ILMA Compoundings June 2018 - 13

It's been just over a month since the "soft enforcement
period" has ended for ELD (electronic logging device)
regulation, and while the shipping industry is seeing
huge improvements with compliance, there are still a
number of challenges facing truckload shippers. When
truckload shipments become more complicated, requiring specialized equipment and longer cross-country
hauls, the capacity crunch tightens. As we head into
the summer and a heavier shipping season, what can
freight shippers and carriers expect to encounter along
the way?
According to a DAT Solutions survey, it appears that the
majority of carriers are now using ELDs to track their hours
of service (HOS), with as many as 95 percent becoming
ELD- compliant. More than 60 percent of these carriers
have added the compliant devices within the past three
months, following the deadline date.
Carriers are confessing that the ELD mandate has a huge
impact on day-to-day business, specifically in the way that
they prioritize loads. The most significant factor impacting
carriers? A huge increase in detention time - basically, any
time taking over the given two hours. Many shippers fail to
recognize that time for loading/unloading freight counts as
active "on duty" hours for the driver. The strict HOS rules
can decrease an already limited amount of hours available
for transit time. Carriers then have leverage to choose precisely with whom they want to ship, and to determine who
may create problems for them on future loads.
So, what's to come? As expected, with drivers spending
less time at the wheel in one run, transit times will continue
to lengthen. This means that drivers have to take fewer loads
per week as well, tightening capacity even further. If you
need specialized equipment, such as conestogas or removable
gooseneck (RGN) trailers, or require oversized permits, it
may be harder than ever to get your load covered.
So, what can a shipper do to appeal to available carriers?
Proper warehousing protocol and smooth receiving and loading procedures are crucial. It may be a good idea for shippers
to extend their warehouse hours to offset the congestion.
Being flexible with packing your freight and having it staged

and waiting with an adequately sized team for loading can
also help decrease time spent at the loading dock.
Another option for shippers is to consider drop trailer
freight programs. A carrier will haul a tractor to a shipper's
loading dock and pick up a previously loaded and leftbehind trailer. This can increase efficiency by decreasing
detention time and likelihood of deadhead.
The ELD mandate has made one thing clear: Carriers
are now in the driver's seat when it comes to determining
freight rates and with whom they will ship. Shippers need to
be vigilant now, more than ever, about shopping reputable
carriers who know the ins and outs of the industry and can
move freight at a competitive cost. With the ILMA Shipping
Program, managed by PartnerShip, ILMA members save on
every truckload shipment. PartnerShip connects you with
vetted, reliable truckload carriers, from flatbeds and step-decks,
to cross-country and oversized loads. ILMA members save an
average of $2,785 annually. Stay competitive and ship smarter
with PartnerShip. To learn more, visit PartnerShip.com/ILMA,
call 800-599-2902 or email sales@PartnerShip.com.

INDUSTRY RUNDOWN

ELD Mandate Compliance:
Are We There Yet?

http://www.PartnerShip.com/ILMA

ILMA Compoundings June 2018

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ILMA Compoundings June 2018