Since the ELD mandate took effect in 2021, electronic logbooks have become an integral working tool both for CMV drivers and fleet managers in Canada. But what does ELD stand for? ELD stands for electronic logging device. What are electronic logging devices supposed to do? These digital tools must be used by commercial vehicle drivers to keep records of duty status in compliance with Transport Canada regulations.
The valuable data collected by electronic logbooks can also be used by fleet managers for workflow optimization. By knowing what ELD is and how it can streamline internal trucking operations, motor carriers can improve their productivity and stay ahead of the competition. In this article, we will delve into some technical and legal aspects of these devices and the characteristics of a quality logbook to help you make the right choice for your business.
How Do ELDs work?
ELD devices provide a high level of accuracy, recording driving hours directly from the vehicle’s engine via the diagnostics port. They capture data on the operator’s driving time, engine hours, vehicle movement, and location, as well as the driver’s status to calculate the driver’s hours of service.
The information is transmitted via Bluetooth or USB to a mobile app that the driver can use to view and manage the information and display it for safety officials during roadside inspections. At the same time, fleet managers can access these metrics via the fleet manager online portal. Using this data, an ELD for trucks also provides real-time alerts to drivers when they are approaching HOS limits, helping prevent driver fatigue and increase safety on the road.
Although all elogs have to fulfill certain established requisites, not every device is equally reliable. How can motor carriers know that the solution they are purchasing is dependable? There are several crucial factors to consider when choosing a provider. Read about them in the next section.
Choosing a Dependable ELD Provider
A reliable elog solution can significantly improve compliance with federal regulations related to hours of service and reduce the risk of penalties for non-compliance. In addition, ELDs help fleet managers view driver availability and performance by day, week, and month, to spot trends in violations across the fleet and implement solutions and to provide insight about the shape the fleet is in.
However, the experience of using an electronic logbook may vary significantly depending on the quality of the solution and the provider’s policies. A malfunctioning electronic logging device may considerably slow down trucking operations as the driver will have to suspend their activities to solve the issue and, if the provider doesn’t have efficient customer support, it may take hours to fix the problem.
Even though all ELD providers in Canada have to undergo a third-party certification process to prove their product meets the requirements established in the Technical Standard, not all electronic logging books are equally efficient and easy to use. Besides compliance with the law, there are other important characteristics that distinguish a dependable elog provider. Let’s see what these are:
- Provider’s experience. Look for a company with significant experience in the industry and a proven track record. Look for a provider with experience navigating the technological and legislative complexities of the industry. A reliable provider will not only answer the question of “what is ELD,” but will also offer services to help ensure compliance with ELD regulations.
- Online reviews. Spend time reading unbiased online reviews to find out what other business owners, fleet managers, and drivers think of elog apps. Insightful opinions on the quality of the product, customer service, benefits, and shortcomings of different systems can help truckers find a suitable option. Pay attention to ratings: if other truckers have tried and approved of the logbook, there is a good chance its performance is acceptable.
- Customer support. We have already briefly mentioned that inaccessible technical support can be a reason for downtime, as waiting on the phone for hours trying to solve an issue takes drivers away from performing their tasks. Look for a provider that offers professional technical support available seven days a week with knowledgeable representatives instead of automated messages.
- Pricing. Make sure that the price you are paying is final and includes all services you want to get from your provider. Low-priced solutions may have hidden fees, so customers end up paying more than expected as costs are added for essential services like hardware installation or activation. Before hiring a company, ask about any additional fees or extra costs.
- Trials. If an ELD provider is confident in the quality of its services, it will offer a trial or demo for customers to test its system. A trial will allow truckers to get to know the solution before committing to it to make sure it is the right fit.
Understanding what is ELD and its benefits can help motor carriers comply with the law and improve productivity. If you are looking for an electronic logging device that combines flexible customer policies with advanced technology, we have a viable option to offer.
HOS247 Is a Leading ELD Service Provider
HOS247 is an elog company that fulfills all the characteristics mentioned above. Our electronic logging devices are highly valued by the trucking community for their stable and efficient service. Designed to provide a maximum level of compliance with the Canada Transport regulations, the HOS247 solution proved to be dependable and easy to use. Among other characteristics that make us a top-rated provider of electronic logging devices are:
- Compatible hardware. Our device is compatible with different types of vehicles to facilitate installation. It is also made with high-quality materials to avoid breakages and provide a stable Bluetooth connection.
- Easy-to-use software. HOS247 elog has a friendly interface that allows drivers to manage their HOS and produce inspection reports with ease. At the same time, fleet managers access this information via the intuitive fleet management portal.
- One-year warranty. Our hardware is built to last. If the device presents any failures within the first year of use, we will replace it with a new one for free.
- No contracts. We don’t bind our clients with long-term contracts, offering flexible subscription plans instead. Choose a monthly or yearly subscription that can be easily scaled up or down or canceled at any moment.
- Two-week trial. At HOS247, we invite our customers to find out what is ELD reliance by trying out our solution for two weeks before subscribing to our plan. If you are unsatisfied with the system, we will return your money no questions asked.
- Top-rated customer service. At HOS247, we have a customer-centered approach that prioritizes our clients’ satisfaction. With our efficient customer support team available from Monday through Sunday, you will get assistance regarding what is ELD, how to use it, troubleshooting, and compliance. Don’t worry if your call gets disconnected: our support manager will reach out to you immediately so you don’t have to explain your issue twice.
ELD-Related Fines in Canada
To understand why ELD compliance is an issue that has to be handled seriously, let’s examine another side of it: HOS-related fines. Although the law is implemented on the federal level, penalties for non-compliance vary among provinces, as each one takes a different approach to the issue.
For example, in Quebec, the regulations have yet to be enforced, which means that CMV drivers will not face any legal consequences for breaking ELD law until April 30, 2023. Such provinces as Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia find themselves in a similar situation. Regarding penalties for not using a compliant electronic logging device in a vehicle, some provinces like Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island have fixed fines that vary from $140 to $298. In territories with no set fine amount, it is up to a judge to determine the penalty that must be paid. For instance, in Saskatchewan, under the Motor Vehicle Transport Act (Canada), the maximum fine amount for an individual is $5,000, while for a carrier, it is $25,000.
Commercial drivers and carriers who fail to comply with ELD requirements in Ontario may face fines from $250 to $400. Additionally, offenses related to hours of service, which include ELD violations, can result in serious penalties ranging from $250 to $20,000. Whereas in Alberta, for the first offense of not having a certified ELD, judges can typically impose fines of $300 for the driver and/or $500 for the carrier at their discretion.
In addition to fines, non-compliance can also result in a downgrade of a carrier’s safety rating and negatively impact its reputation in the industry. Therefore, carriers and drivers need to ensure that they are compliant with ELD regulations in Canada to avoid these consequences.
I’ve co-founded, built and managed several transportation-related businesses. Now, I’m a founder and CEO of HOS247 – an AI Transportation Platform for trucking companies, freight brokers and other logistics operations. We are transitioning old-style operations to technology-advanced logistics entities and help them to grow their businesses. ELDs (electronic logging devices), fleet tracking and management 2.0 combined with AI-powered dispatch tools.
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