The ELD Mandate’s Effect On Transit Delays in Supply Chain Management

Time.

Teenagers grumble that it goes too slow.

Older folks wax nostalgic that it goes too fast.

Logistics and supply chain managers agonize that there’s not enough of it.

The supply chain is inherently chaotic. Getting all pieces in place and on time is a constant struggle. That stress will only increase once the FMCSA’s electronic logging device (ELD) mandate is in place in 2017.

With over 1 million vehicles needing to meet the approaching ELD mandate, the implementation of GPS-based vehicle tracking is expected to accelerate dramatically. Notably, container and trailer tracking already increased 10% in 2016, and is expected to increase a whopping 15% in 2017.

Since drivers will no longer be able to manipulate their Hours of Service (HOS) logs, time management in the supply chain will become even more important. After all, having to frantically search for a trailer or container on the ground jeopardizes valuable time in transit.

Before the ELD mandate, if a delay occurred a driver would often mark his log to reflect a break but continue to drive to make up time in transit. Under the ELD mandate, that will no longer be possible, since the driver will be required to stop at the set break time as any movement will be logged by the ELD as drive time. This delay will certainly have a costly domino effect on other points along the supply chain.

Luckily, these delays can be avoided or minimized through global traceability solutions like those provided by Geoforce. Through Geoforce, the current location of your assets is provided via our web and mobile applications, helping to minimize transit delays.

In a typical scenario, a dispatcher sends a driver to pick up a trailer. The driver has never been to the site and only has a trailer number to search for in a sea of trailers. With the Geoforce mobile app for Android or iOS, the driver can search for the trailer (which has been affixed with a rugged Geoforce GPS tracking device). The app displays a pinpoint bird’s eye view to the specific trailer, whether it’s on a yard or at a loading dock. The driver can then request driving directions using a navigation app on their smartphone or tablet. With the directions in hand, the driver can head directly to the trailer or container without wasting valuable time circling the industrial park, facility or yard.

Time saved, money made, and stress relieved!

Geoforce provides vehicle and asset tracking solutions for all types of operations. Contact Geoforce today for details and a demonstration.