Modern technologies are widely implemented in logistics. The Freight forwarders association is taking advantage of all benefits and facilities provided by the electronic logging devices in order to keep track of the working hours of their drivers in charge of the international forwarding of cargo and goods.
What does the abbreviation ELD stand for?
The abbreviation is for “electronic logging device”.
Connection to the vehicle, registering and data collection
This device helps professional drivers including those working for the freight forwarders to keep track of the required driving hours and the limitations for driving.
The device is attached to the vehicle’s engine so that it can keep track of the time in which it is in motion. The drivers can register and choose the appropriate mode: On duty, Off duty or On Duty Not Driving.
The data can be accessed in standardized form via a USB or Bluetooth connection.
The price of the electronic logging devices
Currently the prices for the electronic logging devices are relatively high, but the advantages which they provide in the long-term compensates for the price. In the future, with the introduction of electronic logging devices which can be used via smartphones or tablets, their price will decrease.
The use of the data via mobile apps
With the installation of the devices by the drivers of the forwarders throughout Europe via mobile apps on their smartphones or other smart devices, the data regarding their work and rest hours can be accessed and analyzed at any given moment and from anywhere.
Additional advantages of the use of electronic logging devices
- The devices lead to a decrease in the need of the use of physical paper records which the drivers need to keep and fill out during every trip in regard to the work and rest hours.
- Through the automated control of the work and rest periods of the drivers, a greater safety for the vehicle and for the cargo is ensured by the European logistics network.
- The service managers of the European network for logistics services can be more productive at their jobs.
- These benefits lead to the reduction of the fuel used for transport due to the incentives program for the drivers introduced by the freight transport association.
- Statistics show that with the use of electronic logging devices, the risk of accidents on the road decrease.
- The system allows for easier compliance with the requirements of the applicable regulations
The initial period of mass implementation of the electronic logging devices
The start of the mass use of electronic logging devices started on December 18th 2017 and will continue up to April 1st 2018. During this implementation period, the company managers from the international freight forwarders network will have the chance to opportunity to test the efficiency and the potential of the implementation of the electronic logging devices.
The drivers who are already using automatic recording devices (AOBRD) can continue using them up to December 2019.
The skills which the drivers must learn about the logging devices
The drivers working for international freight forwarding need to learn how to access and print out the data from their electronic logging devices.
The lack of implementation of logging devices can affect the insurance options
In the cases when electronic logging devices have not been implemented, this will mean that the regulations are being violated which will affect the possibility of making cheap insurance for he transport.