Food and beverage businesses always look for ways to improve efficiency and cut costs. The ELD mandate was no exception. While the mandate presents challenges for some industries, the food and beverage industry can benefit from it in several ways. In this post, we’ll explore how the ELD mandate can help your business run more smoothly and efficiently. So, if you’re wondering how the ELD mandate impacts your business, read on!
What is the ELD Mandate?
The ELD Mandate, also known as the ELD Final Rule, is a regulation from the U.S. government that requires certain operators of commercial motor vehicles to utilize electronic logging devices (ELDs).
While the ELD mandate became effective in December of 2017, the industry’s transition to Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) isn’t over. In fact, according to the most recent “Bloomberg/Truckstop Quarterly Truckload Survey,” 28% (about 868,000) of non-exempt drivers ended Q4 without a compliant ELD.
Previously, companies were at liberty to choose paper logs or electronic logs, the new mandate requires unification and consistency across the industry board.
Generally, these devices are designed to collect and record data related to driver activity. Collected data may include service hours, vehicle operation, and rest periods. Since drivers are required to only drive a certain number of hours between resting periods, ELDs will make it more difficult to edit numbers and exceed set limits.
How the ELD Mandate Impacts the Food & Beverage Industry
Companies that adopt this technology will see several advantages over those that don’t, especially in their bottom line.
Enhanced Safety
Perhaps the most important benefit to ELD is the enhanced safety it offers drivers. Since ELD provides a more accurate and immediate record of driving time, dispatchers can better monitor drivers and ensure they rest when needed.
Paper logbooks are not only inaccurate compared to real-time GPS tracking, but drivers may be tempted to fudge the numbers to allow them to complete their route quicker, which is risky as they become more tired on the road.
Updated Metrics
Unlike paper logs, ELDs are constantly being improved and updated. Numerous companies provide high-quality ELD that will help you monitor and track drivers in the food and beverage industry.
If you’re uncertain which ELD is right for you, consider contacting an insurance company like Coughlin Insurance. We can help you understand the potential pros and cons of each option as it may pertain to your insurance. If your ELD malfunctions, causing an accident for your driver, you may be held liable. Find out how to protect yourself today!
Increased Efficiency
Yet another impact of the ELD Mandate on the food & beverage industry is that it will increase the efficiency of your company as a whole. By offering updated metrics, you have the ability to make better choices. You can analyze which trucks are currently en route, which drivers are on break, and even which drivers are not on schedule to complete their delivery on time.
Additionally, as time goes on, you will amount more detailed information such as which routes are fastest, how much time is being spent during the loading and unloading process, and which routes are overestimated or underestimated for time. By utilizing this information, you can make changes within your company that will increase the overall efficiency of your brand and help keep drivers safe at the same time, further improving your bottom line.
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At Coughlin Insurance Services, we believe that our customers should be valued and taken care of. We aim to provide quality service and meet the needs of our clients by providing businesses, including those in the food industry, with the insurance they need to protect their assets. If you’re a business looking for insurance, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free insurance quote today!