With the election of President Trump in 2016, the trucking industry has seen massive changes that have been both lauded and criticized by truckers and trucking company owners. While often perceived as an industry rife with deregulation, the true regulated nature of the industry is changing at a pace that belies previous notions on the industry’s true nature. The three main points of contention for the industry moving into the next year is the usage of ELDs, the changes to the HOS, and the allowance of under 21 drivers into the sector.
While the ELDs have been an issue since they were introduced in early 2018, the industry as a whole seems to move into the acceptance phase with them. They have helped keep not only truckers honest but also shippers as well, allowing for a more even-keeled approach to time management. The usage of ELDs also factors into how the HOS (hours of service) changes are being implemented.
The HOS tweaks have stemmed directly from the usage of the ELDs as drivers can show precisely how their time is being used and where they can expect changes in the way it’s being monitored. The tweaks are also being implemented quicker than expected, especially since regulations usually take time to pass. The need for safe, predictable parking is also becoming more critical for HOS tweaks as being able to utilize the full amount of time whenever possible is of the utmost importance.
While allowing drivers under 21 to join the trucking industry is a controversial step, it’s one that could have massive benefits for the industry as a whole. With the current shortage of drivers, any help in the area of workforce shortages is a welcome change, even if it is experiencing pushback.
RigPark is committed to helping the ever-changing trucking industry by making the changes more comfortable to handle, especially ELD and HOS changes, by offering safe, predictable parking. It’s trucker’s jobs to go the distance, let us cover the final mile of delivery.
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