In 2016, I expect to see industrywide technology requirements that increase our sector’s accuracy and accountability. Specifically, it is expected that the U.S. Department of Transportation will release a mandate for all trucking companies nationwide to use electronic onboard recorders (EOBRs). This technology will provide a more accurate measurement of a driver’s duty status while making the roads safer overall.
While most truckload and less-than-truckload carriers are already using EOBRs, many container drayage companies are not. Many carriers, particularly small ones, may wonder how this mandated investment is going to affect their driver pool, overall culture and their bottom line — all understandable concerns.
Because my organization proactively implemented EOBRs in all of our trucks over the past several years, I can attest that this is a transformational change that affects both culture and capacity. Drivers who are used to making more money may make less when their duty status is closely managed. And smaller carriers may struggle with the investment capital and cultural changes needed to be compliant.
However, this change is both a necessary and positive one in order for our industry and our respective companies to continue to thrive. In the new year, one key challenge will be for organizational leaders to not only comply with such new requirements, but to effectively leverage these advances so that their organization, along with the transportation industry, runs more safely and efficiently 2016 and beyond.
Mark H. George, Chairman, IMC Companies