5 Tips For Shippers To Help Ensure Capacity
The upcoming Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate has been widely discussed among carriers since it was passed by Congress in July, 2012. This mandate requires drivers’ hours of service (HOS) to be electronically tracked through the truck’s engine. Starting December 18, drivers not complying with the new regulations will be cited. As of April 1, 2018, those citations will put carriers out-of-service. Industry experts expect the mandate to affect every business within the transportation and logistics field.
What’s changing?
Under the new mandate, the number of hours a driver works per day remains the same. However, rather than manually entering their HOS, drivers’ hours will now be determined by the engine of the truck – that is, when it is running, off or idling. The intent is to ensure reporting accuracy and provide a safer work environment for drivers and the public by reducing driver fatigue.
The ELD mandate also protects drivers from being forced into excess hours with a new Coercion Rule. The end result? Industry experts predict a reduction of carrier capacity by as much as 9%, although more conservative estimates fall between 2.5-5%.
What can shippers do to prepare?
As a shipper, there are proactive steps you can take to ensure 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 Truckload, LTL, and IMDL shipment needs 24/7/365.
