- 01 March 2018
North American importers and exporters take note | March 2018
Over the past several weeks, we have seen some challenges with the US transport market. They are concerning so please make sure you have realistic expectations as we work through these together.
The primary challenges seen across North America are:
- Severe winter weather in specific markets which slow down deliveries and further reduce the inventory of drivers and truck capacity.
- A reduced availability of drivers.
- New regulations requiring commercial trucks to be equipped with ELDs (Electronic Logging Devices) and adhere to new standards which changes the way driving time is calculated.
What are the new requirements?
The US transport industry are making changes to the way they log driver hours. Under new federal law all commercial trucks are to be equipped with ELDs (Electronic Logging Devices) and adhere to new industry regulations.
As the US transport industry adjust to the new regulations we are seeing some issues impact transport operations and container movements across USA.
This has led to a reduction of drivers and a back log of pickup and deliveries. The result is lengthy delays (that are escalating) and extreme increased pricing for container haulage.
Who needs to adhere to new industry regulations?
All commercial trucks, including LTL carriers, truck load carrier and drayage carriers in every state across America.
There seems to be very little relief in the short term so please discuss this with your Mainfreight representative. Please also allow extra lead time with your orders to and from USA.
We thank you for your patience and we look forward to supporting you during this time.