Mandatory Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) – coming into effect in the U.S. in December 2017 and in Canada shortly after – are fundamentally changing carrier-shipper relations. As carriers gear up to comply with the rule, shippers need to consider the implications to their own businesses.

Consequently, the Canadian Trucking Alliance has released a white board video and one-page infographic explaining the implications of ELDs on the shipper community. Specifically, the video describes how the supply chain has an obligation to reduce waiting time and ensure truck drivers’ time is spent driving rather than waiting to load and unload and customers’ facilities.

“Under an ELD mandate, hours of service rules are not a stop watch that can be halted and restarted,” said CTA president Stephen Laskowski. “The entire supply chain coming under the microscope. Pushing carriers and drivers to bend compliance is no longer an option.”

The video also details how shippers and carriers need to plan better to account for other delays outside of a driver’s control – such as construction, severe weather and cross-border snarls – which can all eat up allowable driving hours. Furthermore, carriers need to work closer with their customers in creating as many safe resting and downtime opportunities as possible.

Carriers are encouraged to share the video and infographic with their supply chain partners and customers.

“We’re hopeful this commons sense message will help all parties to become more flexible and fulfill their responsibility to create a safe supply chain in an ELD world,” says Laskowski.

CTA anticipates Canada will publish its own ELD proposal later this fall.

Click here to see and share the white board video (English or French) via YouTube and click here to download the related .pdf infographics (English or French).