State of US Domestic Trucking
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
State of US Domestic Trucking
April 2, 2018
Dear Valued Customer;
Pursuant to our previous advisory in January on the state of US domestic trucking following the implementation of ELD regulations, we continue to observe major strains in the market. The fundamental issues that plague the industry seem to pose long-term challenges for all stakeholders that will require sweeping changes.
According to the American Trucking Association, the US is currently short of 30,000 to 35,000 drivers. This figure is expected to increase in the coming years. Additionally, the average age of a commercial truck driver is 55 years old, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is expected to compound the driver shortage problem as retiring drivers are not being replaced by new recruits.
The just-passed April 1st deadline for full ELD installment has likely put further pressure on the climate as non-compliant drivers risk their licenses. Fewer drivers on the road with stricter working hours means that the trucking operators are becoming more selective about who they do business with.
Another market trend we have noticed in the last quarter is that the national standard for delivery “free time” is decreasing to one hour from the previous two hour standard. Though “free time” in the past has not been consistent across trucking companies/markets, the current market trend is slowly moving towards one hour of loading/unloading time. We expect this may cause additional detention fees in the near future as the market adjusts to the new norm.
Please refer to the following tips on how to avoid additional detention charges:
1. Make sure your facility is prepared and appropriately staffed to load/unloadyour cargo when the trucker arrives. Palletizing your cargo whenever possiblecan help improve loading/unloading time.
2. Create your delivery schedule in advance with your trucker or freightforwarder to give your facility enough time to prepare for the incoming trucker.
3. Be as flexible as possible when anticipating a drop-off or pick-up. The more flexibility your team can offer, the more you will be able to save on additionaldetention costs.
For additional information please refer to the following link:
We will continue to keep you informed to help you make decisions to manage your business. Please feel free to call us for clarification or if you have any questions we may not have answered specifically.
Thank you for the privilege to serve you.
Continental Materials, Inc. (CMI) is a national supplier of roofing system component materials and known for BUR (built-up roofing) asphalt with “No Smell”™ odor eliminating technology and its WeatherSeal™ protective packaging, All-Weather™ asphalt felts and coated organic rolls, CMI All-Weather™ modified bitumen rolls, SureGrip™ construction fasteners and roofing nails, Continental’s eco-friendly high density fiberboard roof insulation board and a premium line of SecureGrip™ synthetic roof underlayment products that are sold and used widely throughout the country. CMI has provided value added products and superior service to the roofing industry since 1958.
For more information on CMI products, call (215) 884-4930, visit www.continentalmaterials.com or contact your local CMI Sales Representative.