Electronic Log Books or ELD’s (Electronic Log Devices) are a vastly contested piece of technology. With a mandate for all truckers to go into effect in 2017, trucking companies and drivers alike have varying opinions. There are a few things that almost everyone agrees on. The only question up for debate is whether it’s good for business or not.
Accountability
With the use of electronic logbooks, accountability is two-fold. Using electronics instead of paper logs makes fraud practically impossible. Drivers will no longer be able to finagle logbooks to look a certain way. Shipping company dispatchers, on the other hand, will not be able to push drivers to make unrealistic deliveries. Some drivers are very upset by this because they won’t be able to hustle as hard to make extra money although through contradictory means.
Compliance
In countries like America and Canada, all shipping companies are going to have to comply with the ELD mandate. This means small companies and big corporations alike will be in the same position. Many companies take issue with the mandate for a few reasons: they have not previously been cutting corners, so their paper methods work just fine. Additionally, electronic logbooks are very expensive. Purchasing the equipment for their entire fleet could cripple their bottom line and make any growth initiatives increasingly difficult.
Liability increases
Drivers and trucking companies are not the only ones affected by electronic logbooks. Under mandates, like the one in North America, the company who is shipping the goods can also be penalized for trying to look the other way when it comes to safety regulations. These companies will no longer be able to pressure drivers, overload their trucks, or push for unrealistic shipping times. All parties must play by the rules at all times. With electronic logbooks, there is no hiding.
Policy changes
Trucking companies are going to have to make widespread policy changes if a mandate is enforced. Their rules and code of conduct must reflect the ones set forth by the governing body. If not, drivers and companies may end up breaching those rules and facing penalties or fines.
Overall, electronic logbooks bring about a lot of change. They attempt to tighten up the rules of the road and keep everyone on them safe.
