eldmandate9

[eldmandate9]

Transforming the Trucking Industry with ELD Mandate and Advanced Technologies

In the ever-evolving landscape of the trucking industry, staying compliant with regulations while ensuring efficiency and safety is paramount. The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate, introduced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), has significantly impacted how the industry operates. At Eld Mandate.biz, we understand these challenges and are committed to providing comprehensive solutions that not only meet regulatory requirements but also enhance fleet management and road safety.

Understanding the ELD Mandate

The ELD Mandate, which became effective in December 2017, requires commercial motor vehicles to use electronic logging systems (ELS) to record a driver’s Record of Duty Status (RODS). This regulation aims to improve compliance with the Hours of Service (HOS) rules, reduce paperwork, and enhance the efficiency of the trucking industry.

Our Solutions: ELDs, GPS Tracking, and More

At Eld Mandate.biz, we offer a range of solutions designed to help trucking companies comply with the ELD Mandate and enhance their operations:

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

Our ELDs are FMCSA-compliant and come with advanced features such as real-time tracking, automated logs, and easy-to-use interfaces. These devices not only help drivers stay compliant with HOS regulations but also provide fleet managers with valuable insights into their operations.

GPS Tracking

Our GPS tracking solutions allow trucking companies to monitor their vehicles in real-time, enabling them to optimize routes, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance overall fleet management. With our online portal, fleet managers can access detailed information about their trucks' locations, speeds, and more.

### Fleet Management

Our comprehensive fleet management solutions go beyond ELDs and GPS tracking. We offer a range of tools and services, including proactive ELD monitoring, driver coaching, and compliance consulting. Our goal is to help our clients not only meet regulatory requirements but also operate more efficiently and safely.

Why Choose Eld Mandate.biz?

Compliance: Our solutions are fully compliant with FMCSA regulations, ensuring that your fleet stays on the right side of the law.

Advanced Technology: We leverage cutting-edge technology to provide our clients with the most accurate and reliable solutions.

Customer Support: Our team of experts is always available to assist you with any questions or issues you may have.

Conclusion The ELD Mandate has transformed the trucking industry, and at Eld Mandate.biz, we are committed to helping our clients navigate this new regulatory landscape. With our advanced ELDs, GPS tracking solutions, and fleet management services, we can help you achieve compliance, improve efficiency, and enhance road safety. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business thrive in the digital age of trucking.

[eldmandate9]

How to Find Truck Loads for Owner Operators

More than 70% of transported goods are moved by trucks in the United States. More than 90% of companies in the United States long-distance freight trucking industry are owner-operators. Getting frequent, reliable, and well-paying truck loads is crucial for the smooth running of any trucking business. In the past, owner-operators had to constantly check physical load boards, wait in truck shops, or make several calls a day in order to get loads. Times have now changed. The internet, smartphones, apps, etc. offer an advantage to finding a reliable source to get truck loads. If you are still in the researching phase of becoming a new owner operator please see our full guide on how to start a trucking business in 2024. 

Below are a few ways in which an owner-operator can find loads:

Load boards

Load boards are the most common way to find loads. This is especially a reliable option for a new business to get rolling quick. A Load board is essentially an online site that provides a shared platform for shippers and truckers/owner-operators. The shippers post information of the load such as the origin, distance, destination and other important details, and owner operators can apply to pick up transport those loads. Load boards can be very helpful if the business is not leased onto a dedicated carrier. 

Load board apps are also available on smartphones that provides multiple listings to help owner-operators find suitable loads. Load boards differ from one service provider to another. While some may provide the services for free, others charge a fee to access the boards. We discuss the best load board sites for owner operators:

Paid load board websites that also offer free trial:

Direct Freight - https://www.directfreight.com/home/

DAT - https://www.dat.com/load-boards

Get loaded - http://www.getloaded.com/

Truckers Edge - https://www.truckersedge.net/

Load Match - https://www.loadmatch.com/

Free load board websites:

Trucker Path - https://truckerpath.com/truckloads/free-load-board/

Trulos - http://www.trulos.com/

DSSLN - http://www.dssln.com/

Freight Finder - https://www.freightfinder.com/

Load up - http://www.usacanadaloadup.com/

Apps:

Trucker Path

DAT

Truckloads & Freight

All the websites or apps above should give a start to owner operators on how to find truck loads with a load board. Other options apart from public load boards are below. 

Lease-on

Some companies have a private load board. These are specifically for owner-operators to lease-on with that company. This option provides the owner-operator with the stability of a big company – which is an added advantage for a new owner-operator. It also gives the freedom to choose the freight directly from a load board. Some companies also offer discounts on operating expenses to owner-operators. Hence, it helps the owner-operator utilize its purchasing power. Owner-operators may also get paid a fuel surcharge versus per mile.

Freight brokers

Freight brokers help finding loads. Choosing a freight broker can be a handy option if an owner-operator is not looking to lease-on with a trucking company. A freight broker eases the process by doing most of the leg-work. This includes dispatching loads, tracking shipments, payrolls, invoicing, etc. A freight broker assists a shipper in finding a carrier that is qualified to move its load. Once a deal is negotiated, the broker connects the shipper with the owner-operator. The broker negotiates the highest amount with the shipper for the load, and connects the shipper with a carrier that is willing to move it at the lowest amount. The margin is called a spread, and is charged by the broker as a fee for the service provided. The spread is usually 15-25% of the profit. 

For example, an owner-operator agrees to move a load for $6000. A freight broker negotiates with the shipper for $7000 to do the trip. The margin of $1000 is the spread, goes directly to the freight broker.

A freight broker can be an individual or a company. When looking for one to partner with, it is recommended to find ones who are registered with the FMCSA and cover insurance costs. It is a great option for beginner owner-operators who are yet to get a strong foothold in the industry. It is important to have clarity regarding the impact of the spread on the profits made for a business. 

Dispatchers

A dispatcher manages the flow of the freight for efficient movement of the truck load. This is done by avoiding empty miles in the trips. Doing so helps in maximizing profits for owner-operators. One of the keys to smooth functioning of this service is constant communication with the owner-operator. A dispatcher ensures compliance and usually provides customer service. In addition to finding loads for the owner-operator, dispatchers also aid in various backend operations. This includes all associated paperwork like tax records, permits, insurance, etc. Some dispatchers provide end to end services. This means the dispatcher takes care of finding and managing the loads, as well as ensuring timely payment from the shipper. The fee is charged either at a flat rate, or as a certain percentage of the load. An owner-operator can hire an individual dispatcher or a trucking dispatch service provider. This is another way for owner operators to find truck loads.

Government Contracts

Federal, state, and local governments often outsource their transportation requirements. To be considered as an option for moving government loads, an owner-operator has to register on the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) website as a company. Registering as a government contractor can help an owner-operator find loads in their own city/area. Obtaining contracts can vary depending upon the security clearance required for winning the bids. A contract with government entities like the US postal service or getting the business’ name on the GSA list can bring in steady work-flow and also offer great pay. Government contracts are a great option for finding loads for an owner operator.

Prospecting

Prospecting is the continual process of finding loads. It revolves around researching shippers in the local area. The owner-operator should research the number of shippers, the kind of loads needed to move, destinations catered to, etc. This will help the owner-operator determine a prospect shipper to get loads from. The process requires the owner-operator to connect with the prospect shipper by reaching out to them. In the communication, an owner-operator can enquire about the shipper’s requirement and any trips suitable for the owner-operator to undertake. It also helps in finding any future opportunities that the shipper might offer. This requires a bit more work for the owner operator but also provides a good opportunity to find more loads.

Networking

Just like any other business, networking can be a key step for ensuring an owner-operator’s visibility and possible growth in the industry. Creating friendships can lead to prospective clients. Getting involved in associations like the American Association of Owner Operators (AAOO) or other local events can help in professional connections that may be a great pathway for getting loads. It not only helps in staying informed about news in the trucking industry, but also helps in tips and guidelines to grow business.Owner operators should choose a strategy or combination of strategies above to determine what works best for the business. At first, an owner-operator might not have a lot of load options to choose from. The owner-operator may have to take up any available job to keep the business running. Though overwhelming at first, it gets easier with each trip. Owner Operators need the best technology and ELD Mandate provides some of the best products from Asset Trackers, Dash Cams, ELDs, Tablets and Data for all owner operators.

[eldmandate9]

Enhance Road Safety and Compliance with Our Cutting-Edge Fleet Solutions

Introduction:

In an era where road safety and compliance are paramount concerns for fleet managers and commercial drivers, integrating advanced technologies into your operations becomes indispensable. At [Your Business Name], we specialize in providing top-of-the-line solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of the transportation industry. From dash cams to tail light GPS trackers and electronic logging devices (ELDs), our products are designed to optimize efficiency, ensure compliance with regulatory mandates, and ultimately enhance road safety.

Unlocking Efficiency with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

With the implementation of the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the need for reliable ELD solutions has become more critical than ever. Our range of ELDs, including renowned brands like KeepTruckin, offers seamless integration with your fleet management systems. By automating Hours of Service (HOS) tracking and simplifying compliance with FMCSA regulations, our ELDs empower your drivers to focus on the road while ensuring adherence to legal requirements.

Real-Time GPS Tracking for Enhanced Visibility:

Visibility into your fleet's operations is key to effective management and decision-making. Our tail light GPS trackers and GPS tracking online portal provide real-time insights into the location and status of your vehicles. Whether you're monitoring a single truck or an entire fleet, our advanced tracking solutions offer unparalleled accuracy and reliability. With features like real-time alerts and proactive monitoring, you can stay ahead of potential issues and optimize route planning for improved efficiency.

Dash Cams: A Window into On-Road Events:

In the event of accidents or disputes, having a reliable record of on-road events is invaluable. Our dash cams offer high-definition video recording and advanced features such as night vision and wide-angle lenses, ensuring clear and comprehensive footage in all conditions. With seamless integration with our GPS tracking systems, you can easily review and analyze driving behavior, enhance driver training programs, and mitigate risks associated with accidents and liability claims.

Ensuring Compliance and Safety

In today's regulatory landscape, compliance with safety regulations is not just a legal requirement but also a moral imperative. Our comprehensive suite of solutions, including ELDs, dash cams, and GPS trackers, is designed to help you achieve and maintain compliance with ease. By leveraging technology to automate compliance tasks and promote safe driving practices, we empower you to prioritize the safety of your drivers and the communities they serve.

Conclusion: At ELD Mandate, we understand the challenges and complexities of managing a modern fleet. That's why we're committed to providing innovative solutions that streamline operations, enhance safety, and ensure compliance with regulatory mandates. Whether you're looking to upgrade your ELD system, implement GPS tracking for improved visibility, or enhance your fleet's safety with dash cams, we have the expertise and products to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more about how our solutions can transform your fleet management practices and drive your business forward.

[eldmandate9]

FMCSA Personal Conveyance & Yard Moves A Full Explanation

The Hours of Service rules published in 2015 by the FMCSA introduced new provisions for two Special Driving Categories, namely, Personal conveyance and Yard moves. 

What is Personal Conveyance?

As the name suggests, personal conveyance (PC) refers to the movement of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for personal use. It's important to know that any movement of the CMV made for personal conveyance should not be for commercial profit to the motor carrier. 

The vehicle can be used for personal conveyance even if it is loaded, as long as it is not used for the commercial benefit of the carrier fleet. Personal conveyance counts towards the required off-duty period. Hence, it does not affect the 14-hour driving window or the 11-hour driving limit. Certain ELDs can allow fleet managers to disable this provision for drivers. 

Below are some examples of valid and invalid use of the personal conveyance movements laid down by the FMCSA.

When can you use Personal Conveyance?

Time spent travelling from drivers residence to the reporting location. 

Time spent travelling to find the a closeby safe location to obtain the required rest for a driver. The time driving under personal conveyance should allow the driver adequate time to obtain the required rest in accordance with the rules for Hours of Service.

Time spent travelling between trailer-drop lots and driver’s residence. 

Time spent moving the vehicle on instruction of a safety official during the driver’s off-duty time. 

Time spent transporting personal property during off-duty.

Time spent travelling to a restaurant or entertainment facilities and back to lodging. Note: Other drivers on their off-duty period may be onboard the vehicle. These drivers are not considered passengers.

Time spent travelling to driver’s residence after working at an off-site location.

Examples of invalid use of PC:

Time spent in moving a commercial motor vehicle to enhance the operational readiness of the motor carrier. 

Time spent to continue a trip in interstate commerce to fulfil a business purpose. This includes repositioning the vehicle on the instructions of the carrier, retrieving an additional load, bobtailing, etc. 

Time spent driving a vehicle to a facility to have vehicle maintenance performed.

Time spent while commuting to the terminal after loading or unloading from a shipper or a receiver. 

Questions

Can I use Personal Conveyance to Drive Home?

Yes, this is a valid use of PC – as long as the driver is relived from work and all responsibility of work. 

If I use PC will I have to report back to the same location?

According to the guidelines published by the FMCSA, drivers are not required to report to the last on-duty location after a personal conveyance movement. A driver can begin the on-duty period after completing the required off-duty period – regardless the location of the CMV. 

How Much Personal Conveyance can I Use?

There is no limit set, but keep in mind that a DOT officer may scrutinise a drivers PC usage, and if found to be not valid a violation may be given. 

Does Personal Conveyance Count against Hours of Service?

PC is counted as Off-Duty in Hours of Service, and thus has no impact on driver’s available hours of service. It is important to make sure that the driver selects Personal Conveyance in advance of moving the truck to ensure that the correct status is selected before driving. Training on this is important to ensure edits and annotations are not required on logs. Call us if training is needed for any driver. Learn more about us by clicking here. 

What is a Yard Move?

Yard Move is a special driving category for when a driver makes vehicle movements or adjustments in a yard. The term ‘yard’ does not have a formal definition laid down by the FMSCA. However, there are certain rules:

There must be a sign or a gate that restricts the public from entering the yard

The entirety of the move must be within the same yard itself. Driving from one yard to another is considered a Driving event and not a Yard Move

A yard can be a carrier’s terminal, customer’s facility, or a maintenance facility as long as there are signs or gates restricting the public from entering the premise. Moving the CMV or bobtailing at a parking lot open to the public is not considered a yard move. Note, most truck stops are not considered as "yard" as they are open to the public. Also, any sort of vehicle driving that occurs on a public roads is not considered a yard move. 

The time captured by the ELD during the yard move counts towards the driver’s on-duty time. So, yard moves are considered on-duty but not driving. For instance, if a driver starts the day by performing yard moves, then the driver has started the 14-hour driving window. However, the driver still has up to 11 hours of driving time allowed. Similar to Personal Conveyance, carriers can turn off the Yard Move option for certain or all drivers. 

The time spent in yard move needs to be logged with a lot of scrutiny. In case a driver fails to change the status after leaving the yard, a false entry is logged. A driver should immediately include a remark in the logs explaining the false log. An intended falsification of the logs may lead to violations. Also it is important to have the driver select Yard Move on the app before driving the car, so that a driving event isn't logged. 

That is a full explanation of both Personal Conveyance and Yard Moves that can be selected with us in the best ELD Device. For more information on Hours of Service click this article.