As you know, some equipment is required in order to operate a CDL truck, such as the use of federally-mandated electronic logging devices (ELDs). However, there also are other types of equipment that are highly beneficial to the jobs of commercial drivers and fleet managers. Among the best technology solutions for these lines of work are GPS tracking devices.
More commercial trucking companies are adopting tracking equipment, such as global positioning system (GPS) technology, to track their assets in the field. Fleet managers use these devices, in conjunction with effective tracking software, to monitor their vehicles and to increase overall fleet efficiency.
Let’s explore some of the technologies that are either required or are extremely useful for achieving fleet efficiency for drivers and fleet managers.
Electronic Logging Devices
After the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the implementation of the new electronic logging device mandate, it became clear that businesses were going to need to invest quickly in some new technology for their fleets.
The electronic logging device mandate, which impacts how drivers record and report records of duty status (RODS) information, went into effect in December 2017. The regulation impacts a variety of commercial truck drivers and carrier fleet businesses — essentially, any driver or carriers that have to submit RODS for hours of service (HOS) compliance.
ELD devices help drivers and fleet managers in a variety of ways, including:
- Reducing the need for paper records;
- Preventing fraudulent time entries/timecards;
- Reducing the risk of HOS violations; and
- Improving asset monitoring capabilities.
The idea behind the HOS compliance is to increase safety by restricting the amount of time drivers can spend behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle. For some companies and drivers, this meant investing in new software and tracking devices. For others, it may have just meant upgrading to more modern technology.
The transition was made easy for many Rastrac clients because our fleet management software is not proprietary, meaning that it can easily communicate and integrate with your existing modern tracking devices.
GPS Tracking Devices
Although not a requirement, GPS trackers for CDL trucks are a godsend when it comes to optimizing fleet operations management. Why is that? Because GPS tracking devices can help fleet managers:
- Track vehicles with pinpoint accuracy;
- Deter theft or loss of assets;
- Make operations more efficient;
- Receive accurate and timely telematics data and vehicle performance information;
- Reduce overhead costs;
- Monitor engine idle times and system activity;
- Record vehicle hours of operation for timecard accuracy and misuse of resources;
- Ensure maintenance is completed;
- Reduce fuel usage and costly repairs; and
- Monitor driver behaviors.
These types of tracking equipment come in a variety of sizes and power options. They also offer different uses and functions to meet the needs of your truck or fleet. Some devices can be hard-wired into your truck’s systems for power while others are battery-powered or even solar-powered. In fact, some devices — like our new RastracGo — are so thin, small, and portable that it can fit inside your wallet.
These tracking technologies integrate with your fleet management software, so you can remotely track your vehicles in the field and monitor their conditions from your home or office. Want to learn more about how tracking equipment can benefit your CDL truck or carrier fleet? Speak with our Rastrac fleet management experts today to get answers to your questions or to schedule a demo.
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