ELD is equipment that records the driving time automatically in commercial motor vehicles. It will make sure of the fact that the drivers are compliant with hours of service regulations. Electronic logging devices in Canada will not only reduce fatigue for drivers, but will also enhance the overall administrative efficiency along with safer roads in Canada. Well, right now, The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) is working on the next revision of the technical standard for electronic logging devices.
Once you install one of these devices to your truck, it will provide you with a myriad of benefits, which we are about to discuss. Knowing the benefits will help you make the right decision. So, let’s dig out a bit and fathom everything that comes with installing this device.
Who must use Electronic Logging Devices?
If you were previously required to complete a daily log to record your hours of service prior to June 12, 2022, you must now use a certified ELD when operating a:
• Truck within the Ontario only.
• Bus or truck that is crossing territorial or provincial borders.
• Bus or truck plates from outside Ontario.
Starting July 1, 2023, bus drivers operating within Ontario only who are currently required to complete a daily log to record hours of service must use a certified ELD.
What are the exemptions?
• Driving within a 160 km radius of where you began your day as well as return to the same location where you began. Well, there is no limit to the total number of kilometres travelled within that radius of the day.
• Whenever you are driving a school bus.
• If you are driving a rented commercial motor vehicle in case the rental agreement is 30 days or less. Also, if it is not been renewed or extended.
• In case you are driving a motor vehicle with a model year before 2000.
• If you are an employee or operator of a commercial motor vehicle manufacturer or dealership that is towing a house trailer for lease or sale. The vehicle must not tow another vehicle or carry a load. The exception is the vehicle that is being towed is empty. Also, it must have at least one set of wheels on the roadway’s surface.
• You will get exempt from hours of service requirements, which are defined in Ontario regulation 555/06.
What are the penalties?
• You will face penalties if you do not abide by Ontario’s ELD requirements such as:
• Fines between $250-$20000
• You will get points on your carrier safety record, which may hamper your rating if you are convicted.
• In case, you are registered outside Ontario, your conviction details will be shared with your home jurisdiction.
When do you need to switch to a better electronic logbook?
An unreliable or faulty elog can hinder your user experience. It will cause you to come across various range of issues such as minor delays. So, you must be aware of the warning signs that signify that you need a more dependable Canadian ELD mandate. Well, here is the list of warning signs that we are talking about.
[1] Facing issues to reach technical support:
If the quality of the customer service is not up to the mark, it could be quite frustrating. Inexperienced staff, long waiting lines, limited availability, and language barriers are some of the problems that can arise. These issues will hamper the overall productivity as well as the operational efficiency of your business. Mostly, it happens when drivers don’t get adequate assistance. If you are suffering from one of these issues, it’s time to change your electronic logbook provider.
[2] The solution isn’t satisfying to the staff:
You need to understand that your drivers are the ones who will be using electronic logging devices throughout the day. Therefore, their satisfaction must be the most important thing to you. If you see that your staff are constantly complaining about the inefficiency of the ELD device, you must consider exploring other options and choose the one that is most compatible with your requirements.
[3] When the pricing isn’t transparent:
Now, it is one of the most significant factors that you need to be mindful of. You must know exactly what you are paying for when it comes to your blog solution. If the provider isn’t transparent enough about the pricing or is adding extra fees after you make the purchase, go for the most upfront pricing model.
What to expect from the best Electronic logging devices providers?
1. Easy to use system:
It is the first thing that you need to keep in mind. The ELD transport device in Canada must comprise a user-friendly interface for simple HOS management. It should be also capable of generating precise inspection reports, which will aid you in building high-quality materials and offer a compatibility and stable Bluetooth connection with a variety of vehicle types.
2. Upfront pricing:
It is one of the most crucial aspects that you need to understand. The pricing should be upfront so that you can understand what you are exactly paying. It will make you feel confident as you will be paying a fair price for the product. To be precise, there should be no hidden charges. Everything must be straightforward.
3. Exceptional customer service:
A strong customer support team signifies the efficiency and professionalism of the service provider. They must be multilingual and should be available all the time. Professionals must be able to troubleshoot issues and answer questions. Besides, they must get in touch with you right away in case your call disconnects abruptly.
4. Flexible subscriptions:
Finally, you must choose a provider that comes with the flexible subscription. They must offer you a range of pricing plans that consist of both annual and monthly subscriptions. It will allow you to choose the plan that is most harmonious with your budget or needs. Also, the subscription plans should be easily scalable, which means that you can downgrade or upgrade it according to your preferences. Also, there shouldn’t be any issues if you want to cancel the subscription.
How Can ELD Mandate’s Electronic Logging Devices Benefit Your Fleet Operations?
(1) Increased compliance:
If you use one of these devices, carriers can improve the compliance significantly. Also, it will play a pivotal role in increasing productivity. The reason is that it helps the driver prevent HOS violations. They also prepare accurate as well as complete inspection reports for officials in case of a roadside inspection.
(2) Enhanced efficiency:
Once you install one of these devices in your vehicle, it will increase its overall efficiency. The best part is that people with negligible technical knowledge can use this device precisely as well. There is no need to become an expert.
(3) Compatibility options:
The electronic logging device must be compatible with both iPhone and Android. It provides a user-friendly experience to the users. To be precise, it helps both the drivers as well as the carriers. So, install this device on your truck as soon as possible and improve the overall trucking experience.
What are the features of Electronic Logging Devices in Canada?
[i] Electronic driver logs:
It is one of the most crucial features that come with installing this device. It will automatically record commercial driving hours or HOS (Hours of Service). It will help the drivers to determine whether they follow legal limits or not.
[ii] Fuel Tax Reporting:
It is another significant benefit that you will come across once you avail of this device. It will help you with Fuel tax as well as international registration plan mileage reporting. So, you can understand that it is one of the most significant features that it has to offer.
[iii] Driver safety:
These devices are capable of tracking various dangerous driving behaviours. For instance, they are capable of tracking harsh braking, harsh acceleration, and excessive speed. So, if you want to track these behaviours of your truckers, installing this device will be your best call.
[iv] GPS tracking:
ELD devices come with a built-in GPS tracking feature. It can not only record real-time locations, but it is also capable of tracking HOS and drive time. Therefore, install these devices quickly and enjoy this feature to optimize your trucking experience.
[v] Reporting:
Reporting is another vital feature that these devices have to offer. It can track the departure and arrival times, vehicle uptime, and delivery status. So, you can understand that this device is quite helpful for trucking operations.
FAQ:-
Is it possible to view my vehicles from the internet at home or on my smartphone?
Yes, you can track your fleet from any device that comes with internet capabilities. The experts will install the system on the company’s network. After that, you can visit the website and log in through the ‘client login’ section.
Do they offer ELD (Electronic Logging Devices), or HOS (hours of service) reports?
Yes, these devices are capable of providing you with ELD as well as HOS reports.
What involves ELD event data recording?
• Event data recording consists of:
• Engine power-up as well as shutdown
• Driver login/logout
• Duty status changes
• Personal use or yard moves
• Certification of driver’s daily record
• 60-minute intervals when the vehicle is in motion
• Malfunctions, diagnostic events
What are the privacy concerns?
ELD technology is capable of connecting driver data that is being monitored. They are recorded with paper logs. It also comprises numerous features such as muting function, limitations on geographical tracking, and various other measures that allow the driver to differentiate between off-duty time and duty hours.
So, here is the list of everything that you need to know before installing an Electronic logging device in Canada. If you are looking for the best ELD provider, you can get in touch with ELD MANDATE. They will also provide you with the best ELD transport in Canada. With them around, your trucking experience will go to a whole new level.