Choosing the Right ELD Solution Provider

We recently took a closer look at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) electronic logging device (ELD) rule – also known as the ELD mandate. Beginning this December, those with a commercial driver’s license will be required to keep a Record of Duty Status (RODS) using an ELD to record the information. 

In most instances, the adoption of new technologies is a choice (though it could be argued that remaining technologically stagnant is not really a choice anymore). In this case however, the timeline is written in stone, and many carriers are exploring their options before falling out of compliance.

The ELD Solution Provider Conundrum

The selection of an ELD solution represents a make-or-break decision. ELD compliance is a federally mandated requirement that must satisfy stringent FMCSA rules. The costs and associated risks of implementing the wrong solution may mean double-trouble for carriers.

Each provider promises a unique solution, so it may be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Compounding the challenge, is an increasingly complex technology landscape of hardware, connectivity, and cloud solutions that adopt confusing techno-speak. These options don’t address the transportation requirements using industry language, business metrics, and benefits that carriers can easily understand and relate to.

Longer term, the risks to carriers are further compounded by the fact that unproven ELD solutions rely on weak connectivity services and hastily-assembled SaaS platforms. They don’t provide the functional extensibility, agility, or seamless access to a family of enterprise-grade IoT/telematics services to ensure carriers are positioned with sustainable, future-proof ELD solutions.

Finding the right partner

The top three concerns of businesses, especially those operating under federally mandated requirements, are growth, costs, and certainty (market stability). An ELD solution provider with those concerns in mind will not only meet the minimum requirements of the upcoming mandate, but will eclipse those expectations.  

Providers should be drawing from a rich pool of experts, technology, and industry resources while providing you with a wide range of services and value-adds, such as:

• Lower TCO – Economies of scale and proactive operations enable carriers to realize lower CAPEX and OPEX.
• Zero-implementation – Dedicated integration teams and seamless interoperability reduce the implementation footprint.
• Interoperability – Seamless integration with back-office ERP, HR, accounting, logistics planning, and supply-chain systems.
• Positioning – Real-time, location-aware GPS solutions that provide situational awareness and safeguard assets.
• Connectivity – Global coverage via tier-one cellular, satellite, and emerging LPWAN providers.
• Certification – Access to fully tested family of purpose-built ELD certified hardware, connectivity, and cloud services.
• Knowledge – Deep technology and industry experience that translates to professional training and consulting services.
• Support – Dedicated 24/7 post-implementation support staff comprised of experienced engineers and industry SMEs.
• Regulation support – Access to rapid certification and regulatory road mapping, testing, and development resources.
• Security – AAA policies delivered via Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions.

The decision is mission critical and should be top of mind as December approaches.