Most carriers with onboard communications will likely have to bear very little, if any, added cost per truck for a paperless ELD solution when a mandatory electronic logging rule takes effect in a couple of years.
But contrary to some opinion, fleets and owner-operators that lack a mobile computing platform will have an abundance of low cost compliance options by the time the rule kicks-in.
As Fleet Owner magazine reports, the market is already filling up with cost-efficient ELD solutions, including those that can be downloaded and utilized via smartphone and tablet devices:
One trend that is taking shape now among truck manufacturers is to offer a telematics platform in the vehicle directly from the factory. A built-in telematics system can be paired with a mobile device of a fleet’s own choosing to run ELDs and other fleet management applications. A stand-alone e-log system – or a bundle that can be paired with an array of other compliance solutions such as driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) or IFTA fuel tax reporting – can be had for a combined monthly subscription of between $30 and $50 a month.
Additionally, a number of aftermarket ELD hardware devices, working with smartphone or tablet software applications, can also be purchased from suppliers for as little as $25 a month.
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