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Today’s Pickup: FourKites launches ELD certification program

Good day,

FourKites has launched its own ELD certification program that operates on an open architecture platform to help shippers and 3PLs to assist carriers in choosing ELD solutions that offer visibility into location data.

The company that carriers that choose a closed architecture ELD solution may struggle to meet shipper and 3PL visibility requirements. The FourKites platform and APIs were specifically designed for ELD integrations, providing superior ETA accuracy and reliability, it added.

“Our customers are constantly seeking to enhance the productivity of their partner carriers. A broad, open and flexible ELD partner network is crucial to making that happen,” said Craig Fiander, senior vice president, Global Business Development for FourKites. “This innovative program will help guide our customers to recommend the ELD and telematics providers that allow carriers to easily access and share the location data. Ultimately, this enhances their end customer satisfaction and appointment compliance.”

FourKites provides real-time supply chain visibility and predictive analytics platforms for all modes of freight transport.

The company believes that carriers running a FourKites-certified ELD can reduce dwell times and detention costs and provide dynamic real-time ETAs.

FourKites will certify ELD providers based on four categories:

  • Data quality – provides secure and continuously updated real-time flow of, at a minimum, location information
  • Data accessibility – enables customers to access high-quality data without paying add-on integration, support or other fees
  • Operational integrity – values integrity in practices around customer data
  • Customer value – prioritizes customer success and works collaboratively to help customers achieve maximum value

Did you know?

Third-quarter shipments in the 3PL sector rose 10.9% to 1, 428,332 for a value of $2.6B, also up 10.9%, TIA said.  

Quotable:

“If it benefits my business and helps me be safer, I’ll buy it. Give us the choice. At some point, I could see looking into it if it benefits me, but right now, it doesn’t because the hours-of-service regulations are the biggest problem.”

– Marty DiGiacomo, owner-operator of True Blue Transportation, on ELDs during a House committee hearing

In other news:

U.S. revises GDP upward

The Congressional Budget Office has revised third-quarter GDP upward to 3.3% growth, indicating more business investment in equipment and software. (Wall Street Journal)

Brokers report 10% rise in 3Q shipments

The Transportation Intermediaries Association said that 3PLs saw a 10.9% increase in total shipments in the third quarter to $2.6B. (Supply Chain 247)

Mercedes-Benz completes drone delivery test

Mercedes-Benz said it has completed 50 deliveries via drone in Switzerland, with the drones delivering the products from a warehouse to vans for final last-mile delivery. (Bloomberg)

Truckers deliver complaints to Congress

A group of small business truckers delivered a handful of complaints about ELDs, hours of service and other industry issues during a House Committee on Small Business hearing. (Truckers News)

Daimler anticipating more cabovers in Mexico

Daimler executives in Mexico believe the cabover is set to make a big impact in that nation and they are responding with new models. (CCJ)

Final Thoughts

The upward revision of GDP growth to 3.3% in the third quarter by the Congressional Budget Office yesterday is a further indication of how good the second half of 2017 has been to the industry. It continues a trend of positive economic news, although some are suggesting growth may remain, but it will slow from its current frantic pace next year.

Hammer down everyone!

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Brian Straight

Brian Straight leads FreightWaves' Modern Shipper brand as Managing Editor. A journalism graduate of the University of Rhode Island, he has covered everything from a presidential election, to professional sports and Little League baseball, and for more than 10 years has covered trucking and logistics. Before joining FreightWaves, he was previously responsible for the editorial quality and production of Fleet Owner magazine and fleetowner.com. Brian lives in Connecticut with his wife and two kids and spends his time coaching his son’s baseball team, golfing with his daughter, and pursuing his never-ending quest to become a professional bowler. You can reach him at [email protected].