case study here: The State of Utah

Is Your Commercial Contracting Business Maximizing Its Telematics Potential?

Posted on January 7, 2020 | by Anna | Leave a Comment

When it comes to moving a business forward, many look to implement new tools and strategies to accommodate changing processes and requirements. Recently, the focus for organizations is to streamline processes to not only ensure accuracy and employees responsibilities, but to boost finances. Within the commercial contracting field, telematics can accomplish this and more, specifically with the implementation of new and powerful management systems.

What Are Management Systems

A management system is a telematics solution that is used by numerous business owners and managers to grow their business and achieve their long term goals. Not only can these systems work to increase workflow, but these systems also allow for expandability while keeping costs low or reducing them even further. Although the features of management systems can vary, typically solutions can be adjusted to allow for custom mapping or GPS features, dispatching, maintenance, visibility and tracking. The focus is usually streamlining and automating data collection, complying to rules and regulations, as well as streamlining processes. Even though management systems can be applied to nearly any industry in one way or another, one industry that is seeing great potential from using it is commercial contracting or construction.

Why Commercial Contracting Businesses Are Seeing Success

Increased Visibility

Management systems are praised for visibility. When speaking about commercial contracting businesses, visibility from solutions allows managers to better supervise their teams, resulting in greater management of the overall business.

For example, since management systems offer live vehicle tracking and equipment tracking integrations, the location of employees and available equipment are always known. So when a call comes in, a dispatching manager can properly dispatch the closest worker who has the right training. Or, managers can dispatch the employee who has the proper tools and equipment, ensuring that they are maximizing their teams efforts by sending someone who can complete the job.

Less Downtime

In addition to live gps fleet tracking, these systems are able to conduct maintenance monitoring for connected vehicles so companies face less downtime and gain larger profits. Not only is this apparent in regards to deploying efforts (as the system will ensure that the right employee with the right skills or equipment will arrive), but in regards to asset quality. This concept speaks to the monitoring of tools, equipment and even the vehicles themselves to ensure they are in peak working performance. As management systems gather specific data that is applied to predetermined algorithms, it is possible to learn when to schedule maintenance.

For example, sensors and diagnostic devices can be installed to monitor vehicle performance. Prompting managers to determine when maintenance should be scheduled. This allows teams to stay productive as sudden breakdowns that cause vehicle downtime happen less often.

Boosted Safety

Lastly, depending on the nature of your commercial contracting business, you may find that your team is frequently dispatched to rural job sites alone. With management systems, managers are able to integrate a number of safety solutions to better protect their lone workers. One to highlight is the Man Down System which offers remote location management. This is through the increased communication from a device that can sense when a worker is injured or falls, resulting in a triggered motion sensor and thus, transmitting a notification requesting the assistance of management and EMS services.

Regardless of what your focus is for 2020, a management system is a tool that countless contracting businesses are seeing benefits from. Not only are managers and owners noticing that they are able to have more visibility on their team, but they can find ways to integrate maintenance and safety features.

If you’re interested in learning more about the management features that are available, or what integrations could best fit your unique business needs, contact us today! We’ll be happy to speak with you to learn exactly what you may want to invest in so you can see success in the new year!

Happy Holidays, See You In 2020!

Posted on December 19, 2019 | by Anna | Leave a Comment

From our family to yours, we want to take a moment to wish you a safe and happy holiday! 2019 was a great year, and now that the year is done, we’re excited to say that 2020 will be even better! Since we have a number of innovative and exciting projects coming down the pipeline, here is our reminder to keep an eye out for us!

What To Watch For:

We have a new partnership that we’re excited to announce! While we can’t tell you the name of the information technology and services giant who we’ll be working with quite yet, we can confirm that it will allow us to expand our offerings!
We are also planning to setup some new content programs that will go into motion in the first quarter of 2020. So if you’d like to stay updated on industry news or anything telematics related, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!
Keep an eye out for ongoing product updates and changes! Since the telematics sector is constantly changing, we’re anticipating that in 2020 we’ll not only continue to offer the great hardware and software solutions that we have now, but we’ll do what we can to better our inventory.

Like always, if you have any questions about our solutions, or how our offerings can help your business grow, contact us today!

Interested to stay in-touch and up-to-date in the new year? Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter (scroll down and fill out your email) and follow us on social!

Using An AOBRD? It’s Time To Migrate To ELDs Now!

Posted on November 28, 2019 | by Anna | Leave a Comment

The transportation sector seems to have become an ever changing industry as regulations and the technology required continues to advance. With this being said, while there are many who embrace these changes by staying up to date with telematics and regulations, some still choose to wait before they implement any changes. When it comes to using an electronic logging device (ELD) or an automatic onboarding recording device (AOBRD), individuals within the industry no longer have a choice about switching. Instead, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) are now strictly enforcing the new regulations and technologies.

Said regulations focus on favouring electronic logging devices while phasing out automatic onboarding recording devices. This change means that drivers and fleet managers will need to check which device they use and possibly update it if it does not meet the new guidelines. To be specific, if an AOBRD was installed prior to December 18, 2017, the vehicle will have until June 21, 2021, to switch to an ELD. However, if the vehicle was not using AOBRDs previous to December 2017, the must switch to ELDs must be made by December 16, 2019.

Benefits Of Switching From An AOBRD To An ELD

Regardless of when you installed a recording device, if it’s not an ELD, you will need to update your device at some point in the future. With this being said, why not install an electronic logging device sooner rather than later? By doing so, we’re confident that you’ll be able to see noticeable benefits such as reduced stress, better management and cost savings.

Reduced Stress

When fleets transition from AOBRDs to ELDs well before their transition deadline, managers and drivers can expect to feel less stress. This is specific to individuals not having to worry about the possibility of not being compliant with new regulations and facing consequences that not only halt work, but can cost them thousands.

The consequences of not complying are:

Expensive fines,
Drivers being placed OOS (Out-Of-Service),
Additional paperwork,
And even lowered CSA scores.

As well, it’s worth highlighting that new ELDs often come with innovative solutions to make management easier. Meaning, managers and owners can better organize their fleet to boost productivity and reduce administrative tasks as reports can be automated.

Better Management

As previously mentioned, ELDs provide fleet managers with better management possibilities. Specifically, managers can better organize their fleets to essentially increase productivity and boost efficiency. This is due to the mass amounts of data that electronic logging devices collect in comparison to automatic onboarding recording devices. For example, when a fleet uses ELDs, drivers could be notified of maintenance checks that are predicted by forecasts, provided best transportation routes based on road conditions, and even have two-way communication with their managers while on the road.

Cost Savings

Transitioning your fleet from automatic onboarding recording devices to electronic logging devices can bring numerous financial benefits as well. While the upfront cost of this new technology may seem daunting for some, in the long term, fleet managers can save money. Not only are drivers automatically eliminating the possibility of being fined as they are compliant, but fleet managers can better organize or manage their fleets (as briefly mentioned) to maximize profits. So again, drivers will take the fastest routes, better maintain their vehicles to reduce repair downtime, and even automate automotive reporting duties.

How Automatic Onboarding Recording Devices And Electronic Logging Devices Differ

While AOBRDs do collect data, ELDs collect more information on a grander scale such as vehicle condition and driver behaviour.
ELDs are able to complete simple data transferring as they can harness wireless web, email, USB2.0 and Bluetooth capabilities.
ELDs allow for increased monitoring as they automatically record driving time once the vehicle begins moving or is idling.
Editing or history changes require annotations while using an ELD to better provide more information about the trip.
Alert notifications are made if there is a fault code or malfunction recognized by the ELD in use.

Your AOBRD To ELD Checklist

Do Your Research

You may find that certain devices will better suit your needs now and in the future as your company grows. This means finding an ELD that is third-party certified and works for any vehicle.

Remember, when it comes to ELDs, you’re making an investment in the growth of your company!

Complete The Proper Training

While installation is fairly straightforward, it’s critical to train your team properly if you would like your ELD to truly benefit your company. This includes training your office team and managers in how to use the device, as well as your drivers.

Installation

Confirm that every commercial vehicle that meets the criteria stated in the ELD mandate has the device properly installed. As well, ensure that your team has the correct software installed on their devices so they can take advantage of the solutions.

Stay Up-To-Date

Ensure you’re using your device to its fullest potential by staying on top of industry news and software updates. Sometimes users can overlook major features or updates as they’re simply not aware of how it can help them!

Still looking for another incentive to switching your fleet from using an AOBRD to an ELD? Keep reading!

We understand that the upfront cost of transitioning can sometimes deter managers from switching, however we have a promotion to help!

Get a Free GO Device & Harness with our ELD Promotion that runs until December 16, 2019 – save hundreds for your fleet!

If you’re interested in learning more about this promotion, check it out!

Taking Your Fleet Telematics to the Next Level

Posted on November 4, 2019 | by Anna | Leave a Comment

With basic telematics implemented into your fleet, you are now able to track the location, movement and speed of all of your vehicles, which helps your organization increase efficiencies, and effectively, reduce wasted time and improve costs.

So, what comes next?

Advanced Fleet Tracking
Once you have the basics in place, you can start to dive deeper into telematics technology in order to really fine tune and optimize your fleet operation.

Check out these major benefits your company can gain by implementing advanced fleet telematics solutions.

Increased Safety
By monitoring driver behaviour – things such as how fast your driver is driving and how aggressive their driving may be – you can use technology that allows you to talk to the driver and coach them through safer driving practices, thereby increasing safety for them and for your vehicle.

It has been shown that drivers who are aware that their driving habits are being monitored, are more apt to perform safer behaviour which not only increases their safety, but also reduces accidents and damage to vehicles and freight.

Increased Efficiencies
By using real time communication as an add-on to your basic telematics, and adding in some routing apps, you can manage driver routes more efficiently – if there is an accident, you would be able to re-route the driver and eliminate wasted time having them stuck in traffic with high priority loads on the vehicle.

By using some of these type of add-ons to your basic telematics, adding a few minutes more to your driver’s HOS (Hours of Service) can really increase your fleet efficiency and delivery rate.

Reduce Operating Costs
In being able to track even the smallest things, such as idling time and minimizing it, a fleet can increase savings by reducing fuel costs. Other things that can be looked at are tracking at a more granular level, such as live movements on a map, maps routing, stopping vehicles, accidents and who’s responsible, which allows for increased productivity thereby reducing costs.

Optimize Vehicle Performance
With advanced telematics, sensors can send out alerts about engine issues and other diagnostic problems. Further to that, the data can be used in a predictive manner to determine when service should happen on a vehicle and allow for advanced planning in order to ensure as much uptime for the fleet as possible and manage the expenses related to repairs.

Reduce your Carbon Footprint
It’s a hot topic these days more and more companies realize that not only is this good for business, it’s good for the planet as well. By reducing your fleet’s idling time and decreasing speeding (thereby reducing the amount of exhaust and CO2), not only are you increasing the safety of your fleet and drivers, increasing your efficiencies and reducing your costs, you are also helping to do your part in reducing emissions in the air for our future generation.

Streamline Compliance
With the Canadian ELD mandated for June 21st, 2020, it is imperative that fleets ensure they are compliant and implementing advanced telematics not only ensures this but provides many other benefits previously mentioned. In addition to the benefits, the cost of not being compliant is expensive and can be avoided with the correct telematics solutions in place.

Do you need to upgrade your telematics plan for advanced fleet tracking?
Some features are already built into your tracking device that collects the data and some solutions require you to step up to the next level of offered services and products.

In order to get the most out of your fleet telematics so that you can save your company time, money and increase efficiencies and safety, give GoFleet a call. We are here to help create a customized and fully integrated telematics solution that is specific to your needs and lets you get the most value for your money.

Advanced fleet tracking is much more than GPS services and with the telematics of the future, there are and will be so much more you can do in order to continually create the best fleet management company you can envision.

GoFleet – Connected Technology. Smarter Solutions.
Discover more about GoFleet and its Telematics Services