Smartphones: The Future of Trucking
Truck Drivers Are Getting Connected
Smartphones are taking the world by storm — and this includes the world of trucking. A survey of Owner-Operators found that more than 75% surveyed access the web every day, 50% access the web from their smartphones, and 40% use their smartphone multiple times per day. In the last ten years, there has been quite a transformation. Back in 2007, Steve Ballmer, who was CEO of Microsoft at the time, stated that there was no chance the iPhone would get significant market share.
These days, many of us are connected to smartphones 24/7. So, why not use smartphones as your electronic logging device? The trucking industry is already using apps for routing, dispatching, shipping on-demand, finding parking. In addition to convenience, it also makes sense financially. If you’ve already invested in mobile devices for drivers, why would you spend more money for a secondary screen?
Let’s review the benefits of smartphone-based ELDs. Drivers will always have their driving data at their fingertips, no matter where they go. Their device isn’t tied down to the cab. The ELD app will accurately log time spent working behind the wheel and outside the vehicle. As well, with a connection to the back office, carriers can monitor hours and ensure limits aren’t exceeded.
However, not all smartphone or tablet ELDs are equal.
Smartphone ELDs also have their limitations. Smartphones and tablets were designed for consumer use (chat, photo, streaming audio and video), not purely for ELD compliance. The hardware technology and functionality of mobile devices varies greatly. You can address these issues by using an ELD solution that works with your phone — Cloud ELD.
What is Cloud ELD? If you haven’t heard this term before, Cloud ELD is a reliable and user-friendly fleet platform for tracking, managing, and sharing records of duty status (RODS). Cloud ELD leverages the power of cloud computing to ensure an accurate and stable flow of data. Processing is done in the cloud.
There are numerous advantages to Cloud ELD, including: reliability, no back office intervention, no pairing process, reduced power consumption for longer battery life, platform compatibility (Android and iOS), and accuracy of logs — even when operating different vehicles. WIth Cloud ELD, the mobile app is synced with the fleet management software in the background, so fleet and compliance managers can monitor and analyze compliance with ELD reports, maps, and notifications.
Smartphones are only getting smarter and the capabilities keep expanding. Many industries such as banking, healthcare, and transportation have already embraced the smartphone technology and the cloud. Using your smartphone for electronic logging makes sense, as long as you pick a connected solution that reliable, flexible, and secure.
By arming yourself with information, you can ensure you make the right choice for your fleet.
Learn how you can simplify electronic logging, visit Geotab.com/ELD.
Geotab securely connects commercial vehicles to the internet, providing advanced web-based analytics to better manage your fleet. Geotab’s open platform and Marketplace, offering hundreds of third-party solution options, allows both small and large businesses to automate operations by integrating vehicle data with a company's other data assets. Processing more than 1 billion data points a day, Geotab leverages big data and machine learning to improve productivity, optimize fleets through the reduction of fuel consumption, enhance driver safety, and achieve stronger compliance to regulatory changes. To learn more, please visit www.geotab.com and follow us @GEOTAB and on LinkedIn.
