DQMConnect™, Driver Qualification File Management
The transportation industry is definitely shifting from an old-school approach into the tech era. As devices, such as telematics, become more sophisticated, data capture and sharing are at the heart of mobility solutions. Fleets and trucking companies that have embraced digital transformation are benefitting. The newer technologies have helped reduce operating costs and enabled expansion their core business.
In this article, VLC shares some great tools to help you ride the technology wave for improved business efficiency, time and cost savings.
DQMConnect™ is the leading driver qualification file management solution offering centralized storage and efficient driver communications capabilities. Not only will driver files stay organized, up-to-date, and compliant but the technology approach to hiring will help attract the best candidates.
TripDAWG is a customizable fleet management telematics solution focused on 6 key areas: efficiency, safety, vehicle health and reliability, regulatory compliance, sustainability, and data access/expandability. Start with our Geotab fleet telematics core and expand your TripDAWG solution to meet your business objectives.
Mandates for electronic logging devices by the FMCSA apply to most motor carriers and drivers who are required to maintain records of duty status (RODS). These electronic requirements are propelling the technology wave and giving rise to newer and better features.
If you would like to learn more about how technology can improve your business, contact us. One of VLC’s transportation specialists will be happy to assist. Their years of industry experience are sure to uncover some great ideas to benefit your business!
Electronic Logging, FMCSA
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes minimum performance and design standards for hours-of-service (HOS) electronic logging devices (ELDs). On June 24, 2022, FMCSA removed the ArionT ELD from the list of registered ELDs due to the company’s failure to meet the minimum requirements established in 49 CFR part 395, subpart B, appendix A. Motor carriers and drivers using ArionT ELDs have 60 days to replace the revoked devices with compliant ELDs.
Here are the specifics of the affected ELD product, model #, and ELD identifier:
ELD Name: ArionT ELD
Model number: AT5000
ELD Identifier: AR1ONT
ELD Provider: Arion Tech Inc.
This device now appears on FMCSA’s Revoked Devices list.
Motor carriers and drivers who use the ArionT device must take the following actions:
- Discontinue using the revoked device(s) and revert to paper logs or other logging software to record required hours of service data.
- Replace the revoked device(s) with compliant ELD(s) from the Registered Devices list before August 24, 2022.
These required actions provide motor carriers with up to 60 days to replace their ArionT devices with compliant ELDs.
Motor carriers and drivers who continue to use the revoked ArionT device listed above on or after August 24, 2022, will be in violation and drives will be placed out-of-service in accordance with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) OOS Criteria.
If Arion Tech Inc. corrects all identified deficiencies, the FMCSA will place the device back on the Registered Devices list and inform the industry and the field of the status change. However, FMCSA strongly encourages motor carriers to take the actions listed above now to avoid compliance issues should these deficiencies continue past the 60-day grace period.
Vehicle Licensing Consultants has a solution for you. Check out the benefits of a TripDawg solution for your electronic logging needs:
- The TripDawg ELD is based on Geotab, one of the highest rated ELDs available
- TripDawg ELDs are always kept up to date with the latest technology and software releases
- TripDawg ELDs offer amazing expansion capabilities including:
- Dash Cams
- Weigh Station Bypass
- Asset tracking
- Fleet Maintenance
- Dispatch solutions
- And more!
Vehicle Licensing Consultants
A Virtual Projects, LLC Company
Fleet & Driver Compliance…Fleet Tracking Software
Driver Qualification File Management, Electronic Logging
Driver shortages hit all-time highs in 2021, making recruiting and retention a top priority for both large and small motor carriers. How can fleet managers and business leaders attract and retain drivers to fill their needs today and prepare for the demands of the future?
All employees want to feel supported by their employers, so having an employee-first (or specifically a driver-first) culture is important. Having access to the latest tools for communication, efficiency, and safety are important to them.
Offering a company culture that includes these technologies is the first step in building and maintaining a company that drivers want to become part of. Here are a few tools that are helping companies attract drivers and are helping driver stay safe, stay in touch, and efficiently complete their routes so they can return home to their families.
Becoming a Driver-First Focused Company
The right company focus that gives employees a sense of belonging, purpose, and tangible benefits is the first step toward retention. In this article, we present you with the top tools to consider in order to build that driver-first culture in your company.
Telematics Solutions
Your drivers spend most of their day behind the wheel and on the road alone. What better way to support them during the most difficult part of their job than with telematics-based software solutions that clearly offer a positive impact on driver experience and efficiency.
With mandated ELD regulations, drivers are concerned about planning their drive time accurately to avoid HOS violations. One extremely helpful tool in getting drivers home faster is a weigh station bypass system. Bypass systems not only make the driver feel cared-for and their time appreciated, but they also save the company time and money when drivers do not have to stop, produce the required information, and wait for law enforcement review. Some bypass systems offer e-inspection capabilities which streamline the process even if the driver is required to stop. Inspection time can be reduced from over a half hour to just minutes, enabling the driver to get back on the road more quickly.
Electronic Driver Qualification File Management
Another impressive tool that speeds onboarding and seasonal hiring, is online driver qualification file software. Online access for applying, re-hire, and getting the necessary documentation for compliance helps companies streamline their operations and present themselves to prospective employees in a professional and organization manner.
These driver qualification file systems also offer driver communications to help facilitate the gathering of compliance documents while on the road. When a driver applicant sees how easy the onboard and compliance process is, the driver-first company benefits.
In Conclusion
At VLC, our TripDawg and DQMConnect™ products are helping companies improve recruitment and retention by helping them with a driver-first culture. Let’s explore these opportunities and others that can help your business build an efficient, exciting technology strong company that drivers want to be part of. Contact us for a discovery call.
Vehicle Licensing Consultants
A Virtual Projects, LLC Company
Fleet & Driver Compliance…Fleet Tracking Software
530-384-3884
Electronic Logging
HOS violations can be costly to your organization. Your driver is placed out of service causing a ripple effect through your driver team and delays with your deliveries. Not to mention the fines, which can be significant.
Let’s take a look at the top 6 violations and see how Geotab can reduce or eliminate them from your fleet:
Wrong Class License
Ensure your divers have the proper license for their vehicle and trailer. Keep medical updates current and set reminders around licenses.
Vehicle Out of Service
Keep brakes, tires, and lights in proper working order to avoid road check violations. Cargo securement is another common violation that can put your vehicle OOS. Preventative maintenance is an excellent way to avoid these issues, replacing or repairing before problems occur. It’s also a great way to keep your drivers and equipment safe.
Driving Beyond Time
The 14-Hour and 11-Hour Rules are in place for everyone’s safety. Be sure that your drivers are informed about the HOS requirements.
Outdated Logs
Your Geotab ELD can avoid the risk of receiving this violation. Make sure your drivers actively update their change in duty status so that your logs are current and accurate at all times.
Compliance Review Violations
These violations typically occur when you are unable to present your ELD logs or are missing log data. If you are using an ELD and the data transfer fails, the Geotab Drive App can be a lifesaver. It will automatically retain the previous 14 days of logs to present during a roadside inspection.
Roadside Inspection Violations
These violations can easily be avoided when using the Geotab ELD. Geotab data can help the fleet manager see what drivers are reporting and can help spot any signs of tampering or falsification of records.
We Can Help
VLC has been assisting Fleet Managers and HR with tools and information to keep HOS violations reduced and eliminated. The Geotab device, when used correctly, will help you and your drivers stay on the road and avoid penalties. Call us for more information.
Vehicle Licensing Consultants
A Virtual Projects, LLC Company
Fleet & Driver Compliance…Fleet Tracking Software
530-384-3884
Telematics
This year’s Operation Safe Driver Week is set for July 11-17 and will focus on speeding. During this week, law enforcement will be on the lookout for commercial motor vehicles engaging in aggressive and risky driving. Any drivers whose activity is identified as unsafe will be pulled over and cited or warned.
The CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) has selected speeding as its prime focus this year. According to National Safety Council estimates, the rate of death on roads last year increased 24%, the highest jump in death rate in 96 years. Speeding claims a significant percentage of traffic fatalities, and data shows that a 10 mph increase in speed increases the risk of crash by over 9%. Due to the sharp increase in fatal accidents in 2020, this year’s emphasis is on speeding.
Not Limited to Speeding
While the focus is primarily on speeding, law enforcement will also be tracking reckless, unsafe driving, including distracted driving, improper lane changes, failure to wear a seat belt, and driving under the influence.
Are Your Telematics Devices Help You Manage Safety?
We have great telematics solutions that can help you manage and improve the safety of your drivers, decreasing your risk and ultimately saving you money. Benefits for drivers, benefits for fleets, benefits for the company bottom line. Give us a call to learn more.
Vehicle Licensing Consultants
A Virtual Projects, LLC Company
Fleet & Driver Compliance…Fleet Tracking Software
530-384-3884
