ELD Mandate Aftermath – Reactions and Advice from Drivers

The ELD Mandate was released by the DOT last week, so we reached out to drivers using KeepTruckin to get a sense of how folks are reacting to the final published rule. The transition to ELDs will have some road bumps so it’s important to research possible solutions and ELD providers ahead of time. According to the drivers we contacted, carriers should expect a 6-month transition period for drivers to adjust to the new platform, so don’t wait till the last minute to make a change.

What factors drivers say to consider before investing in ELDs:

1. Find an ELD solution that is user friendly. Our drivers really like that the KeepTruckin e-log looks similar to paper logs. It means a smaller learning curve for drivers looking to transition.

“Always had a paper log. One day out of the blue, I started punching in things for logbooks in the app store. I downloaded a few apps, but nothing caught my eye like KeepTruckin because it’s so similar to paper logs. It just makes sense. More sense than paper logs. Just takes me a second to do whatever I need to do.” -Mark, Texas

2. Switch from paper logs to electronic logs now, then upgrade to ELDs when you’re ready to comply so the transition is smooth.

“A lot drivers are old school and have trouble with smartphone apps. The learning curve can be big for some, which is why I tell everyone to try out KeepTruckin because you don’t have to be a tech genius to get it.” -Stacy, Canada

3. Compare ELD prices. A lot of drivers we spoke with thought ELDs would cost upwards of $2000 (and some do), but there are providers like KeepTruckin who offer rates as low as $20/month with zero installation fees.

“I’m a small owner-operator. Initially, I thought ELDs would end up costing me an arm and a leg. I was upset, but after a little research I realized that not all ELDs are expensive. Some are actually pretty affordable. Maybe even cheaper than buying paper logs in the long run.” -Jeff, New Jersey

While the ELD Mandate means drivers have less flexibility in terms of editing their hours of service, it also means less paperwork, fewer violation related fines, and safer roads. Many agreed that the first step in addressing the ELD mandate is to make sure drivers are comfortable using their mobile device to log hours of service. E-logs are a free, easy way to test the waters before you invest in an actual ELD. Finally, unlike paper logs, the KeepTruckin e-logging app allows drivers to go back 14-days to make any log edits, so making a mistake doesn’t mean having to start from scratch again.

Must-Have Apps for Truckers on the Road

Mobile apps can be a great way to stay connected with family and friends, find parking, or get a deal on gas. Apps can also be used for work productivity to save you time and money. Since we at KeepTruckin are in the business of apps (our electronic logbook app replaces paper logs), we wanted to share a few other apps that our drivers use on the road:

Parking and Services — TruckerTools
This app provides a great general guide for drivers, including information on where to find truck stops, parking, loads, repairs and services, and rest areas along your route.

Free Calls — Skype & WhatsApp
It’s important to stay in touch with family, and these apps offer free calls and video conferences. Drivers can always stay connected!

Cheap Gas — GasBuddy
When your job is to drive, you frequently have to fill up the tank. GasBuddy is a community updated system that allows drivers to get the most up-to-date price on gas, making it easy for you to find the cheapest and closest location to fill up the tank.

Loads — uShip
If you are looking for business, this is an app to download. It works like a broker system for trucking, displaying available load pickups needed by people and businesses. A driver places a bid on a load, and if accepted the driver is notified of booking details for pickup and drop off.

Directions — GoogleMaps & Waze
These two apps are great to help you get from point A to point B, and for reporting on traffic conditions.

It’s important to be productive and safe when on the road and downloading these apps may help save you time and money!

ELDs Are Coming: Why Some Fleets Are Starting with E-logs Now

The ELD mandate will require all drivers to transition to ELDs. If you’re on paper, to get ahead of the mandate without adding costs, consider starting with e-logs. It will allow drivers to get acquainted with electronic systems while still maintaining the editability factor associated with paper logs.

A well designed e-log should mirror the aesthetic of paper logs — drivers shouldn’t face a steep learning curve. This allows for an intuitive transition from paper logs to e-logs.

What are the real benefits of e-logs compared to paper logs?

1. Like paper logs, e-logs are fully editable. So if you make a mistake on your hours of service, it’s no problem! You can easily adjust your duty status to reflect the changes.

2. E-logs save you time. Writing your carrier information each day on your log can be cumbersome. With e-logs, repeated information only needs to be added once, after which the information auto-populates for future logs. For drivers, this means less time on paperwork and more time on the road.

How will e-logs eventually help me transition to an ELD?

Evaluate your electronic provider without financial risk:

E-logs allow your fleet to get comfortable with a new system without investing in ELDs. Change can be implemented in pieces by starting with e-logs, which gives everyone a chance to test the software and the vendor’s customer service before buying.

Reduce the learning curve:

Making the jump straight from paper logs to an ELD is not always easy. The format is not the same — logs are not editable. However, going from paper logs to e-logs is much easier because drivers still control their hours of service. We think that this is a great first step in transitioning to electronic log formats.

How to start with e-logs.

Transition is a chain reaction. We suggest getting a few of your drivers to try e-logs. If they like it and the success rate is high, before you know it, others will transition from paper logs to e-logs. Upgrading to an ELD is simple once high e-log adoption is established, which will make ELD mandate compliance a breeze.

Trucking Essentials: Top 10 Things Drivers Say Are a Must-Have

Whether you’re new to driving or a seasoned veteran, there are essential items to keep stocked in your cab. We checked in with a few drivers to uncover the essentials for life on the open road. Here’s what we found…

1. Shower flip-flops

Many showers aren’t exactly known for their cleanliness. Avoid a possible fungal infection by carrying shower flip-flops with you when you’re on the job!

2. Sleeping bag/blanket + pillow

Carrying sheets and bedding is difficult. Some drivers find it much more convenient to take a sleeping bag instead.

3. Emergency bathroom container and toilet paper

Well, we don’t think there’s much explaining to be done on this one.

4. Hygiene basics — toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap

Most folks we spoke with said every driver should make a bathroom kit filled with travel size containers of all the basics.

5. Gloves

According to drivers, flatbed truckers find gloves to be particularly essential. Not only do gloves provide warmth on cold days, but they’re a good way to protect your hands from injury.

6. Flashlight

You never know when you might need to step out of your truck at night to check the engine or tires.

7. Bad weather gear

Given the mileage drivers cover, it’s important to be prepared for rain or shine so make sure to keep an extra jacket and pair of boots in-cab.

8. Dash-mounted cell phone holder

Safety is key. Avoid tickets and play it safe with a hands-free, bluetooth setup for your phone.

9. Water and nonperishable food

It’s important to stay nourished, and eating out can be time consuming and expensive. Keep ample water and healthy, nonperishable snacks in-cab.

10. Earplugs

This item is very relevant to team drivers, particularly if the co-driver snores! A set of earplugs ensures good rest, which every driver needs to be safe and efficient on the job.

Themes from the ATA’s Safety, Security and HR Exhibition

This week KeepTruckin visited Little Rock, AK for the ATA’s Safety, Security and Human Resources Conference. For those who couldn’t attend, we wanted to share a few things we heard to keep you in the loop!

1. ATA is bullish on the ELD mandate hitting this year

The picture is a bit fuzzy, but we captured this shot from an ATA keynote. The slide’s first bullet — “Final rule appears on track for Oct/Nov 2015” — was also covered in an ELD rule piece by FleetOwner.

2. Fleets managers were frustrated with onboard recorder malfunctions

Many of the fleets we spoke with complained about onboard recorders not working properly. Issues with AOBRDs and EOBRs are all too common. Since AOBRDs and EOBRs won’t be compliant after 2019 with the anticipated ELD mandate, it’s all the more reason to consider ELDs.

3. New driver shortage solutions

One presentation on the driver shortage suggested programs to enhance driver fitness with healthy lifestyle coaching. If you’re looking for other ideas to help your fleet’s recruiting, check out our pieces on leveraging mobile tech or veteran drivers.

4. The future: Safety-related driving technology

A theme during the conference was preventative measures related to driver safety. Two interesting solutions to prevent distracted driving were Seeing Machines and Maven Machines. Both companies offer tools to sense and alert drivers when they’re fatigued.

Combat the Driver Shortage: Budget-Friendly Tips to Help Retain Drivers

The driver shortage is impacting fleets, and carriers are actively trying to recruit new drivers. With high turnover rates, a great way to retain drivers is to make sure they’re happy. We spoke with numerous drivers and came up with four easy-on-the-wallet tips to help you increase driver satisfaction.

#1: Provide realistic expectations for new drivers.

Be honest about the role and potential challenges. You don’t want to sugarcoat the job to a new hire just to get them onboard — it may result in rapid turnover, which costs more in the long run.

#2: Maintain driver loyalty through feedback.

54% of the drivers we surveyed said they felt disconnected from their company. By creating feedback channels between drivers and dispatchers, you can bridge the gap and let your drivers know that their opinions are valued. Learn more on how to incorporate driver-fleet feedback.

#3: Create incentives for drivers to switch to e-logs.

Electronic logs provide business benefits to fleets by providing an automatic audit system for HOS violations. They also simplify communication between dispatcher and driver. But, not all drivers are ready to make the transition from paper to e-logs. Drivers accustomed to paper logs may need a little extra push. Instead of forcing your drivers to use e-logs, provide incentives to encourage them to make the change on their own.

#4: Reward cost-saving behavior.

You don’t have to categorically increase driver pay, but you can provide conditional pay increases for drivers who consistently demonstrate cost-saving behavior like efficient fuel use, vehicle maintenance, and a clean driving record (which also saves you from incurring fines and can protect your CSA score).

Photo Credit: Andrew Laker

Stay Out of Trouble with Law Enforcement: Everything to Know about Safe Driver Week

Operation Safe Driver Week (OSDW) is here and we have a few tips to help keep you informed and safe on the job.

OSDW was started in 2007 as a joint effort between the FMCSA and CVSA to combat the high-fatality rate associated with crashes. In the United States alone, between 2011 and 2013, over 12,000 people were killed and more than 250,000 injured due to accidents involving trucks and/or buses — many of them from unsafe driving practices.

Law officials are known to ramp up enforcement during the week-long campaign. Drivers can expect increased traffic and safety belt enforcement as well as roadside inspections. Here’s what happened last year:

With heightened law enforcement during OSDW, we suggest drivers buckle up, follow the speed limit, and obey traffic signs so that you don’t get stuck with a hefty fine or worse!

Protect your fleet from law enforcement

OSDW awareness is important for drivers and fleets alike. Data collected during the week is used by the FMCSA for compliance investigations so if you don’t want your CSA score to take a hit, make sure your drivers are trained properly, driving safely, and maintaining their logs.

Sources: TruckingInfo, CVSA