New FMCSA Regulations Could Impact Car Shippers, Customers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has implemented new rules regarding electronic logging devices (ELD) that could impact carriers. Specifically, it’s an electronic way for truckers to replace the paper log books that track their Hours of Service. The deadline for ELD compliance across the nation is December 31st, 2017.
Article Overview
How new FMCSA regulations could impact car shippers
Right now, the ELD is still in the process of being implemented by many carrier companies across numerous industries. But with any carrier with an engine model year 1999 or older being exempt, it could mean that some auto shipping carriers get an exemption too. A lot of auto shippers are still driving older model trucks, whether it’s the body or the engine.
Prices for ELD devices haven’t been released yet. But for a fleet of trucks, the cost could add up quick. That being said, they’re going to be mandatory at the end of the year, and starting in 2018 fines could go up. Already, carriers have been fined almost $165 million in HOS fines since the beginning of 2017.
Aside from the costs to implement them, this could actually help out drivers and carrier companies by eliminating a lot of paperwork and digitizing a lot of information. This could make it easier to communicate with dispatchers back at the office, for one. What this would do is streamline load-finding and could make for faster auto shipping pickup times. Also, modern ELD’s can work with smartphones and tablets, which could help reduce costs for carriers. This in turn could make auto shipping services a bit cheaper for customers.
How new FMCSA regulations could impact car shipping customers
Right now there’s too little information to really know for sure how ELD’s will impact customers. But we can take a few educated guesses. For one, reducing paperwork and making it easier to record information should help with transparency. With a carrier’s information digitized, watchdogs could gain access to that information and publicize it online. This could aid in finding reliable and reputable companies.
It could also help get shadier truckers off the road, especially those that haven’t upgraded because of the increased oversight. This could mean better carriers providing better services for customers. It could also aid auto shipping brokers in that regard as well as companies like Transport Reviews and even Central Dispatch.
And, to top it off, it could make things faster and cheaper for customers. If an ELD can make it easier to communicate with a dispatcher, it could mean lower wait times for pickup and delivery. And the resulting decrease in paperwork could mean that costs start lowering, since carriers won’t have so much overhead. The initial cost is probably going to be the biggest financial burden on carriers. If they use smartphones or tablets in conjunction with their ELD, that could help reduce costs as well.
Get free auto transport quotes with American Auto Shipping
At the end of the day this is all speculation. We’ll keep you updated on the status of ELD’s and will give more information about its impact on car shipping once we get it.
For now, if you’re interested in shipping a car, fill out our free auto transportation quote request form. It’s free and easy, won’t take more than a minute, and will get you a free quote to ship right away. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us any time, toll-free, at 800-930-7417.
Since 2007 Dave has written all the content and blogs for American Auto Shipping and during this time added the duties of customer support and transport logistics.
He currently resides in Washington with his three kids and their mom and cat. A fan of Marvel movies and good stories, when not shipping cars Dave can be found working on his novel, enjoying a good book or playing some tournament HALO.
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