Electronic logging devices came to use in the US after the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandate became effective in December 2017. The order required commercial motor vehicle drivers to have ELDs installed in their vehicles. The ELDs were to replace paper logs that were previously used to capture hours of service (HOS). However, it was not just any ELD that could be used for the purpose, but only DOT-certified ones.

In complying with the mandate, many truck operators and owners are looking for these devices. This has seen an increase of ELD providers in the market. As a result, choosing the best electronic logging device for sale has become more complex. Moreover, the devices serve more purpose than just compliance, so the buyers have to see that they also meet their other needs.

Picking the Best Electronic Logging Devices for Sale

Below are some of the considerations when choosing the best electronic logging device:

User-Friendliness

Given that ELD is a reasonably new technology in commercial vehicle operations, the drivers, fleet owners, and office clerks will need to first learn and understand it. It will require the organizations to train the various users on setting up and using the system. In reality, the users will take some time to grasp these concepts. To make the whole process easy, companies should choose a universal system that is easy to understand and master. This is only possible if there is a user-friendly interface. It should make it pretty easy for drivers to fill the vehicle inspection, update status, and submit their reports. The drivers and those using the reports will find it easy to work with and save time. Fortunately, this is possible because trucking companies can get help from leading in-vehicle technology vendors.

Compliance

As earlier mentioned, the ELD’s primary purpose is to comply with the FMCSA’s ELD mandate. Therefore, it would be necessary before parting with your cash to ask your supplier to confirm that the device fulfills all of the requirements detailed in the ELD mandate. The best way to ensure that you get compliant devices is to choose registered vendors because they offer compliant ELDs. It would also help choose vendors with a good reputation because they give you the technical support you need besides offering self-certified electronic logging devices for sale.

Compatibility

It is best to buy ELD that is suitable for its functions. In addition, the devices should be compatible with most of the vehicles in the fleet. With fleets having different automobiles, the best bet would be to get devices that suit most of the vehicles. Thus, even if your fleet is made up of delivery vans, buses, or trucks, you need to choose an ELD system that works with all the vehicles while ensuring compliance at the same time. The system should also be compatible with other business systems and mobile applications for convenience and seamless use.

Additional Features

Because ELDs are for more than compliance, robust systems have extra features that enhance the business operations and improves the fleet’s productivity. Some of the additional features include driver monitoring, route planning, maintenance notifications, and so on. Although the business will have to pay more for the extra features, it is worth it.

When choosing the best electronic logging devices for sale, fleet owners and managers need to ensure that the ELD system complies with the law and is easy to use. It should also be compatible with most vehicles, other systems, and mobile applications. The best ELD system should also have advanced features for improved productivity and better operations.