Commercial vehicles are important in many business sectors, but they come with many responsibilities. Due to their size and weight, trucks and other large vehicles can cause major accidents if the driver loses control. In the US, companies that use commercial vehicles must meet the regulations of all the states in which they operate. Additional regulations apply for vehicles that travel across borders into Canada or Mexico.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) developed the Entry-Level Driver Training regulations or ELDT, which came into effect on February 7, 2020. These requirements apply in the following cases:

• Obtaining a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Upgrading from Class B to Class A CDL
• School bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement

A Class A CDL is required in the US to drive a truck and trailer combination that weighs over 26,000 pounds. Applicants must receive 30 hours of driving experience with a school that meets FMCSA standards, and at least 10 hours driving the truck in a practice range. A Class B CDL is for smaller commercial vehicles like motor coaches and school buses, requiring 15 hours of driving experience and 7 hours of driving range practice.

Since the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986, drivers can only hold a CDL in one state. Companies must also be aware that ELDT regulations are federal, but state governments have their own driver legislation.

Compliance can be difficult when commercial vehicles operate across state and national borders, but driver management software can simplify the task. Software can also help drivers manage their legally allowed driving hours and minimum rest hours. This article provides an overview of the main benefits of a driver management system.

Top Benefits of Driver Management

1) Helps Identify Training Deficiencies

Industry regulations are reviewed and updated regularly, and the ELDT from February 2020 is a clear example. Companies must make sure that their cos have updated knowledge about any regulations that impact their operations. However, this can be a challenge for commercial drivers since they are on the road most of the time. Keeping track of documents and courses received for each driver is difficult unless technology is used.

Lack of driver training can bring consequences such as failed inspections and an increased accident risk. However, a driver management system can track the training received with individual user profiles, ensuring that nobody is assigned a trip without being ready.

2) Improves Driver Safety

Many occupational risks are caused by a lack of information or a lack of the right tools for a task. Commercial drivers can rely on technology to plan their routes, driving hours, and resting hours more efficiently. They can complete trips on time without exceeding their allowed driving hours, which is both dangerous and against regulations.

Documentation and driver safety training can also be managed more easily with software. This is very useful for compliance since drivers don’t have to worry about failing an inspection during a trip. All key documents can be organized in advance for inspections and customs declarations, saving valuable time on the road.

3) Allows Digitized Documentation

Digital documents can travel long distances in an instant, and they cannot be lost or damaged physically. This is very useful for commercial drivers, who are often away for several days. There is no need to carry forms and other documents in the vehicle since they can be retrieved online as many times as necessary.

When a truck must travel across states and national borders, many documents may be necessary for compliance purposes. Accessing all these files from a digital database is more effective than carrying a stack of printed copies.

4) Supports Equipment Maintenance

Driver skills are important to handle commercial vehicles safely, but the fleet itself must also be kept in optimal conditions. Conducting routine preventive maintenance is much less expensive than emergency repairs and reduced the chances of future injuries and fatalities.

Driver management software is useful for daily vehicle inspections, since reports can be filled and uploaded from a mobile device. Any issues that may cause an accident are reported immediately, and drivers can avoid using the affected vehicle until the problem is fixed.

5) Decreases Driver Turnover

Commercial drivers are less likely to suffer from fatigue and stress when they have adequate training and safety software to support them. Their job is physically demanding, but it can be simplified with updated knowledge and technology. Drivers feel more confident when a company looks out for them, and they are less likely to leave.

Technology can also reduce the stress associated with regulations and inspections. Instead of having to worry about managing multiple documents, commercial drivers can focus on the road, and any document requested by an inspector is retrieved digitally.

Conclusion

Considering the weight and size of commercial vehicles, companies must do everything they can to reduce the risk of accidents. They must protect not only the drivers for their company but those of the public who share the road. Drivers should receive adequate training to handle these vehicles safely, and they should be provided with tools that simplify their job. When a route crosses several states or countries, companies must ensure that all regulations are met – this includes giving drivers all the documentation needed along the way.

All these aspects of handling a commercial fleet can be simplified with driver management software, while simultaneously creating safer working conditions.