Next generation E-Log and fleet management device from Rand McNally

Rand McNally has introduced a new electronic logging and fleet management device with cellular connectivity – the DC 200. This comes six months after the company launched its innovative Bluetooth plug-and-play ELD 50 for professional drivers.

“The DC 200 was designed for small- and medium-sized fleets – as – as well as larger fleets – looking for a cost-effective electronic logging device (ELD), plus fleet management tools that are increasingly critical to the industry,” says Stephen Fletcher, CEO, Rand McNally (www.randmcnally.com), a provider of maps, navigation and travel content. “The multi-mode cell modem in the device enables fleet managers to track their trucks in near real-time as well as message drivers.” 

Rand McNally’s announcement at the 2016 American Trucking Associations Management Conference & Exhibition taking place in in Las Vegas.

Features

The DC 200 continues Rand McNally’s tradition of providing transportation technology that is quick and simple to install, and intuitive to use, Fletcher notes. The device features a single Y cable, which plugs into a truck’s J-Bus port. Once paired with an Android device, the DC 200 enables drivers to view logs, driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIR) and more through the Rand McNally DriverConnect app. 

Additionally, fleets and drivers can access information via the Rand McNally DriverConnect web portal.

Operation

The DC 200 is a low-profile, 5-inch long device that sits on the dash and plugs into a truck’s diagnostic port. The device works with both 6- and 9-pin, type 1 and type 2 ports. Through a Bluetooth and proprietary Wi-Fi connection, the device sends driving data to the complimentary Rand McNally DriverConnect app, where drivers may view current Hours of Service (HOS) logs as well as DVIR documents. 

The DC 200 also sends data back and forth to/from the DriverConnect portal via a proprietary dedicated cell modem. The device is self-reliant and does not use data from the hosting Android device. 

Management tools 

Besides hours of service (HOS), the DC 200 also provides fleet management tools, such as IFTA fuel-tax reporting, messaging between drivers and fleet managers, and forms-based messaging in workflow management.  
The Cloud-based DriverConnect system was built with a scalable infrastructure, allowing for integration with other Transportation Management Systems. 

Just as with the driver-focused ELD 50, the DriverConnect app also provides access to 10 helpful engine-driven gauges, says Fletcher. Powered by information collected by the device, the gauges include: average fuel economy, coolant temperature and boost pressure. 

Since the Android app is free, drivers can “test drive” the product by downloading the application and inputting their status manually. Those reports can be turned into PDFs and exported. The Rand McNally DriverConnect app is available on Google Play as well as the Rand McNally marketplace, available on Rand McNally Android tablets. 

With a monthly subscription, drivers and fleet managers may access the Rand McNally DriverConnect web portal, where up to six months of HOS logs and DVIRs are stored. Using the web portal, drivers and fleet managers also may view vehicle locations on a map and administer functions such as adding drivers to a device and messaging with drivers. 

The app automatically syncs with the web portal via Wi-Fi or cellular transmission, providing the most up-to-date reports