Electronic onboard recorders (EOBRs), also known as electronic logging devices (ELD), are devices that are commonly used to automate hours-of-service (HOS) record keeping and help fleets maintain equipment to meet the CSA compliance model, reduce violations and improve driver efficiency and safety.
Many service providers, including Pedigree Technologies,XRS, PeopleNet, Omnitracs, Rand McNally, Continental Corp., and J.J.Keller & Associates offer these systems.
Package Deal
The cost of implementing an EOBR/ELD can vary widely depending on what type of system fleet requires. A simplistic, hours-of-service-focused solution such as the VDO RoadLog has only the $500 up-front cost of the system with no monthly contracts, the maker said. More robust solutions that include an analytics, component and software-as-a-service (SaaS), often have a monthly service plan that varies from $20 to $50 a month and system hardware can run anywhere from $500 to $1,500 depending on the provider. Every EOBR/ELD provider is different and some can work with customers on the upfront cost if there’s a monthly fee involved. The most important aspect of putting an EOBR/ELD solution to work is that it fits the needs of your operation.
Can you analyze me now?
With truck routes spanning the country and data streaming into fleet headquarters, it should come as no surprise that one a large service provider of mobile technology, Verizon Wireless, is throwing its hat into the trucking analytics arena. Currently, Verizon offers Networkfleet telematics solution, which touts 24/7 visibility into fleet assets with access to near real-time vehicle data such as mileage, speed, fuel consumption, idle time and diagnostic trouble codes to improve operations and reduce costs. Verizon leverages its expansive data network to transmit carrier data, via a secure connection, to the Networkfleet Gateway.
Verizon acquired Networkfleet as a part of the Hughes Telematics acquisition in 2012. There are hundreds of thousands of Networkfleet devices installed in fleet vehicles throughout North America. While the solution is analytics-focused for now, Verizon plans to launch HOS compliance functionality this year to ensure that the system meets federal mandates, according to Chris Ransom, director of sales engineering, Verizon Networkfleet.
For more information on implementing an EOBR solution, read February’s Equipment & Technology column.
This column appeared in the February 2014 edition of Fleet Equipment. You can read the entire issue on your phone or tablet by downloading the Fleet Equipment app.
