Why ELD Compliance Management Is Critical for Fleets

Why ELD Compliance Management Is Critical for Fleets

Fleets that rely on electronic logging devices must prioritize ELD compliance management to stay ahead of FMCSA changes. The FMCSA continues to remove devices from the approved list more frequently, and it introduced a stricter vetting system. Therefore, fleets that do not actively manage their ELDs risk HOS violations, audit penalties, and operational disruptions.

By managing devices proactively, fleets can ensure compliance while also using ELD data to improve driver performance, safety, and efficiency.


Why the FMCSA Is Removing ELDs From the Approved List

Throughout 2024–2025, the FMCSA removed multiple devices from its approved list. Common reasons include:

  • The devices fail to meet technical reporting standards

  • They lack required HOS data elements

  • Malfunctions produce incomplete or inaccurate logs

  • Providers discontinue support or miss updates

  • Data formatting does not match FMCSA systems

As a result, fleets have about 60 days to replace revoked devices. Otherwise, they may face enforcement action or penalties. Fleets using lesser-known brands often experience major disruptions.


How the FMCSA’s New Vetting Process Impacts Fleets

To reduce low-quality devices, the FMCSA now requires stricter pre-approval for ELD providers. Before listing a device, the agency reviews:

  • Technical verification of the device

  • Provider identity and legitimacy

  • Device performance and data accuracy

  • A four-tier approval decision instead of automatic listing

Consequently, fleets now encounter fewer unreliable options but can trust approved devices more.


The Importance of ELD Compliance Management for Fleets

Managing ELDs involves more than logging hours. Active ELD compliance management includes monitoring vendor reliability, maintaining documentation, and preparing for rapid replacement if a device is revoked. Fleets should:

  • Confirm devices remain on the approved list

  • Evaluate high-risk vendors with limited update history

  • Track installation dates, firmware versions, and compliance records

  • Plan device replacement in case of revocation

Because an ELD serves as a compliance anchor, careful oversight protects fleets from violations and fines.


Why Geotab Excels in ELD Compliance Management

Fleets that use telematics for safety benefit from Geotab’s reliable technology. In addition to HOS tracking, Geotab provides:

  • Driver behavior insights: speeding, harsh braking, cornering

  • Safety event reporting and distracted driving alerts

  • Maintenance and fault code monitoring

  • Fuel and routing optimization analytics

  • Camera integrations for incident documentation

  • Performance dashboards for driver coaching

As a result, fleets reduce preventable accidents, implement data-driven coaching, and strengthen safety culture.


How TRIPDAWG Supports ELD Compliance Management

TRIPDAWG helps fleets stay compliant amid increasing ELD revocations. The company provides:

  • Fully compliant telematics devices, including Geotab solutions

  • Guidance on selecting approved ELD equipment

  • Migration support for revoked devices

  • Integrations with cameras, analytics, routing, and maintenance systems

  • Data consulting for safety and performance programs

Therefore, fleets benefit from technology that evolves with regulations instead of falling behind.


Final Takeaway: Stay Compliant, Stay Ahead

The ELD landscape continues to change. Devices will be removed, and new providers face stricter approval. Fleets prioritizing ELD compliance management will stay audit-ready, reduce risk, and improve driver safety.

To review your current ELD setup, replace risky devices, or upgrade to a telematics solution, explore TripDAWG solutions.

Driving Safety Forward: Fleet Safety Behavior Monitoring With LifeSaver Mobile

Driving Safety Forward: Fleet Safety Behavior Monitoring With LifeSaver Mobile

In today’s insurance climate, fleets face intense pressure to reduce risk, manage claims, and show measurable safety performance. Fleet safety behavior monitoring helps fleets achieve these goals. Many companies rely on cameras or heavy hardware, but a growing number are seeking driver-friendly, cost-effective solutions to prevent phone-based distraction — the leading cause of preventable crashes.

TripDAWG partners with LifeSaver Mobile, a mobile-based solution designed to reduce risky behaviors without in-cab hardware. Real fleets are achieving real results.


K&B Transportation: A Fleet Safety Behavior Monitoring Success Story

Company: K&B Transportation
Fleet Size: ~800 trucks
Headquarters: South Sioux City, NE
Case Study Source: LifeSaver Mobile

In 2022, K&B Transportation faced rising insurance premiums despite a strong safety record. Video-based systems were expensive and invasive, conflicting with driver culture. The company needed a solution that was scalable, compliant, and behavior-focused.

Challenges included:

  • Rising insurance premiums

  • Limited negotiating power with insurers

  • Costly or intrusive hardware solutions

  • Need for behavior-based driver improvement


Deploying LifeSaver Mobile Across the Fleet

K&B Transportation launched LifeSaver Mobile in December 2022, focusing on phone distraction and safe driving habits through:

  • Real-time behavior feedback

  • Phone distraction mitigation

  • Driver scoring and analytics

  • Always-on enforcement

  • Leadership-supported cultural shift

This implementation became more than a technology rollout; it became a company-wide safety culture movement.


The Results: Crashes Reduced and Risk Profile Transformed

Over three years, K&B Transportation achieved:

  • 67% reduction in crash frequency

  • Fewer collisions, fewer claims, and fewer preventable incidents

  • Enhanced insurability with 20+ insurers competing for coverage

  • A move toward self-insurance, unlocking millions in savings

  • Demonstrated return on safety investment: behavior-based programs work

K&B Transportation didn’t just adopt a tool — they shifted driver expectations, accountability, and habits across the fleet.


Why Fleet Safety Behavior Monitoring Matters

Phone distraction prevention is a critical missing piece in many fleet safety programs. TripDAWG and LifeSaver Mobile help fleets:

  • Reduce distracted driving at scale

  • Coach drivers using actionable behavior data

  • Improve risk scoring and insurance leverage

  • Support a modern, data-driven safety program

  • Deploy quickly without cameras or expensive hardware

Telematics solutions like Geotab track speeding, harsh events, and maintenance trends, while LifeSaver Mobile adds real behavior control where it matters most — the driver’s phone. Together, they provide prevention before violations occur.


Building a Safer Fleet With LifeSaver Mobile

The K&B case study proves that technology alone doesn’t change safety — culture does. LifeSaver Mobile integrates with telematics to:

  • Reduce crash frequency

  • Improve insurance outcomes

  • Enable behavior analytics and coaching

  • Support data-driven risk management

Fleets exploring distraction prevention programs, insurance reduction strategies, or driver safety coaching can implement LifeSaver Mobile to achieve measurable results similar to K&B Transportation.


Take Action: Start Fleet Safety Behavior Monitoring Today

Contact TripDAWG to see how LifeSaver Mobile integrates with your telematics ecosystem. Request a demo to reduce crashes, improve driver habits, and strengthen your fleet’s safety culture.

Build a fleet that is safer, smarter, and more insurable.

ELD Revocations: How to Stay Compliant and Connected in 2026

ELD Revocations: How to Stay Compliant and Connected in 2026

Even the most organized fleets can face sudden compliance challenges. Recent trends show the FMCSA’s increased oversight of electronic logging devices (ELDs) is leading to more revocations than ever before.
Understanding what’s driving these changes — and how connected technology can keep your operations compliant — is key to staying ahead.


Why ELD Revocations Are Rising

The FMCSA is cracking down on ELD providers that fail to meet strict technical and data transfer requirements.
When a device is revoked, fleets have 60 days to replace it or risk major compliance issues.

If you miss that window, your operation could face:

  • Out-of-service violations during roadside inspections

  • Inaccurate logs that undermine audit readiness

  • Administrative delays as teams scramble to update records

Even one revoked ELD can disrupt driver qualification files, IFTA reports, and safety documentation.
To learn more about managing compliance records effectively, visit TripDawg.


The Risk of Disconnected Systems

Disconnected systems create compliance blind spots.
When your ELD doesn’t integrate with fuel reporting, driver files, or safety systems, errors multiply — and costs rise.

Common issues include:

  • Missing mileage data for IFTA filings

  • Manual entry errors in compliance platforms

  • Inconsistent recordkeeping across departments

  • Higher audit risk due to incomplete data

The future of compliance depends on integration, not more paperwork.


TripDAWG + Geotab: A Stronger ELD Solution

TripDAWG’s telematics platform, powered by Geotab, is built for connected compliance.
Geotab is a trusted, FMCSA-registered ELD provider that helps fleets stay compliant automatically.

With TripDAWG and Geotab, your team gets:

  • Automatic FMCSA compliance updates

  • Real-time HOS, GPS, and diagnostic data

  • Cloud-based log storage and safety analytics

  • Reliable ELD performance with active support

When you pair Geotab’s technology with TripDAWG’s compliance expertise, your fleet stays informed, efficient, and audit-ready at all times.
Explore how TripDawg supports FMCSA compliance.


The Power of Integration: TripDAWG, GW Connect, and DQM Connect

A connected fleet technology ecosystem eliminates silos and builds efficiency across your operations.

TripDAWG + GW Connect

TripDAWG’s Geotab data syncs directly with GW Connect to streamline:

  • IFTA fuel tax reporting by jurisdiction

  • IRP renewal tracking and mileage validation

  • Maintenance scheduling and asset lifecycle management

  • Centralized compliance visibility for terminals and vehicles

This integration removes manual entry and ensures your audit data is always accurate.

Learn more about TripDAWG to automate fleet compliance.

TripDAWG + DQM Connect

TripDAWG also integrates with DQM Connect to align driver qualification and safety programs with real-time data.
This connection provides:

  • Automatic license and violation monitoring

  • Safety event tracking tied to actual driving activity

  • Instant insight into driver status and compliance metrics

Together, these systems form a 360° compliance network that keeps your team proactive and connected.

Visit www.dqmconnect.com to explore driver file management tools.


Why Connected Compliance Matters

When your systems communicate, you gain visibility and confidence.
With TripDAWG, GW Connect, and DQM Connect working together, your fleet achieves:

  • Unified data accuracy across platforms

  • Faster audit preparation

  • Stronger accountability

  • Ongoing FMCSA compliance

This technology ecosystem grows with your business and keeps every department aligned.
Explore our software solutions to see how connected compliance helps fleets scale safely.


Stay Compliant. Stay Connected.

ELD revocations show no signs of slowing down — but your operations can stay steady.
Now is the time to ensure your fleet runs on certified, integrated technology that keeps compliance airtight.

With TripDAWG powered by Geotab, GW Connect for fleet and fuel tax management, and DQM Connect for driver qualification tracking, you’ll have the tools needed for continuous compliance in 2026 and beyond.

Schedule a TripDAWG demo and see how connected compliance can streamline your fleet operations and strengthen your safety culture.

Smart Fleet Management for the Holiday Rush: How Telematics Keeps You Ahead


Smart Fleet Management for the Holiday Rush: How Telematics Keeps You Ahead


The final quarter brings more than holiday lights — it brings a surge in freight activity. From e-commerce fulfillment to retail restocks and grocery distribution, carriers face heightened demand.

With this comes added strain:

  • Traffic congestion and extended delivery windows

  • Driver fatigue from tight schedules

  • Increased cargo theft during peak shopping periods

  • Margin pressure from fuel, overtime, and downtime

Advanced truck telematics and digital fleet management tools give operations teams the visibility and control needed to stay efficient, compliant, and secure during the busiest season.


What Is Truck Telematics — and Why It Matters During the Holidays

Telematics combines telecommunications and informatics to collect vehicle data — including GPS location, speed, fuel usage, and engine diagnostics — in real time.

For fleet managers, this data provides crucial insights:

  • Route performance and delivery timelines

  • Driver behavior and safety metrics

  • Fuel efficiency and idle time

  • Asset utilization and maintenance needs

During the holiday rush, telematics vehicle tracking helps fleets optimize routes, reduce idle time, and respond instantly to traffic or delivery changes.


How Geotab Powers Smart Truck Telematics for TripDAWG

Geotab is a trusted ELD provider that forms the backbone of TripDAWG’s connected fleet ecosystem. Its open platform collects real-time vehicle and driver data, which integrates with telematics, cameras, and maintenance systems.

With Geotab ELD data, TripDAWG connects compliance and safety tools including:

  • Dash cameras (see Fleet Camera Buying Guide)

  • Fleet maintenance systems (GW Connect)

  • Driver behavior analytics and safety scoring

  • GPS route optimization and asset tracking

Think of Geotab as the engine that powers fleet data, and TripDAWG as the dashboard that makes it actionable and centralized.


Truck Telematics in Action: Managing Holiday Freight Risks

1. Traffic and Route Congestion

Holiday travel increases delivery delays. Telematics allows dispatchers to monitor routes in real time and adjust instantly to avoid gridlock, keeping deliveries on schedule and drivers less stressed.

2. Driver Fatigue and Safety Risks

Fatigue leads to mistakes. Integrated telematics tools identify high-risk behaviors such as hard braking, speeding, or long hours, letting safety teams intervene before incidents occur.

3. Cargo Theft and Security Threats

Cargo theft rises during peak season. Combining GPS data, vehicle tracking, and fleet cameras lets fleets:

  • Receive instant alerts when assets deviate from approved routes

  • Geofence high-risk areas

  • Review dashcam footage for verification and investigation

Compare camera solutions in the [Fleet Camera Buying Guide].

4. Protecting Margins Through Optimization

High demand doesn’t have to mean higher costs. Route optimization and driver performance insights reduce fuel waste, downtime, and increase efficiency — all critical during the holiday rush.


Fleet Management Metrics That Matter During the Holiday Season

The best-performing fleets focus on actionable metrics:

Metric Why it Matters
On-Time Delivery Rate Measures service reliability and customer satisfaction
Idle Time Identifies wasted fuel and inefficiency
Fuel Efficiency (MPG) Tracks cost per mile and profitability
Driver Safety Score Reduces risk and insurance costs
Asset Utilization Ensures fleet operates at full capacity


Plan Ahead: Smarter Fleets Use Truck Telematics

Data-driven telematics allows fleets to perform stronger, safer, and more efficiently during peak periods. TripDAWG’s ecosystem, powered by Geotab ELD data, helps you:

  • Monitor assets in real time

  • Prevent cargo theft with GPS + camera visibility

  • Improve driver safety and reduce fatigue

  • Optimize routes to protect margins

Explore TripDAWG. 


Final Thoughts: Turn Holiday Chaos Into Control

The holiday season doesn’t have to mean chaos. Truck telematics, connected fleet data, and smart integrations let you deliver more loads, protect drivers, and stay profitable.

TripDAWG helps fleets transform complexity into clarity with digital fleet management solutions that scale with your needs.

Ready to make this your most efficient season yet? 
Schedule a TripDAWG demo or visit our Resource Library to access tools like our Fleet Camera Buying Guide and Telematics ROI Checklists.

Fleet Dispatching Software: Smarter Routing, Happier Drivers

When people talk about fleet efficiency, they often point to fuel, compliance, or maintenance costs. Yet one factor influences all of these areas—dispatch. The way loads are assigned impacts driver satisfaction, customer service, and profitability.

That’s why fleets are adopting fleet dispatch software to move beyond manual routing. This technology doesn’t just get trucks from Point A to Point B. It creates a connected, smarter dispatch system that benefits drivers, managers, and customers.


Why Dispatch Matters More Than You Think

Dispatchers are more than schedulers. They serve as the hub that connects drivers, customers, and managers. Inefficient dispatching creates:

  • Frustrated drivers with poorly planned routes.

  • Late appointments and dissatisfied customers.

  • Extra miles that waste both fuel and time.

Efficient dispatching, on the other hand, supports drivers, strengthens customer loyalty, and lowers operating costs.


The Power of Fleet Dispatch Software

Traditional methods—spreadsheets, phone calls, sticky notes—can’t keep up with today’s pace. Fleet dispatch software modernizes the process with features like:

  • Smarter Routing – Optimize trips in real time to cut miles and delays.

  • Load Visibility – Monitor driver availability and location at a glance.

  • Direct Driver Communication – Reduce endless phone calls with in-app updates.

  • Customer Notifications – Provide accurate ETAs to build trust.

These tools allow dispatchers to manage proactively instead of reacting to problems.


Fleet Dispatch Software and Driver Retention

Drivers frequently say dispatch “makes or breaks” their job. Poor communication and routing lead to frustration and high turnover. By using streamlined fleet dispatch software, fleets can:

  • Deliver efficient, predictable routes.

  • Improve communication with fewer misunderstandings.

  • Ensure compliance with Hours of Service.

When dispatch runs smoothly, drivers feel valued and are more likely to stay.


How Dispatch Impacts Fuel Costs

Fuel is one of the largest fleet expenses. Poor dispatching adds unnecessary miles and idle time, directly cutting into profits. Fleet dispatch software reduces waste by building efficient routes and avoiding traffic delays. Even small gains in MPG save thousands of dollars per truck annually.


TripDAWG: Connected Dispatch for the Modern Fleet

TripDAWG takes fleet dispatch software beyond simple load assignments. Our trusted technology partners provide dispatch solution to:

  • Optimize routes
  • Streamline operations
  • Lead to happier customer

Take your fleet’s dispatch system to the next with a full ecosystem of solutions:

  • Routing + ELDs – Sync hours-of-service data with load planning.
  • Fleet Cameras & Safety Tools – Use safety insights for smarter assignments.
  • Asset Tracking – Match the right trucks with the right trailers.
  • Fuel Programs – Pair routing with cost-saving fuel strategies.

With TripDAWG fleet dispatch software is just the beginning to your operation efficiency. Unify dispatch, increase safety, and crush your compliance.


Final Thoughts

Dispatch is the heartbeat of a fleet. Poor systems cost money, drivers, and customers. Smart dispatching reduces fuel, keeps drivers satisfied, and builds customer trust.

Fleet dispatch software is no longer optional—it’s essential. With TripDAWG, fleets get connected dispatching that strengthens every part of their operation.

Ready to see smarter dispatch in action? Give us a call! 530-384-3884

Fleet Metrics That Actually Matter (and the Ones to Ignore)

Fleets today generate enormous amounts of data from telematics, dispatch, and maintenance tools. The challenge isn’t collecting information—it’s knowing which numbers drive results. Many operators get caught up in vanity data that looks impressive but does little for compliance, safety, or profitability.

The key is focusing on fleet metrics that actually matter. These are the KPIs that influence cost control, operational efficiency, and long-term success.


Fleet Metrics That Actually Matter

1. Cost per Mile

Trucking profitability always comes back to cost per mile. This metric captures fuel, maintenance, driver pay, insurance, and administrative overhead.

Why it matters: A rising cost per mile squeezes margins and signals the need for tighter control of expenses.


2. Asset Utilization

Owning trucks and trailers is expensive. Leaving them parked is even more costly. Utilization measures whether assets are actively generating revenue or sitting idle.

Why it matters: Maximizes return on investment and prevents unnecessary equipment purchases.


3. Fuel Efficiency

Fuel is one of the largest operating costs in trucking. Tracking average miles per gallon across vehicles highlights opportunities for training, route adjustments, and upgrades.

Why it matters: Even a small bump in fleet-wide MPG creates significant annual savings.


4. Driver Safety Metrics

Driver behavior impacts both safety and reputation. Metrics like harsh braking, speeding, and distracted driving provide insights into training and liability risks.

Why it matters: Safer drivers reduce accidents, lower insurance costs, and improve retention.


5. Maintenance Compliance

Preventive maintenance compliance is critical. Tracking overdue services versus scheduled intervals helps fleets shift away from reactive repairs.

Why it matters: Reduces downtime, lowers repair bills, and prevents CSA violations.


Fleet Metrics You Can Ignore

Not all numbers lead to better decisions. Some metrics look good on dashboards but add little real value. Examples include:

  • Total miles driven: Lacks context unless tied to cost, revenue, or utilization.

  • Number of stops: Only useful when connected to delivery performance.

  • Idle hours without benchmarks: Data is meaningless without comparisons across vehicles and routes.

  • Download counts from portals or apps: Engagement is not performance.

These vanity metrics may create noise but rarely guide operational improvements.


Turning Metrics Into Action with TripDAWG

Actionable data is more valuable than raw numbers. TripDAWG builds the best fleet technology solution package that suited for your fleet, your goals, your success! Our team of experts and over 25 years of keeping your trucks on the road, you can trust we can provide a system that work for you and your fleet! With trusted technology partners, TripDAWG enhances:

  • Telematics and routing: Monitor utilization, fuel efficiency, and cost per mile.

  • Fleet cameras and safety modules: Track driver behavior to reduce accidents and liability.

  • Maintenance management: Stay ahead of service intervals to minimize costly breakdowns.

Instead of chasing vanity metrics, TripDAWG helps fleets focus on measurable results.


Final Thoughts on Fleet Metrics That Actually Matter

In fleet management, more data does not always mean better decisions. The winners are those who prioritize cost per mile, utilization, fuel efficiency, safety, and maintenance. Everything else is just noise.

Ready to see how TripDAWG makes metrics actionable? Check out our ecosystem of vetted and trusted technology partners www.im4trux.com/tripdawg/