ELDs Become Mandatory for U.S. Fleets and Canadian Transborder Carriers December 18, 2017

Mississauga, ON, December 12, 2017 – It’s finally here. U.S. fleets and all Canadian transborder carriers are required by law to transition from manual driver logs to Electronic Logging Devices effective December 18, 2017. Canadian domestic compliance is expected to mirror the U.S. and will likely be mandatory by 2019. There are thousands of articles written on the subject and a lot of fear and apprehension leading up to the new procedures for electronically tracking Hours of Service. GX Transport realized the benefits of the new technology well ahead of the industry norm and transitioned to ELDs in 2013.

An educational video produced by the OTA sheds further light on the subject:
http://ontruck.org/eld-mandate-triggering-shipper-of-choice-revolution/

Michelle Arseneau, Managing Partner, GX Transportation Solutions explains, “We have discovered over our two decades of service that change is a necessary element of progress. We embraced the ELD technology early as we could see how the electronic data made available could enhance driver safety and provide increased performance metrics. As we continue to work with our shipping clients, we can make better decisions collaboratively based on the detailed reporting available through ELDs. From our perspective, it’s good for the trucking industry, the drivers behind the wheel and the shipping community. More information translates to enhanced communication and greater efficiencies throughout the supply chain.”

According to a recent survey (reported just days ago in Canada’s Truck News publication), half of the industry is still not compliant with the new ELD legislation taking effect December 18, 2017. A snapshot of the recent survey findings follow:

• 33% of respondents said they have selected and installed an ELD, while 18% said they have made a selection but have yet to install them
• More than half the respondents who identified themselves as fleet managers reported having ELD devices installed and operational
• Only 28% of drivers and owner-operators claimed to be ready
• Of those who have not installed an ELD, 68% don’t plan to do so before the deadline
• 31% of drivers said they don’t plan to install an ELD at all
• 24% of respondents said they have not selected an ELD due to the costs
• The article cited that contrary to popular opinion, there are providers offering ELD solutions paired up with a smartphone or tablet that is easy to install and costs no more than a dollar per day

According to a leading supplier of ELD technology, “Once drivers start using E-Logs, it’s hard to find one that would consider returning to their old paper logbooks.” They go on to cite benefits including the obvious reduction in Hours of Service paperwork to automatic warnings for drivers when time is getting tight.