Although ELDs are electronic devices functionally similar to AOBRDs, there are some subtle differences between them. As a result, even the staff and drivers who are well-versed in AOBRDs can experience some technical difficulties while handling ELDs. All of them might not get accustomed to the new technology right at one-go. The time taken is certainly a subjective parameter as it depends on individual skill-set and interest. In addition, there might be a necessity to hold workshops and training sessions to better exploit the features of the device. There might be special attention necessary to tackle issues that might rise from one’s incompatibility to handle generated records and/or due to the malfunctioning of the device. All this demands for time – longer the possible, better the result. So, go for it right now! Choose the ELD most suitable for your application and ensure you make your personnel comfortable with it well before the criticality creeps-in.

As of now, market thrives with numerous ELD vendors – each trying to catch a prominent position. However, it is to be noted that not all of them deal with reliable, FMCSA-compliant products. Although FMCSA provides a list of self-certified ELD marketers, it is your responsibility to choose the device which best caters your specific needs while fully adhering to the new set of rules. This task of researching is quite tedious and time taking as it requires you to perform a thorough technical analysis of the product-of-interest by paying due attention to the format of output file, connectivity medium, additional beneficial features and cost. If you start porting from AOBRDs to ELDs at the last moment, you will run short of time for sure. So, start the process right now!

Owing to the grace period offered by FMCSA, there still exist many commercial vehicle owners using AOBRDs. However with just a couple of weeks left for the hard core deadline, all of them will start ordering ELDs. This growing demand is likely to result in shortage of ready-to-ship products. This is primarily because, even after anticipating a greater demand for ELDs, the companies are unlikely to produce much more devices than the number of orders placed. With this, either you may face unavailability of devices or might experience a delay in shipment – causing you to either compromise on a not fully compliant ELD or by leaving your fleet without an ELD even after the deadline exceeds. In either case, your business will get affected adversely. So, why take risk? Just place an order as soon as possible!

ELD market is anticipated to experience a considerable boom since the implementation of ELD mandate. However, even now, ELD merchants are striving to expand their market by competing between themselves to sell as many number of devices as possible. As a result they are offering the products at a reasonable price and are launching many kinds of offers. Nevertheless, the situation is likely to change drastically as the deadline approaches. With the use of ELDs being mandatory, you are compelled buy them, irrespective of whether you are offered a discount or not. Naturally, the cost of the devices would follow an opposite trend i.e. instead of going down the lane; the cost is likely to march up-hill. When implementation is obligatory, then why to pay more just because of delaying?

Do recall that December 16 2019 is the deadline for second shot of ELD mandate. This means, most, if not all, of your competitors have already started to use ELDs. As already mentioned, deployment of ELDs clearly offers certain noteworthy advantages which contribute to business development. This indicates that those who have already resorted to ELDs are reaping these benefits to ensure positive industrial growth. Sooner you start using, better the control over the device and its features. If you have not switched to ELD still, whatsoever the reason, then, you are definitely set behind in the race. Better late than never. So, hurry up! Switch to ELDs at the earliest to catch up the pace with your competitors.