By:
William Sanchez
Manager – Truck Services
Did you know that at the end of last year just one truck was available in the U.S. for every 12loads that needed to be moved? Trucking prices spiked as a result and could go even higherbecause:
- Demand for U.S. drivers is rising sharply and with it the cost of hiring a driver.
- The number of available drivers is declining because the installation of now mandatory Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) means operators can no longer ignore drive time limits, and some observers are predicting that ELDS will ultimately reduce capacity by up to 5percent.
- Multiple late-season winter storms in the north-east slowed the movement of truck freight
- Diesel prices are near a three-year high
- Recruiting replacements for retiring drivers is difficult because current work conditions and pay scales are unappealing
Finding solutions is vital as the price of trucking is already up about 20% year-to-year and the entire supply chain (ocean, air, rail) is being stressed by delays that are a direct result of the driver shortage (70% of the nation’s freight is moved by truck, according to the American Trucking Association).
What happens next?
- Carriers are investing in new equipment, but none of this new capacity will be available in the shortterm.
- New driver recruitment has become a priority for many carriers, who are now offering better compensation packages, including higher pay, new benefits and improved training. That will help reduce the shortage of capacity, but put even more pressure on prices as carriers pass on the addedcosts.
- ELD is being opposed by smaller truck fleet operators, who think it is an unnecessary regulation that should not apply to their operations, and some are threatening to quit if they are not allowed to operate asusual.
Request your free introductory consultation
With a little creativity and long term planning, it is possible to get around or at least minimize the difficulties created by the tightening market for U.S. trucking. Get started now by following these tips:
- Plan shipments further in advance than usual
- Help yourself by helping carriers get in and out of your facility as fast as possible (extend shipping and receiving hours, provide clear carrier communication promptly, adhere to schedules)
- If possible, split your freight into smaller shipments (1-4 pallets) as they are easier to move
- Expect continuing rate fluctuations until more trucks and drivers become available
Learn more by requesting your free introductory consultation today. I am here to help!
