Owner-operators face many challenges in keeping their business running successfully. They are drivers who own their trucks, deliver cargo, plan trucking routes, load and unload, and ensure all deliveries are made according to schedule. But, most importantly, their biggest responsibility is maintaining ELD compliance.
Luckily, this is where technology comes in handy to do the heavy lifting by automating workflows and helping drivers stay on track. Since there is no shortage of ELDs on the market, it is important to remember that it is not “one size fits all.” That is why we offer you a guide on how to find the best ELD for owner-operators.
Selecting the Best ELD: Must-Have Features
When choosing an ELD for their business, owner-operators want an ELD that is reliable, user-friendly, and affordable. But there are lots of ELD solutions on the market that fit that description. Here are some additional features you should consider as you review your options:
The Full Cost and Value of the ELD
It hasn’t been that long since the ELD mandate was first passed, and many feared the technology would be expensive to own and maintain. Today that is not the case, and many ELDs are affordable. According to the FMCSA, the average ELD price is around $419 per truck per year, with an annual range of $165 to $823 per truck per year.
Of course, as an independent owner-operator, reducing costs and finding value is a top priority. Here is what you have to ask yourself before splurging on a telematics device:
- Are the hardware costs included in the subscription?
- What are the subscription terms? Are there monthly or annual fees?
- What is included in the ELD solution? Do extra features cost more?
- Is there a contract? Is there a fee for breaking the contract?
For instance, RouteMate ELD stands out on the market by being subscription-free for the first six months. This allows you to use the device fully without any initial subscription cost, so you can experience its full value and capacity before committing to any subscription fees.
To fully understand the cost and value of the ELD, it is best to assume that you will be using the device for a few years. Planning for the long term can help you figure out monthly costs and the value the device brings.
Ease of Installation and Use
When looking for the best ELD device, make sure to look for one that is easy to install so that you will be up and running in no time. In addition, a user-friendly ELD does not require any additional tools or help to install, allowing drivers to install the device themselves and begin driving in minutes. In addition, ELDs should make your life easier, not harder. If you are struggling to use one, you should change your solution.
Truck drivers need to manage their hours easily, set their duty status, track remaining shift hours, set up compliance alerts, and smoothly handle electronic logs during inspections. Similarly, small fleet managers require user-friendly platforms for editing and reviewing logbooks, communicating with drivers, accessing logs for dispatching and route planning, establishing rule sets for location-based compliance, and quickly assessing fleet status for effective management. Ease of use and efficiency are crucial for both truckers and fleet managers in ensuring smooth operations and regulatory compliance.
Multifunctional
As a part of a fleet management system, an ELD connects and distributes vehicle data. As such, this technology picks up a wealth of information that can help improve other aspects of trucking operations, as well. For example, ELD can help with:
- Real-time fleet tracking – GPS built into the hardware gives you precise location, even in challenging geographical environments.
- Fuel management and efficiency – insight into fuel data allows you to make adjustments to improve fuel economy. ELDs can also help you streamline IFTA.
- Engine diagnostics – get instant alerts as soon as your vehicle has an active fault code.
- Driver safety – ELD picks up data that can reveal unsafe driving behaviors, such as hard acceleration or braking.
- Driver productivity – some ELDs include mobile apps that help drivers simplify pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections (DVIRs).
So, in addition to helping drivers stay in compliance and avoid violation fees, owner-operators can view reports for a variety of situations as the system collects data. For example, you could look at engine idling reports to learn about wasted fuel. Or schedule preventative maintenance, which costs less than emergency services. Save money on insurance by reducing high-risk driver behaviors. Using GPS and geofencing, you can set up alerts to notify you anytime your vehicle exits or enters a predetermined area. All this additional data helps owner-operators stay productive, lower operating costs, and manage compliance.
Additional devices and accessories
As an owner, combining the usefulness of an ELD with other solutions can help you achieve goals beyond compliance. That is why it is important to invest in a solution that can keep up with your needs and pair with other devices. These include dash cams, asset or trailer trackers, tablets, and more. For example, when you pair RouteMate and Dashcam, you can mitigate risks and incidents by analyzing footage and data.
Cloud-Based Platform
Carriers who use ELD, which is part of a cloud-based platform, have even more flexibility and ways to improve productivity. For starters, drivers and fleet managers receive data in real time. Dispatchers can provide ETAs to customers without calling drivers. Administrative work is greatly reduced since everything is already stored in the cloud.
Customer Service and Support
One of the most important factors when choosing an ELD should be their customer support team or lack thereof. A telematics provider must offer assurance their device is reliable and that you can count on their support if anything goes wrong.
When choosing an ELD provider, check if they offer helpful onboarding, training, and support documents. See if they have a knowledge portal for questions and keep you updated on changes. Good customer service means easy contact, support beyond 9-5, and availability on your preferred channels (phone, social media, email, etc).
The Number 1 ELD for Owner-Operators
So, to summarize, as an owner-operator, when you start looking for the best possible solution for your business, look for a solution that is:
- Easy to install
- Reliable
- User-friendly
- Affordable
- Offers additional services free of charge
If you feel that these features can be beneficial for your business as an owner-operator, you should definitely consider RouteMate. Our solution is reliable, FMCSA-registered, and easy to use. To schedule a demo presentation, get in touch with our support team.
FAQ
- What should I look for in an ELD?
When selecting an ELD, factors such as cost, ease of installation, user-friendliness, additional functionalities, cloud-based capabilities, and customer support should be taken into account. These features collectively contribute to a seamless and efficient ELD experience.
- How can I figure out if the ELD is worth it?
Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including hardware costs, subscription fees, contract terms, additional features, and potential long-term benefits such as improved productivity, reduced fuel expenses, and streamlined compliance. Seek transparent pricing models and assess value beyond the initial investment.
- What additional functionalities should I look for in an ELD?
Besides HOS compliance, consider ELDs that offer real-time fleet tracking, fuel management insights, engine diagnostics, driver safety monitoring, productivity tools like DVIR apps, and compatibility with other devices such as dashcams, tablets, or asset trackers. These functionalities enhance operational efficiency and safety.
- How important is customer service and support when choosing an ELD provider?
Customer service plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth ELD experience. Prioritize providers with responsive customer support, comprehensive onboarding and training resources, accessible knowledge portals, and flexible support channels. Reliable support ensures timely assistance and minimizes downtime.
- Why consider RouteMate as an ELD solution?
RouteMate offers an ELD solution that ticks all the boxes for owner-operators: easy installation, reliability, user-friendliness, affordability, and additional complimentary services. With FMCSA registration and a robust support system, RouteMate ensures a seamless transition to ELD compliance. Contact us today to explore how RouteMate can benefit your business!
