With the ELD mandate in full effect across the nation, carriers are getting more accustomed to stricter hours and regulations. While plenty of struggles occurred across the board, they have died down and it has gone back to business as usual for most carriers. However, there is one consistent pain point for shippers and carriers alike that is made even more difficult by the ELD mandate. This is the issue of detention, which has long been a source of contention between manufacturers and trucking companies.
Due to the restrictions of the mandate, drivers are on tighter schedules than ever before. Being detained by a shipper for even a few extra minutes can be the difference between on-time delivery and showing up several days late due to shut-down regulations and strict appointments at receiving warehouses. While most carriers have detention pay outlined in their contracts with shippers, it’s usually not enough to offset the loss of another load if the detention takes place. This means that drivers are often at the mercy of the warehouse in order to remain profitable or to get the load that will bring them back home.
Communication is key to solving the widespread problems caused by detention. Carriers, brokers, and manufacturers all need to agree upon loading and unloading times ahead of schedule. Drivers must provide constant updates so warehouses can accommodate for deliveries that are missed due to traffic or weather. Shippers and receivers should maintain a strict focus on doing their job as efficiently as possible. It doesn’t help their overall effectiveness to make a driver sit in line for hours just because he showed up a few minutes late. The new ELD mandate is about stringency, but when it comes to the workers that are affected by it, flexibility is one of our most valuable assets. To learn how we can make your shipment efficient and effortless, get started with Zip Xpress today!
