On December 16th, 2019, it became a legal requirement for all vehicles in the USA that are subject to Federal Hours of Service regulations, this being those that need to provide Record of Duty Status (RODS) information, to be fitted with an Electronic Logging Device in place of the older and now obsolete paper logging system. The reasons for the ELD Mandate are many and include accuracy of information and protection against tampering as well as improved safety implications, and if you have yet to make a move, you are currently breaking the law.
It would be best if you acted fast, so we have put together this article to give you the best idea as to how one of the most famous ELD’s works, and how it can benefit you. There are many makes and models on the market, and this one – the Rand McNally ELD 50 – is a trendy one that does the job very efficiently at a sensible price.
Why have we picked this model? If you check out the information available at https://bestelddevices.org/rand-mcnally-eld-50-reviews/, you will learn a lot about the way these machines operate, and also about Rand McNally itself. This is a company that began its life creating maps in the 1850s, and has been involved in navigation aids ever since, so we thought it an excellent place to start where ELD’s are concerned. Let’s have a closer look at the ELD 50, and why you might want to choose this model.
How Does and ELD Work?
An ELD device is a digital information gathering system that keeps an accurate log of the status and operation of the engine of a truck or other commercial vehicle subject to RODS reporting. There are strict rules, for example, on the hours a driver can operate without taking a break, which will be quickly reported. The system will report whether the driver is driving, on duty and waiting, or off duty. The system also includes a GPS device so that the fleet manager can quickly determine if the truck has strayed off course, or is stopped in an unscheduled spot.
The Rand McNally ELD 50 is also easy to fit: it comes with a 9-pin plug to go, not the trucks diagnostic port. You then download the app – you can find it for Android and iOS operating systems – and pair it with your smartphone or tablet by Bluetooth. It’s as simple as that, and it then uses the electronic data supplied by the truck engine’s diagnostic reporting system to provide an ongoing real-time picture of the truck, it’s an engine performance and the driver’s hours.
There are many different levels of sophistication with these devices, and where the Rand McNally wins is in being easy to fit, simple to use, and efficient. It’s worth knowing that this is a ‘no-frills’ model that gives you the information required by law, but it is one that is very popular with both small and larger fleet owners, as well as individual truck owners. Let’s talk some more about the features of the Rand McNally ELD 50.
What Does the Rand McNally ELD 50 Do?
As we have explained, an ELD is designed to gather information from the engine of a truck or other commercial vehicle about the running time of the engine, distance covered, and – via GPS – the location of the vehicle at any given time. Some can also provide energy and fuel usage figures and more. The ELD 50 may be an entry-level model, but it still offers some impressive features.
Using the app on your smartphone or tablet, you can perform the following functions when needed:
• View any remaining hours of service available
• Change duty status to a current one
• Certify any completed time and distance logs
• Check engine performance and time in action
The ELD 50 also offers further functions, such as allowing you to access six months of driver activity via the website, generate reports, perform inspections, and offering messaging features that allow the driver to keep in touch with base, and vice versa. This is an elegant and usable tool that is surprisingly easy to use, and one that has been fitted to a large number of fleets across the USA.
Is the ELD 50 for You?
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the deadline for converting to an ELD from the older paper-type of logging device has passed, so you need to get up to date very quickly if you are to remain within the law. The newer devices are not only more accurate and capable but are also more secure, so we recommend you have a closer look at the simple to use, practical, and affordable Rand McNally ELD 50 as it may be the answer you are looking for.
