ELD Mandate: 5 Tips for Shippers to Ensure Capacity
On December 18, 2017, the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate went into effect. Rather than written form, hours of service (HOS) must now be electronically tracked through a truck’s engine. Non-compliance will result in a citation; however, on April 1 of this year, that will change. A carrier will be put out of service if found not using an ELD.
Where do we stand today?
Carriers have been slow to adopt ELDs. This created a last-minute frenzy that left many suppliers unable to keep up with demand. As backorders have been filled, carriers are now nearing full compliance.
Industry experts predicted the market would tighten with the mandate. They were right. But this only added to an already tight market with other events that occurred last year such as Hurricanes Harvey and Irma and the California wildfires. For shippers, this means the demand for carriers is at an all-time high.
What can shippers do to help ensure capacity?
With the monitoring of hours, a carrier’s time must become more efficient. As a shipper, there are proactive steps you can take to ensure efficiencies are met and it remains “business as usual” come April 1, 2018.
- Be aware of the driver’s time – time spent idling, number of transit days.
- Look for ways to improve loading and unloading times, and quick turnarounds.
- Change or improve check-in procedures to avoid long wait times at the gate.
- Adjust or change load/unload hours to avoid delays and cut down on wait time.
- Pre-stage loads if space allows for quicker loading times.
- Offer parking. Many drivers spend valuable time looking for available parking, especially in a metro area. Offering onsite parking at your facilities or communicating to drivers where nearby parking is available will help preserve time.
- Become a driver-friendly facility. Offer conveniences such as free wi-fi, vending machines and clean restrooms.
- Work with your TQL Logistics Account Executive to identify lanes or loads most likely to be impacted by the new regulation. Your rep can make recommendations, whether adjusting transit days or changing facilities to decrease the chance of disruption.
Preparation is key during times of change. Don’t hesitate to contact us for solutions to your Full Truckload, LTL, and Intermodal shipment needs 24/7/365.
