Integrating Electronic Logbook Devices into Your Arizona Trucking Business
Based on the announcement made by FMCSA in December 2015, starting from December 2017 all truck drivers and motor carriers are required to start using Electronic Logbook Devices (ELD).
So, if you are, indeed driving trucks professionally or own a trucking business in Arizona, we can help you to understand the ELD process and implement the integration.
But first, what is an Electronic Logbook Device for trucks and why do you need it?
Electronic logbook devices are a technologically-driven means of recording data needed for daily operations. It helps you track, store and analyze records on duty status, also known as RODS. This data will help drivers and trucking businesses in Arizona improve performance, cut costs, and eventually increase growth.
By introducing ELDs to your business, you will be able to:
- Access and record the truck motion performance by connecting to its engine;
- Feature On-duty, Off-Duty and On-Duty Not Driving modes that drivers can select in different stages of their drive;
- Display a Record of Duty Status, so that drivers can also keep track of the hours they’ve been on duty that day;
- Share the collected data through wireless web services, USB or Bluetooth, in case you’re required to hand the ELD data over to the authorities;
- Correspond to the ELD standards required by law.
Besides being a mandatory rule, using ELDs for your business can help you cut back on costs on paperwork and administrative work. Instead of wasting dozens of paper on RODS filled in by drivers, you will be able to retrieve the data electronically, contributing to the environment and upgrading your business processes.
Check for exemption possibilities
In some cases, commercial motor vehicle drivers and businesses in Arizona may be exempted from the ELD rule. Here are the following cases when you may be eligible for exemption:
- The engine of your commercial motor vehicle (CMV) was manufactured before 2000;
- As a tow away driver, you don’t own the CMV;
- 3. You are not required to track a Record of Duty Status. This point mainly refers to drivers on 100 air-mile and 150 air-mile hauls;
- 4. If RODS tracking is done less than 8 days in a 30-day time period.
If any of these points apply to you as a truck driver or a trucking business in Arizona, you can apply for exemption from Electronic Logbooks rule and continue implementing your standard tracking processes.
Let’s talk about the cost
The cost of installing ELDs in your trucks will vary depending on a few criteria. Generally, the price for an ELD ranges from $165 to $832. On an average, a single ELD in one truck will cost you about $495. This price may go up or down, depending on the type of your vehicle and additional aspects.
So, are you running a successful trucking business in Arizona but are lacking in proper ELD installation and training? Get in touch with our team today, schedule a consultation and start the ELD process before your trucks come across legal inspections. We’re here to help make the ELD integration easy and painless.