Emerging Risks and Solutions for Fleets

Published on Sun, 04/08/2018 - 22:06
Emerging Risks and Solutions for Fleets

The transportation industry is always moving forward – both literally and figuratively. To help you keep up, here’s a look at what’s new in transportation and fleets.                                      

ELD Rule Enforcement Gets Serious.

The electronic logging device (ELD) rule applies to commercial drivers who maintain hours-of-service records and duty status records, and it requires the use of an electronic logging device that has been self-certified and registered with the FMCSA. The ELD rule technically went into full effect at the end of 2017, but full enforcement was delayed until April 1, 2018, to give fleets more time to adjust.

Despite the additional time, many drivers are still having problems complying with the rule. According to Trucks, some of the ELDs aren’t tracking information correctly, and FMSCA has acknowledged that some devices on the market don’t meet the necessary technical specifications for data transfer.

Work Truck reports that the full enforcement of the ELD rule may lead to numerous citations, and that truck drivers found to be operating without the required devices may be put out of service for a ten-hour period. 

The Race for Autonomous Vehicles Continues.

The road to self-driving technology will be a bumpy one. As we saw when an Uber in self-driving mode fatally struck and killed a pedestrian in Arizona this March, there will be tragedy along the way.

Despite this, the race for autonomous vehicles continues, and many experts believe the technology will save lives in the long run.

CNN reports that Uber is using self-driving trucks to haul freight in Arizona, though backup human drivers are present to take over the wheel if needed. The Verge reports that Waymo will be using self-driving trucks around Atlanta.

Freight Demand Is High.

The demand for freight is high, and it’s leading to an increase in truck trailer orders. According to Trucks, trailer orders this February were 27 percent higher compared to the orders a year earlier. Although demand may go down in the future, a large drop is not expected. 

Salaries for truck drivers are also increasing due to high freight demand. According to the Wall Street Journal, salaries have increased 18 percent over the last four years.

Telematics Is Helping.

While many fleet managers and commercial drivers may be stressed out over the ELD mandate, telematics technology is proving useful. Work Truck reports that telematics can help fleet managers reduce their fuel costs.

Trailers are also starting to get high tech, according to Trucks. Adding telematics technology to trailers can improve fleet efficiency. 

In this environment of rapid change, a forward-thinking risk management strategy is crucial. Count on the Heffernan transportation insurance program to keep your business moving.