Survey shows ELD Mandate increases driver shortage

We conducted a survey of 303 trucking companies of various sizes after the full enforcement of the ELD mandate began on April 1, 2018. The current capacity crunch fuelled by the mandate was a major concern from the companies completing our survey.

The implications of the mandate have seen many drivers being away from home for longer periods of time. Regardless of impact of individual driver decisions, enforcement of the Hours of Service (HOS) rules, including ten-hour break, has mathematically reduced capacity in many transportation supply chains.

This is supported by statements made by the American Trucking Association that there are 50,000 fewer drivers than available jobs, and an EIA report that diesel fuel costs are at the highest level in over 3 years.    

According to the survey, slightly less than half of the fleet operators (47 percent) believe the ELD mandate is good for the transportation industry.

When asked about problems with their ELD solution, top responses were inaccurate data, connectivity issues, and poor technical support.

ELD systems were basically forced on many operators. Clearly some ELD systems had teething issues, but 82 percent of the companies surveyed stated they are satisfied with their ELD provider, so those issues must be settling down. The average score they rated for technical support was 3.73 / 5. 

The ELD features best liked were real-time tracking capability, ease-of-use and increased reporting capabilities.

Just over half (51%) of respondents indicated the deployment of ELDs will improve their CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score, which the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration bases on performance data of drivers, including safety-based roadside inspections and reported crashes.

Prior to the mandate issued December 18, 2017, drivers were allowed to keep paper logs which could easily be manipulated. After a temporary grace period, full enforcement of the ELD mandate began on April 1, 2018. The Coretex survey was conducted from April 15 to June 15, 2018.

We conducted this survey in an effort to gain actionable insights from fleet operators directly impacted by this significant regulatory requirement. The survey illustrates that companies, especially those with small fleets, view the mandate as a burden.

Yet, now that connected technology exists inside every cab, there is a huge opportunity to utilize this newly captured data to improve efficiencies and productivity for the entire supply chain.

Most companies are unaware of the new capabilities they have. It is time for ELD providers to educate the industry on how to turn what was perceived as a compliance into a business advantage.

 Selwyn Pellett, Chief Executive Officer at Coretex