Today’s Pickup: ELD compliance rates improve, but regional fleets still lag

Good day,

The compliance rate for ELDs among fleets sits at 86%, according to the latest rolling survey of 318 fleets by CarrierLists. That rate, however, is bolstered by longer-haul carriers who report 95% compliance. Shorter haul, regional fleets, though, report only 75% compliance, the firm said.

The three-week moving average is now 85%.

“One of the primary reasons shorter haul fleets are slower to install ELDs is their familiarity with the inspectors and processes in the lanes and regions they operate in day after day,” the report surmised. “For longer haul fleets who are chasing miles it is hard to predict how inspectors will enforce the mandate in unfamiliar regions of the country.”

Many fleets that have not adopted ELDs yet are telling CarrierLists that either their devices are on back order or they had issues with their original equipment and have reordered or are shopping for a new vendor.

Did you know?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, total trade of goods increased 6.9% in 2017, through November.

Quotable:

“We expect air freight demand to continue to rise and that any additional capacity is unlikely to keep up with this. We don’t see airlines rushing to add capacity − they being quite content to maintain the status quo, having suffered with poor market conditions and low rates for a number of years.”

– Brian Bourke, Seko Logistics vp for marketing in an interview with Lloyd’s Loading List

In other news:

NAFTA talks reach critical stage

Talks resumed in Montreal on renegotiating the trade pact as the U.S. ramps up pressure on Mexico and Canada in search of a better deal for U.S. companies. (Transport Topics)

Trump Administration places tariffs on solar panels, washing machines

The Trump Administration has placed tariffs on imported solar panels and washing machines as it continues to pressure importers for dumping cheap goods in the U.S. market. (Wall Street Journal)

Airfreight capacity continues shrinking

Despite infrastructure and equipment additions, airfreight is struggling to keep up with the capacity needed to move goods. (Lloyd’s Loading List)

Capacity top concern for shippers

A survey from Averitt Express found that among shippers, securing capacity remains their top concern for 2018. (Fleet Owner)

Linehaul rates rise again in December

Following a 6.2% increase in November, linehaul rates rose again in December, 2.5% over November’s reading of 134.5, according to the Cass Trucking Linehaul Index. (Heavy Duty Trucking)

Final Thoughts

The Trump Administration has placed 30% tariffs on imported solar panels, applying to panels from all countries. The move was backed by two companies, Solar World Americas and Suniva, both of which complained that foreign panels were being sold at discounts. The Solar Energy Industries Association said the tariffs will cost 23,000 American jobs due to lower demand.

Hammer down everyone!

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