Everybody’s talking about the ELD Mandate. Electronic Logging Devices, what are YOU doing about them, and what can they do for you?
For some businesses, it’s the elephant in the room, it won’t be addressed until it makes a mess. Others are prepared, simply waiting to see the after-effects. Transportation professionals have been evaluating, analyzing and predicting for months how the ELD mandate will affect both carriers and shippers.
After December 19th, the effects of this mandate will manifest over the coming weeks, months, and possibly even years. As these challenges materialize, solutions will need to follow in a timely fashion. Ideally, you’d like to minimize the impact on your business from day one – and you can, with solid information, a plan, and a willingness to introduce change into your established routine. A little help from your friends can’t hurt either.
From a shipper standpoint, doing what you can to minimize the delays in freight movement will go a long way toward keeping your costs from rising significantly. Reinforce the strength of your relationship with your carriers. A highly collaborative partnership with your carrier can greatly improve the consistency of pricing and capacity.
Obviously, you need new equipment. What else can you do prepare and, more importantly, use the mandate to HELP improve your bottom line?
As of today, the vast majority of carriers have not only considered the need (and let’s face it, COST) of new equipment, but they’ve most likely purchased and installed an approved ELD. A large majority have also started to train their people on the use of new devices. Many are ELD compliant already, and have been for some time. If you’re in that situation, CONGRATULATIONS! – you’ve already done just about everything possible to mitigate any difficulties.
So how can these changes aid your operation?
There’s no doubt the ELD mandate will change your daily operating practices. Use these changes as an opportunity. Make them an advantage to run your operations more smoothly and efficiently. Just a little advice from your friends here at Burns Logistics Solutions.
For more information on the ELD mandate, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.