As a mandate is being considered for industry-wide electronic onboard recording devices, we often hear drivers talk about how these EOBRs will ruin their business. From what we've seen, there are a lot of myths surrounding EOBRs and the good they can do for fleets and drivers. Here are some things to consider:
1) Myth: EOBR solutions take time away from the day
Before trying an EOBR solution, many drivers believe that their overall work time will be reduced. We've seen just the opposite Drivers are able to maximize the amount of time they drive in a day when using an EOBR solution. For example, EOBRs can record stops down to the minute, while paper log books can record only in 15-minute segments. For a driver who makes multiple stops in a day, these 15-minute intervals can quickly add up to hours of drive time over a week. We also find that drivers of EOBR-enabled vehicles are more focused on their tasks in the day, showing a new level of accountability to themselves and to their fleet.
2) Myth: Only large fleets use EOBR solutions
Many large companies have started to see the benefits of enterprise-wide EOBR solutions - and this is reflected in their great CSA scores! But there are cost-effective options for fleets - small and large - that may not need an enterprise-wide EOBR solution.
3) Myth: EOBR solutions kill on-duty and drive-time segments by taking away hours sitting at a dock
EOBR solutions track time when drivers are legally on duty. That's the time you start your truck, walk on to your job site, or spend time at a shipper. While you may be waiting, even with a paper log book, you are still on duty. By electronically tracking these hours, firms can start to track wasted time. If the shipper is at fault for a truck sitting at the dock or yard too long, that time can, and should, be billed appropriately.
4) Myth: By using an EOBR solution the government will know my every move!
The only people that will know a truck's location are the people authorized to view your data through your solution's web portal. If an audit takes place, the DOT may pull the electronic logs to see location-based data, but they will not know where you are at all times. This is the same process as for drivers who use paper logs.
5) Myth: EOBR solutions cost thousands of dollars
The FMCSA uses $1,600 in its cost analysis documentation for the potential EOBR mandate. This $1,600 represents a high-end model of fleet management software that contains more features than just logs; it is also from a generation of fleet management/EOBR solutions that have a high upfront hardware cost. There are options whose upfront hardware is cost-free with a monthly service subscription.
