Freight movement across the U.S. and Canada is being slowed by shortages of truckers and other constraints, including reduced productivity due to the U.S. government implementation of Electronic Logging Device (ELD) regulations and capacity shortages at rail and port facilities. Many trucking companies in the U.S. and Canada are increasing rates with little warning, in some cases doubling delivery fees. Others are introducing surcharges to deal with delays in accessing cargo at rail terminals and/or ports. Some steamship lines have even suspended inland haulage altogether, mainly in the U.S. Midwest, because of these issues.
In terms of ELD implementation, legislators in at least four U.S. States have introduced proposals that aim to reconsider the mandated enforcement of these regulations, citing the cost of compliance and ELD requirements which they contend are an invasion of privacy, as reasons to appeal the mandate.
We will continue to monitor this situation, but do not foresee any improvement in the near future.
For more information, please call (905) 882-4880, ext. 207 – David Lychek, Manager – Ocean & Air Services.
