There are a variety of new technologies to help keep truck drivers safely monitored. Some are required by law and others are can be a requisite for working for a specific company. Whether you are a trucker, a future trucker, or you are simply a concerned driver interested in the tracking of operators, you’re probably wondering just how are truck drivers monitored?
As of 2017, Federal law requires that every truck on the road is equipped with an ELD (electronic logging device) which is connected to the engine and automatically pulls data from every rig regarding its speed, location, and hours driven at any given time to ensure fewer violations on the road and that drivers follow the federally mandated hours of service. Federal Laws for ELDs
This law changed the trucking industry forever, veterans that had been using paper logbooks for their entire careers had to quickly adjust, and most of them were not too pleased. Whether they like it or not, in the last few years, as technological advances have exponentially increased, so has the observation of trucks and their drivers. Keep reading to find out exactly what’s going on in the world of truck monitoring and what it means for the industry.
What New Technologies Are Being Used to Monitor Truck Drivers?
Here are a few of the latest gadgets that are making a big difference for both the companies and drivers of the trucking business.
- ELDs, along with reporting the data of the truck’s location, speed, and hours driven, can now also record its inspection information, the IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement), and the IRP (International Registration Plan for Trucking) automatically. This creates a cohesive and easily digestible document that can be used for company tax purposes, filing, and internal records.
- Telematics in the trucking world means that entire fleets can now be collectively and automatically monitored and monetized. Not only will the GPS systems be used to track the vehicles, but now even when each truck’s engine is turned off and on, the company will know. Latest Technologies for Trucks
- In-cab camera systems are not new and their value is quite obvious: companies can easily see the driving habits of every driver in regards to their safety practices, speed, and in the event of an accident or violation, they are able to see what truly occurred.
- Advance GPS systems will allow for better “real time” deliveries by taking into account traffic, routes best suited for the weight and length of the rig, and better organization of the fleet by creating more coordinated pick up and drop off points.
- Fuel efficiency caluclating technology can save a company millions of dollars if they have a large fleet. Of course the price of fuel is an incredibly important factor to a trucking company, with this technology the company will be able to assess which drivers and trucks operate with the lowest fuel usage.
- Trailer tracking can be used in a variety of ways, the radars can secure the location of the trailer at any time, even after it’s separated from the truck, and it can regulate the temperature of any food or beverage transfer to comply with regulations.
- Collision reduction technology includes radar and cameras in and around the truck in order to alert the driver and stop accidents before they happen, as well as record data as evidence if a crash does occur. Truck Technologies
Why Are Truckers Against Monitoring?
There are certainly two sides to the coin when it comes to truck monitoring, and not everyone can agree.
For example, because the ELDs report the hours of service back to the company, and eventually the government, drivers must now strictly follow the law of only 11 hours of driving in a 14 hour day with at least 10 hours off the road. Some believe that this has lead to fewer tired drivers and therefore safer roads, but some have argued it simply makes the drivers feel the need to get their runs completed within the allotted time, and accordingly, not take as many breaks or safety stops.
Most truckers, like most people, do not want their every move monitored. However, the push from large trucking corporations seems to be outweighing the feelings of the drivers themselves. Many companies argue that these new systems will result in safer driving practices from operators, as well as reducing costs, and ensure fewer mistakes when it comes to inspections and taxation. Truck Monitoring
Conclusion
Truck drivers are monitored in a variety of ways based on the company they drive for and the type of rig they operate, but every truck on the road now has an ELD.
Depending on your personal opinions, this new wave of technological advancements could either make you feel much safer in or around a truck, or you may think though companies are holding too much power over their drivers.
Either way, monitoring is happening across the board in one way or another, and it’s constantly changing, so make sure to keep up to date whether you’re a truck operator, or simply an interested car driver.