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The electronic logging device mandate for tracking hours of service has brought a lot of attention to truck telematics, and many experts are providing advice on how to prepare for that transition. But one aspect of telematics that few are addressing is how underutilized most existing systems are. In my estimate, only three in 10 fleets are utilizing their telematics system to the max.

As reported in Transport Topics in early December 2016, (12-12, pp. 4, 43) American Trucking Associations President Chris Spear told a roundtable of lawmakers at a Senate hearing in Washington, D.C., that the Transportation Worker Identification Credential, or TWIC, represents the future of secure transportation.

Aftertreatment systems are unequivocally becoming the Achilles’ heel for all fleets and a leading contender for high cost, load delays and asset downtime. However, there is much more to the root cause of this escalating issue.

Brokers, freight forwarders and nonvessel operating common carriers, or NVOCC, are required by federal law to carry a surety bond in the event they fail to pay the carrier that performs the move on the shipments they broker. On Dec. 1, 2013, the $75,000 broker bond went into effect — up from the previous bond requirement of $10,000.

Each night, thousands of truck drivers across the country find themselves in a horrible game of “musical chairs” — searching for parking spaces to take their mandated 10-hour rest period. This occurs because of a major shortage for truck parking, which has not kept up with the volume and growth of trucks traveling across our country each day.

I read the chairman’s profile of Kevin Burch (10-10, p. 1), and quite frankly, he is a man after my own industry heart — and others should feel the same way.

The new year often brings changes. And rarely has that been as true as this year, as we have just inaugurated a new president who appears poised to change Washington. It’s also a time of renewed focus, to reflect on where we are and look forward and position for success.

When searching for cost-cutting opportunities executives often overlook established, industry-common practices that, if better managed, could greatly improve bottom line results. For the trucking industry, here are four common practices worth a second look: suggestions on how to estimate the profit opportunity associated with each and one common solution.

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week was Sept. 11–17 last year here in America. It is recognized as a time to honor and acknowledge the nation’s truck drivers for their dedication and hard work and for putting up with extraordinarily challenging working conditions throughout the year.