Have you invested in a GPS fleet tracking system yet? Continuing from the last blog post, we bust three more myths involving ELDs:
Myth #7: My Smartphone Can Act As an ELD
Unfortunately, smartphones aren’t built for the sole purpose of GPS, reporting and tracking. Mobile phones are good for the everyday user but to use a smartphone to do the work of a daily business function like fleet tracking is more than a little risky. That said, there is still plenty of apps available on the market that claim to do the job.
Keep in mind, the only apps that are recognized by the government for these purposes must be in conjunction with an approved ELD device.
For a list of approved ELD Devices, click here
Several ELD devices on the list do offer phone apps to make access to functions and data easier. This is a plus. But regardless of app and smartphone capabilities, a smartphone simply cannot track mechanical things such as acceleration, idling, braking, or provide a precise miles/speed report. An actual device installed in the vehicle is necessary for this important data.
Myth #8: Small Fleets Don’t Need Fancy ELDs
If there are only a handful of vehicles in your fleet, it is still in your best interest to find a reputable ELD provider/installer like G-Trac Fleet Services, if nothing more than for the savings of time, documentation, inspections, fuel, penalties and fines. Data from driver activities like speed, location, acceleration, braking, idling and maintenance
Alvaro Reyes, photo credit
alerts are also valuable for any fleet, both large and small and can offset costs affecting the bottom line.
Despite some misleading information after the ELD mandate last year, small fleets are not exempt from this requirement – every commercial fleet both large and small is required to comply with this reporting and tracking regulation.
Myth #9: ELDs Aren’t Cost Effective*
Much has been debated about how ELDs are not cost effective. This is nonsense. The time and money this saves drivers and operations per year is a savings worth considering. Of course the savings increase with the number of vehicles, but that is not to say a small outfit can’t also reap the benefits on a smaller scale.
From a straight cost standpoint, one can understand that this myth is easy to believe, but when you factor in the time savings (which is also a money savings) and the improvement of driver activity and accountability, the value goes far beyond straight dollars. The result is improved efficiency, better use of time and resources, fine-avoidance and a positive effect on the bottom line.
Experts estimate that for each rig on the road, nearly 10% of its annual fuel bills are spent by being idle. For every $50,000 spent on gas per year, the ELD can save each rig nearly $5,000.
To learn more about the E-log devices we offer here in Texas, click here.
*Note that if you had already invested in ELDs before December 2015, you may continue to use those devices until December of next year.
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