ELDs are one of many regulations that are about to hit the trucking industry. From sleep apnea to speed limiters and insurance issues, the industry is being flooded with new laws—and it’s important for not only trucking companies to understand what is required, but for shippers to, as well.
In 2008, Jetco Delivery invested in ELDs. Always looking for the best in technology, the Jetco team is prepared for the mandate. However, not all companies are ready, and shippers must know where their freight and logistics partner stands on implementing ELDs.
At the recent Journal of Commerce Shippers Inland Distribution Conference in Memphis, Jetco CEO Brian Fielkow led a round-table discussion with shipping attendees who voiced their concerns and questions about this mandate. Fielkow emphasized that while the law may not be in effect until late 2017, the impact is hitting now, and shippers must be prepared.
“ELDs level the playing field for the trucking industry,” said Fielkow. “What’s important is that shippers are doing their due-diligence when it comes to choosing their trucking partner. Shippers must be forthright in asking if their trucker has ELDs that are 2017 compliant. If not, do they have a plan?”
ELDs will help promote a healthier relationship between the trucker and shipper as they provide transparency. While there is no logical reason to believe that ELDs will adversely impact trucking companies of any size, Fielkow sees a small percentage of drivers opting to park their trucks rather than become ELD compliant. This small shift could have significant consequences for available capacity. Shippers expressed their concerns that they fear losing capacity when ELDs are required. However, from the trucking point of view, if your carrier has ELDs or a plan to implement them, you are expected to remain productive. Not only should productivity remain consistent, shippers will now have legal protection when carriers use this technology efficiently.
Question about the upcoming mandate? Ask us.