Uncovering Hidden Costs and Unseen Impacts

MANY BELIEVE THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY is entering a new era.

Fleet operators are maneuvering to optimally manage their workforce while striving to become compliant with and adapt to more restrictive, government-imposed safety standards and ratings.

These regulatory initiatives have added to the ever-expanding list of labor-related challenges that involve cutting costs while still looking to improve operational efficiencies, ensure truck and fleet safety, and maintain service levels even as the pool of qualified drivers shrinks.

As managers work within CSA 2010 guidelines and anticipate what lies ahead regarding changes to the Hours of Service (HOS) plan, it has yet to be determined whether these initiatives will actually serve the best interests of drivers as well as fleet operators. Some feel the trucking business is now overly regulated with a suitable remedy to be enforcement of the rules that are already now in place.

The survey results highlighted in this brief are intended to offer insights into how companies are working to better manage their fleet operations and how they are planning for and adapting to CSA 2010 and the potential implications that the modified HOS plan will have on private trucking operations.