Affordable Hours of Service Plans for an Easier Switch to E-Logs
This year, the majority of trucking fleets will be focused on making the transition from paper logs to electronic logs (ELDs) if they haven’t already. While the Phased-In Compliance doesn’t start until this December, it’s important for carriers to do research and decision-making now so they can have ELDs implemented in time for the new rule.
By the end of this year, motor carriers and drivers subject to the rule must use AOBRDs (Automatic On Board Recording Devices) or ELDs. So, for many carriers, updating their Hours of Service plan will be at the top of their to-do list.
The number of fleet compliance solutions out on the market can definitely make picking one a daunting task. How do you know which one is better? The choice is now easier with our affordable Hours of Service (HOS) plan.
New HOS Plan for Hours of Service
We are now offering Hours of Service features to customers on a new fleet management software feature plan, called the HOS plan. Previously, HOS compliance with Geotab Drive or Garmin HOS was part of the ProPlus plan.
Our telematics-based compliance solution provides all the management features you need for a reasonable fee. Let’s take a closer look at what’s included.
With the HOS plan, carriers can get the Geotab Drive and Garmin HOS compliance tools. Geotab Drive is a mobile app that can be used on a driver’s smartphone or tablet (Android or iOS). IFTA miles recording and device tampering detection are also included.
The HOS plan provides other features such as instant GPS tracking using patented curve based algorithms, basic driver coaching, vehicle maintenance reminders, and driver ID with NFC. Since our software is an open platform, customization is available and users have access to the free software development kit and APIs. View the feature list below:
Part of the HOS Plan from Go Technology Management, offering key compliance features at an affordable cost.
Survey Finds Small Fleets Are Slower to Get On Board with ELDs
Fleet Owner magazine’s Kevin Jones reports that small fleets (less than 250 trucks) have been delaying the move to electronic logging. Only 33% of small fleets had rolled out ELDs as of September 2016. Compare that figure with the 81% ELD implementation rate for large fleets and you can definitely see the difference. The results are based on a survey of more than 400 carriers.
Reasons given for the delay include concerns over driver acceptance and the ELD lawsuit. However, the latest development on the legal front is that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit denied a petition from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for a rehearing of the lawsuit. Last year, the court found that the ELD rule did not violate the Fourth Amendment.
ELDs Improve Fleet Productivity and Efficiency
Some fleets may believe making the switch to ELDs will be costly. However, our HOS plan shows that electronic logs are not out of reach. Contrary to perception, ELDs can improve and support fleet productivity and efficiency. ELDs provide many benefits for fleets well beyond Hours of Service. Geofencing, fuel usage monitoring, and invoice scanning are just some of these extras. As a greater number of trucking fleets make the switch, the advantage of electronic logging and telematics will soon be common knowledge.
Original Article: https://www.geotab.com/blog/hours-of-service-plan/Written By: Vik Sridhar, Solutions Engineer & HOS Expert at Geotab
