There’s no doubt that the trucking industry is still going through a state of change in 2018. Some owner-operators are reporting better rates than ever before while some companies struggle to retain their loyal company drivers.
This period of time might be the biggest upheaval in trucking since the Motor Carriers Act of 1980. And while many technology junkies at Tesla and gadget magazines are enthralled with the idea of automation, there are multiple other reasons that the entire industry is going through a shake-up.
Here are three reasons to keep an eye on.
- ELDs and HOS
One of the most onerous expectations for truck drivers is keeping up with their Hours of Service. These regulations tell truckers when they can drive and when they should sleep.
We won’t name any names, but in the past, many drivers fudged their numbers a bit and got away with more flexibility in their driving schedule. But with the mandate for Electronic Logging Devices, drivers have been forced into a rigid adherence to the rules.
And needless to say, many long-time truck drivers don’t love it. By controlling their own schedule, drivers can make sure they are better rested while also getting more miles (and pay).
Fortunately, the government has heard the complaints. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is continuing to hold public hearings with potential to reform the HOS regulations, which will hopefully lead to healthier and happier drivers.
- More Severe Storms
In the wake of a “Super Typhoon” that hit Hong Kong and the giant Hurricane Florence that hit North Carolina, more truckers are understanding that these events have a strong effect on their business.
In some cases, routes are shut down entirely for safety. In other cases, trucks are needed for debris removal and delivery of supplies.
Before Florence hit land, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina all suspended their HOS requirements and weight regulations in order to have more trucks working and on duty.
The United States and the planet are experiencing more extreme weather events, and this will continue dictate when and where trucks can drive and how they will be needed.
- Trucking Shortage
The trucking shortage continues, and this means that drivers are in high demand.
The industry has been hiking wages, but that hasn’t yet solved the deficit of drivers. Hopefully, trucking companies will continue to listen to the needs of drivers in order to offer better benefits, safer equipment, and other solutions to their problems.
But if the industry can’t find more drivers, they’ll keep trying to expand the pool. One proposal is being debated by legislators to allow 18 year olds to drive long-haul.
The trucking industry, like the planet, is in a huge period of flux.