ELD Ratings website offers e-log reviews

Ben Ramsay, Vice President of Technology at Indianapolis-based Tradewinds Logistics, has been involved in technology around trucking for decades. Since Tradewinds starting utilizing electronic logs in 2011, “we have deployed several telematics products.” Ramsay’s research into a variety of e-log platforms frustrated him and the company given what he calls “the lack of unbiased, third party information. It seemed like all the websites and whitepapers providing info about ELDs were created by the device manufacturers themselves. It was very difficult to find feedback from actual users or independent product researchers.”

Following this experience, and with full knowledge of the reality that the ELD mandate represents a “huge change for the whole trucking industry, but especially for smaller businesses,” Ramsay and a partner launched the ELDRatings.com website with intent to create a “central community resource where fleets and drivers can learn about ELDs and get help choosing the best product for their business,” he says.

The goal is community-driven information, with “content created by and for members of the trucking industry,” he says. “We want to help people understand the ELD mandate and the various types of electronic logging technology. Most importantly, we want to be an independent source of detailed information about ELD products. We research the devices ourselves and interview actual users so we can provide reviews based on real-world experiences. Visitors to our site are even encouraged to post their own review of any ELD they have used.”

In addition to product reviews, educational information about the ELD mandate’s requirement is included, and free consultation to fleets and owner-operators “trying to decide on an ELD” is available, Ramsay adds. “Visitors are welcome to contact us any time for advice and suggestions as they evaluate their many options.”