Previously in this series: ELDs’ final shift: How poor customer service can cause noncompliance
In addition to the approaching ELD deadline, a major factor influencing recent trucking technology decisions is the sunsetting of 3G CDMA cellular networks. Many fleets have been running AOBRDs with soon-to-be-outdated 3G technology to keep their offices connected to drivers and various mobile applications.
As the ELD deadline approaches, owner-operators and drivers with such fleets are likely to see not only changes in logging procedures but also hardware upgrades or wholesale provider changes. As for independent owner-operators and small fleets using ELD hardware dependent on 3G networks, Ken Evans, chief executive for ELD provider Konexial, believes many probably aren’t “even aware of the 3G sunsetting issue. If they were, then there would be a lot more market activity than there currently is. Most carriers will be in for a rude awakening when the 3G network dies or they cannot get 4G LTE hardware at the last minute.”
Konexial’s ELD platform, My20 Fleet, integrates with its GoLoad dynamic load matching service for its customers to receive load opportunities directly from shippers based on their location, hours of service and asking rates.
Even though the software on most AOBRD devices with 3G cellular modems can be updated over-the-air to be ELD-compliant, owner-operators and fleets have to consider whether they want to keep using their existing hardware.
“Eventually [3G coverage] will be a problem,” said Eric Witty, a vice president for Trimble Transportation Mobility.
The U.S. market will be the first to experience a degradation in 3G service, while in Canada and Mexico, 3G is “going to probably be around longer,” said Flo Dougherty of Omnitracs.
