With the compliance date for the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate coming up Dec. 18, 2017, it's time to start researching ELD providers. If you currently utilize automatic onboard recording devices (AOBRDs), there is a two-year extension for compliance; however, by the end of 2019 fleets who fall under the ruling must all utilize ELDs as well as new vehicles purchased after 2017.

To help you navigate the abundance of ELD solution providers, Work Truck magazine assembled a solution spotlight with details and information on several providers. For more information, contact each provider directly or visit their websites for more information:

V Series ELD by CalAmp

V Series ELD by CalAmp is a “plug and play,” three-part self-install solution that makes a complicated process simple with a tightly integrated system bundle that provides all of the necessary equipment components needed to deploy a fully compliant ELD solution for both light- and heavy-duty fleets, saving businesses significant time and money.

V Series ELD includes the industry’s first in-cab charging cradle equipped with a built-in telematics gateway and a mandated LED malfunction indicator light as well as a rugged 7-inch Android tablet. The bundled solution can support a variety of transportation applications including mapping and hours-of-service (HOS) software applications.

V Series ELD features fewer connections than alternatives, which means fewer points of failure. CalAmp supports ECU protocol challenges, has a JBUS cable portfolio with multiple connector options and features a rugged design for the trucking environment. In addition, users can update their Android applications (APKs) via PULS, CalAmp’s over-the-air devices management solution.

Geotab Drive

Geotab Drive is a smart mobile app that combines the benefits of multiple devices in one solution.

Geotab Drive provides one user-friendly platform for managing hours-of-service (HOS), driver vehicle inspection reporting (DVIR), Driver ID, as well as messaging and routing. The app syncs data between the Geotab GO device and a smartphone or tablet to provide automatic duty status changes, violation alerts, a complete end-to-end inspection workflow, and more.

Users can add and remove add-ons from the Geotab Marketplace to fit their needs, such as integrating Geotab Drive with their transportation management system (TMS) for accounting, dispatch, and operations. The Geotab software development kit (SDK) and APIs provide secure, open access to the data, so fleets can create applications or pull data into their own systems.

Geotab Drive is available as a free download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store and is compatible with off-the-shelf Android- and iOS-based devices. Drivers can use their own phone or tablet with a data plan and location services activated.

The dashboard is also easy to use and navigate. Compliance can be monitored via the MyGeotab web-based fleet management software portal, with reporting on driver logs, violations, and remaining hours.

Additional benefits of Geotab Drive include full FMCSA compliance, alerts for violations and drivers not logged in, over-the-air (OTA) software and firmware updates, and easy plug-and-play installation.

GPS Insight Hours of Service Solution

The GPS Insight Hours of Service Solution aims to help streamline fleet management and ensure FMCSA compliance. The new solution offers a simple alternative to paper logs and provides many benefits beyond compliance. Bundling an Android tablet hardwired to a GPS tracking device, the solution features an intuitive user interface to ensure ease of use for all drivers. The management portal is web-based, secure, and accessible via PC, tablet, and smartphone.

The solution provides for ease of messaging between drivers and dispatch through the tablet and web-based interface. This feature will reduce the number of phone calls made and help streamline overall communication. Fleet managers and dispatchers will be able to see available time for each driver for logistics needs and keep up-to-date on preventive maintenance, ensuring driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) are completed.

Navigation is also built into the ELD tablet. Audible and visual directions can be sent to drivers for each job, utilizing truck-specific routes. In addition, the ELD solution combines electronic logs (eLogs) with GPS monitoring, alerting, and reporting capabilities. Fleet managers can monitor driver behavior, improving driver and public safety.

Although the system is easy to use, GPS Insight understands this new mandate is a paradigm shift for the industry and offers customers hands-on training, augmented by on-demand training videos, to make a seamless transition from paper to eLogs.

FleetLocate by Spireon

FleetLocate Compliance combines all of the functionality of easy-to-use FleetLocate with fully compliant hours-of-service (HOS) tracking, driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIR), and International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA).

Stay DOT-compliant via an in-cab Android or iOS tablet and help drivers easily keep track of HOS drive, rest, and sleep regulations. The system syncs with GPS data for a fully compliant electronic logging device (ELD) solution and turns a tablet into a DVIR tool.

Fleet managers can track and coach driver behavior by setting thresholds and alerts for risky driving such as speeding, hard turns, coasting, swerving, gear usage, and more. The system also lets managers review performance across your fleet, by group and by driver.

Let your vehicles tell you what they need by reading and reporting on engine diagnostic codes as simple as tire pressure and battery life to major system alerts. Also, the solution provides the ability to perform quick and easy vehicle inspections via native mobile application, which turns a tablet into a tool for DVIRs.

The system is also customizable with add-on options to accommodate driver ID, Garmin, power take-off (PTO), and much more.

Sprint ELD Solutions

For electronic logging device (ELD) solutions, Sprint offers a choice industry leading providers that help companies and drivers stay compliant. These solutions offer:

• In-cab tablet. The ability for drivers to easily log-in and keep track of hours-of-service (HOS) drive, rest, and sleep regulations and status using an Android or iOS tablet.

• GPS tracking device. Records location and engine usage information for compliance reporting.

• HOS. Fully compliant automated HOS tracking.

• Driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs). Electronic documentation and filing of DVIRs.

• International Fuel Tax Agreement. Reports with information to simplify Interstate Fuel Tax Reporting.

• Location. Real-time location and tracking information with breadcrumb trails and geo-fencing alerts when boundaries are crossed.

• Driving Behaviors. Reports and alerts for aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding, swerving, and harsh braking.

• Vehicle Health. Maintenance reminders and vehicle diagnostic information when there are issues.

• Customizable. With add-ons such as wireless forms, sensors, driver ID, Garmin, power take-off (PTO), and more.

• Easy-to-use Dashboard, Reports, and Alerts. Allow managers to monitor from individual to the aggregate for safer, more efficient, and more productive drivers.

DIRECTOR by Teletrac Navman

DIRECTOR by Teletrac Navman, a global leader in telematics for 30 years, is a robust and scalable fleet management solution allowing businesses of all types and sizes to track and manage vehicles and maintain electronic logs for driver hours-of-service (HOS) compliance. DIRECTOR HOS includes guaranteed compliance for customers today and beyond the ELD deadlines.

DIRECTOR HOS takes out the worry of compliance by providing a single, all-encompassing view of HOS statuses. The easy and actionable dashboard provides color-coded statuses for each driver, alerting dispatchers of potential at-risk and violations to prevent any lapse. This dashboard provides many benefits to dispatchers and managers, including:

• Easily sortable drivers and driver statuses. 

• Early identification of potential HOS violations.

• Up-to-the-minute HOS driver data.

• Intuitive HOS edits.

Telogis ELD Compliance Solutions

Telogis offers a compliance package that will help you to get — and stay — compliant with the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate, no matter what changes the FMCSA introduces in the future.

Telogis Compliance helps you to:

• Achieve zero errors: Eliminate Form & Manner and driving time violations.

• Implement electronic logging: Maintain 395.15-compliant electronic logs (AOBRD/ELD).

• Avoid violations: Stay legal with automatic hours-of-service (HOS) limit warnings.

• Stay current: Comply with the latest HOS rules and exceptions.

• Keep status automatically: Save time with duty and driver statuses that update automatically.

• Track HOS with back office reporting: HOS reports and alerts available to the back office.

Compliance is complicated but Telogis can help simplify HOS and driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) compliance with the ELD mandate in mind. With the FMCSA regularly revising rules, it’s more important than ever to use a solution that minimizes human error and eliminates the stress of completing a daily paper HOS log.

WEX Telematics Suite

DRIVE/HOS is a powerful suite of in-cab applications that provide drivers with safe and efficient tools, offering advanced in-vehicle truck navigation, two-way messaging functions, compliance (HOS & DVIR), and safety options for seamless operation during the workday. DIRECTOR and DRIVE work hand in hand to ensure your business is compliant, effective, and profitable.

WEX offers a suite of telematics solutions assembled to meet the needs of today’s federal regulations. Only a telematics solution from WEX can seamlessly integrate fuel purchase data with an electronic logging device (ELD) GPS system, allowing customers to save money while ensuring compliance.

WEX telematics gives fleet managers access to real-time information about the underlying trends impacting their fleet operations. This information can be customized so managers are able to monitor whatever is most important to them and their business. Through the use of applications such as Fuel Guard, managers are able to greatly reduce their fuel costs that can significantly impact their bottom line.

ELDs can also help streamline driver dispatch, cut operational costs, and boost day-to-day productivity at all levels of the organization. Managers are alerted of hours-of-service (HOS) violations as they occur, so they can take action to prevent massive fines. An ELD solution from WEX will greatly reduce HOS logging mistakes by taking an automated approach with a proven implementation process that is simple and straightforward.