With the ELD mandate effective date drawing closer, an increasing number of carriers are starting the process of converting to electronic logs. To help these fleets make the transition without sacrificing productivity or putting compliance at risk, we’ve assembled these five tips:
- Start now. The process of adopting electronic logs is not as simple as turning on a light switch. This is particularly true for larger fleets with significant installation and training needs. The earlier you start, the more time you have to shop, install, and train your staff without disrupting business productivity.
- Don’t wait for the last 90 days. With an estimated 3.1 million vehicles required to implement ELD solutions in the next 18 months, transitioning to electronic logs well in advance of the effective date minimizes the risk of being caught up in any installation and training logjams.
- Ask the right questions. Will your provider ensure compliance with regulatory requirements like the ELD mandate and beyond? Not necessarily. Many providers have effective solutions for simple track and trace, but few actively participate in regulatory task forces to stay on top of new rules as they are developed. When shopping, ask your vendors to provide a written guarantee of future compliance. You may be surprised how few are willing to do this. At Omnitracs, we have engineered products that are regulatory compliant since 1989, and will continue to stand behind on our products in the future. View Omnitracs’ compliance statement here.
- Consider a phased approach. With all Omnitracs platforms, it is possible to install the hardware, get accustomed to the non-compliance capabilities, and then turn on electronic logs at a later date. This phased approach minimizes the learning curve and maximizes fleet productivity through the transition.
- Obtain driver buy-in. The decision to implement electronic logs is often met with pushback from drivers who see any attempt to monitor driver behavior as a challenge to independence and autonomy. This puts fleet managers in a difficult position, where they try to balance driver satisfaction with increased productivity, efficiency and compliance demands. Winning over drivers is not always easy, but it is necessary to take your business to the next level. To help ensure your drivers are on board, we have created “How to Introduce Onboard Technology to Your Drivers.” This guide is filled with best practices and fleet-tested advice for rallying driver support.
For more guidance throughout the transition to Electronic Logs contact us today or visit ELDfacts.com for additional resources!