Managing a fleet of vehicles comes with its own set of struggles. Pinpointing the exact location of the vehicles at any given moment is essential to help improve communication, manage logistics, and even to protect the fleet from theft. Also, ensuring compliance with hours of service regulations has become a mandatory requirement for trucking operations. This is where ELD tracking comes in.
ELD tracking refers to the powerful combination of electronic logging devices (ELDs) for hours of service compliance and fleet tracking technology for real-time fleet monitoring. With the right ELD tracking solution in place, your business gains all the tools needed to improve operational efficiency while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Today’s trucking companies need both technologies working together: ELDs to record driving hours and ensure compliance with FMCSA regulations, and GPS tracking to monitor vehicle locations, protect their assets, and enhance overall fleet performance. HOS247 provides an integrated solution that addresses both these critical needs through a single, user-friendly platform.
If your company has been considering vehicle tracking solutions or needs to upgrade your ELD compliance system, here’s what you need to know about the complete ELD tracking approach.
Do you have any questions? Talk to ELD Advisor: 650-405-3372 or Request Callback
What Is ELD Tracking? Understanding the Integrated Approach
ELD tracking is the combination of two essential fleet technologies: electronic logging devices for compliance and GPS fleet tracking for operational visibility.
Electronic logging devices are federally mandated devices that automatically record a driver’s driving time and other hours of service data. These devices connect to a vehicle’s engine to capture information on engine power status, vehicle motion, miles driven, and duration of operation. This approach streamlines compliance with hours of service regulations.
GPS tracking technology monitors vehicle locations in real-time, recording movement patterns, speeds, stops, and route histories. This technology gives fleet managers visibility into their operations, enabling more effective dispatching, route optimization, and performance monitoring.
When combined in an integrated ELD truck tracking solution, these technologies create a powerful fleet management system that:
- Ensures compliance with FMCSA hours of service regulations.
- Provides real-time visibility of vehicle locations and status.
- Monitors driver behavior and performance.
- Enables more efficient dispatching and routing.
- Improves vehicle maintenance scheduling.
- Enhances security of drivers, vehicles and cargo.
By implementing a single system that handles both compliance and operational tracking needs, fleets can streamline their technology stack, reduce administrative burden, and gain insights that would be difficult to achieve with separate systems.
Improving Fleet Operations with HOS247
When it comes to electronic logbook solutions for truckers, HOS247 has been a long-time industry leader. We focus on customer satisfaction. That is why we offer a driver-friendly app paired with quality ELD tracking devices and efficient customer service every day of the week.
Our integrated system handles both ELD compliance and GPS tracking through a single platform. Drivers can manage their hours of service logs while fleet managers simultaneously monitor vehicle locations, track performance metrics, and make data-driven decisions to optimize operations.
ELD Compliance Benefits
- Automatic HOS calculations. Save time and eliminate errors with automated driving time recording and violation alerts.
- Simplified DOT inspections. Present logs on your mobile device with inspection mode that makes roadside checks quick and stress-free.
- Multiple HOS rule sets. Stay compliant with different rule configurations including Property and Passenger 60-hour/7-day and 70-hour/8-day options.
- Electronic DVIRs. Create and submit vehicle inspection reports in seconds rather than dealing with paper forms.
- User-friendly interface. Reduce training time and prevent logbook errors with our intuitive, easy-to-navigate app design.
- Real-time violation alerts. Receive visual notifications and sound warnings to help drivers avoid hours of service violations.
GPS Tracking Benefits
- Real-time fleet visibility. Monitor your vehicles’ exact locations at any moment to improve dispatching and customer service.
- Route history analysis. Review detailed trip histories with breadcrumb trails to evaluate performance and verify completed work.
- Driver behavior monitoring. Track driving patterns including speeding, harsh braking, and idling to improve safety and reduce fuel costs.
- Automated IFTA reporting. Simplify tax compliance with automatic calculation of miles traveled in each state.
- Maintenance scheduling. Receive notifications for upcoming service needs based on mileage or engine hours.
We know how hard you work, that is why HOS247 brings the same dedication to customer service and attention to detail when it comes to fleet management. We can help you to get your fleet under control with our top tracking system and support.
HOS247 Customer Care Policies
At HOS247, we understand that implementing new technology across your fleet is a significant decision. That’s why we’ve created customer care to make your experience as satisfying as possible:
- No-contract commitment. Unlike many competitors who lock you into lengthy service agreements, HOS247 offers month-to-month service options. We’re confident that the quality of our service will keep you with us, not contractual obligations.
- Hardware warranty. All HOS247 ELD devices come with a one-year hardware warranty, providing peace of mind that your investment is protected. If a device is defective, we’ll replace it at no additional cost.
- Two-week trial. We offer a risk-free trial period so you can experience the benefits of our integrated ELD tracking system before making a commitment. This gives your drivers and management team time to test the interface and confirm that it meets your needs.
- Hassle-free returns. If you decide during the trial period that our solution isn’t the right fit, simply return the hardware for a refund—no complicated processes or hidden fees.
- Multilingual support. Our customer service team offers assistance Monday through Sunday in English, Spanish, Russian, and Polish, ensuring clear communication regardless of your preferred language.
- Call-back policy. If your call with our support team is ever disconnected, we call you back right away to continue working on your issue.
These policies reflect our commitment to customer satisfaction and our confidence in the quality of our ELD tracking solution.
Gain Full Control and Increase Profitability
In order to stay efficient and profitable fleet owners need to find a way to gain better control over their fleet, particularly as businesses grow and evolve over time. GPS tracking is an excellent way to ensure that your drivers are working responsibly and to help smooth out the processes that office staff must work through each day. If you want to gain full control over your fleet, here are a few ways that ELD tracking can help.
Reducing Fuel Costs
Fuel is easily one of the largest expenses for any trucking company. Most managers wish they could find a way to reduce these out-of-pocket expenses, but it can be hard to pinpoint where fuel is being wasted. With ELD tracking, the answers become a bit more obvious.
Consider how much fuel is wasted as a result of speeding, for example. A truck that goes over the posted speed limit or the limit set by the company is wasting unnecessary fuel. Managers and office staff can set their software to alert them when the truck exceeds a certain speed limit.
Similarly, idling can also cause a great increase in the amount of fuel used by a driver. If the truck is left idling for longer than a preset duration, companies can request to be notified so that they can address the issue with the driver.
Last but not least, fuel charges are decreased when dispatchers can send the appropriate driver to the jobsite for the latest customer pickup. With GPS tracking, they can easily see which driver is closest and assign the job accordingly. This reduces the amount of traffic and miles driven which ultimately impacts fuel consumption.
Better Drivers
Many companies start off using their tracking software to reduce fuel consumption, but they realize that it makes better drivers in the end. When drivers are aware that their every move is being monitored despite being out on the road, they tend to follow directions more carefully. They are less likely to run out of their way for personal errands or pit stops that can cost the company time and money. They even stop bad behaviors like speeding, idling, and restarting the engine many times throughout the day.
Because GPS tracking can be linked to the electronic logbook devices, drivers also have a clear view of their Hours of Service. Managers and drivers both can make sure that they do not exceed the number of hours they can safely drive each week.
Improved Security
ELD tracking is also useful if you are worried about your assets whenever the office is closed. In the event that a vehicle is stolen, it can quickly be recovered using the GPS receiver inside the truck. Depending on your selected tracking software, you may also receive notifications when the trucks are due for routine maintenance.
Better Customer Service
Customers are bound to love the difference that tracking solutions can make in the way your business runs. Dispatchers and managers can easily assign pickups and tasks to the closest driver using the information they receive in real-time. This makes the entire system more efficient, a perk that customers are bound to love. Not to mention, it cuts back on the number of phone calls and stress that your office staff is used to handling.
Operational Benefits of Integrated ELD and GPS Tracking
The true power of ELD tracking comes from the integration of compliance and operational technologies. When ELD compliance and GPS tracking work together in a single system, your fleet operations are transformed in several key areas:
Streamlined Administration
Handling fleet management through an integrated system significantly reduces administrative burden:
- Unified platform management. Eliminate the need to switch between multiple systems for compliance and tracking tasks.
- Consolidated reporting. Generate comprehensive reports that combine hours of service data with vehicle performance metrics.
- Automated IFTA calculations. Save hours of administrative work with automatic state mileage tracking for fuel tax reporting.
- Centralized communication. Manage driver messaging, dispatch instructions, and load details through a single interface.
Enhanced Decision Making
Access to comprehensive data empowers managers to make smarter operational choices:
- Data-driven planning. Base strategic decisions on actual performance data rather than estimates or assumptions.
- Intelligent routing. Optimize routes based on real-time traffic conditions, available driving hours, and customer requirements.
- Proactive maintenance. Schedule vehicle service based on actual usage patterns to prevent breakdowns and extend vehicle life.
- Performance analysis. Identify trends and opportunities for improvement through detailed operational metrics.
Improved Fleet Utilization
Maximize the productivity of your vehicles and drivers:
- Hours-based dispatching. Match available driving hours to appropriate load assignments to maximize legal driving time.
- Reduced empty miles. Decrease deadhead time by identifying backhaul opportunities near delivery locations.
- Balanced workload distribution. Ensure equitable assignment of work across your driver pool based on objective data.
- Asset optimization. Make informed decisions about fleet size and composition based on actual utilization patterns.
Reduced Compliance Risks
Protect your company from violations and penalties:
- Preemptive violation alerts. Receive notifications before HOS violations occur, allowing time for corrective action.
- Digital audit protection. Maintain comprehensive electronic records that satisfy inspection and audit requirements.
- Simplified roadside processes. Enable drivers to present required information quickly and accurately during inspections.
- Complete activity documentation. Record and verify all driving and non-driving activities for accurate compliance reporting.
These operational improvements combine to create a more efficient, profitable fleet operation. The integration of ELD compliance and GPS technologies means you’re not just checking a regulatory box — you’re gaining a competitive advantage through comprehensive fleet intelligence that would be impossible with separate systems.
ELD Mandate Compliance
The ELD mandate was issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in an attempt to improve the safety of drivers and those around them. It dictates that all truck drivers who meet certain requirements must have electronic logging devices in their vehicle to log their hours of service data. The ELDs track GPS location, miles logged, and engine hours to determine how much time a driver is spending on the road.
The ELD mandate applies to most commercial motor vehicle drivers, including:
- Interstate commercial drivers who are currently required to maintain records of duty status (RODS).
- Drivers operating vehicles weighing more than 10,001 pounds.
- Vehicles transporting hazardous materials in quantities requiring placards.
- Vehicles designed to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.
Drivers are exempt from following this mandate if they fall into one of the below categories:
- Drivers who use a paper log for not more than 8 days in a 30-day period.
- Drivers who conduct drive-away-tow-away operations with vehicles being commodities to be delivered.
- Drivers of vehicles manufactured before the year 2000.
As of December 16, 2019, the federal rule established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration stated that all commercial motor vehicles must be equipped with an electronic logbook device. This marked the final phase of the ELD implementation process, moving from the transition period to full enforcement.
Failing to comply with the ELD mandate can result in serious consequences:
- Drivers may be placed out of service for 10 hours.
- Vehicles may be towed at the owner’s expense.
- Companies may face fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 per violation.
- Negative impacts on Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores.
- Increased insurance premiums due to compliance violations.
If your fleet is experiencing challenges with your current ELD provider or seeking a more reliable, user-friendly solution, HOS247 offers a seamless transition process.
Do you have any questions? Talk to ELD Advisor: 650-405-3372 or Request Callback
Conclusion
In today’s competitive trucking industry, the right ELD tracking system delivers both regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. HOS247’s integrated solution combines FMCSA-compliant electronic logging with powerful GPS fleet monitoring in one user-friendly platform.
The marriage of ELD compliance with GPS tracking technology creates benefits that transform fleet operations — from reduced fuel costs and enhanced driver safety to improved customer service and simplified administration. This comprehensive approach provides fleet managers with the actionable data needed to make smarter decisions across their business.
HOS247 distinguishes itself through exceptional customer service, multilingual support, and flexible no-contract terms. Our 4G system ensures reliable connectivity as older networks sunset, while our two-week trial allows fleets to experience the difference before committing. Contact us today to discover how our integrated ELD tracking solution can streamline your compliance efforts while driving measurable improvements to your bottom line.
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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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires electronic logging devices (ELDs) to be connected to an engine directly. This allows the ELD to directly record a driver’s hours-of-service (HOS) and records of duty status (RODS) information. Since an ELD app