Dive Brief:
- A group managed by SPR Associates on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation is soliciting input from truck drivers in both Canada and the U.S. in order to improve truck parking availability as well as other driver amenities, Fleet Owner reported last week.
- To that end, a survey seeking input is available through February 28, and can be completed in either English or French.
- Previous surveys show drivers seek more easily accessible parking, security and clean bathrooms and showers at truck stops. Those involved in planning the survey are also looking to add exercise facilities and healthy meal options to improve over all driver health.
Dive Insight:
Parking woes have long been at the forefront of truckers' minds, and some think the ELD mandate exacerbates the problem.
In May 2017, a driver named Clifford Peterson expressed concern about truck parking availability in his open letter to President Trump. Now, with the ELD mandate in place (though still observing a "soft start"), drivers reaching their HOS limit are finding it inconvenient to leave their rigs to call an Uber or taxi to find food, lest they risk a violation.
The survey regarding parking asks such questions as "Have you experienced financial loss due to a lack of truck parking?" and "On average, how many hours of productive driving did you lose each time you had difficulty parking and had to search for parking or had to move at the request of the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police)/other authorities?"
Further questions include specific mention of familiar truck stops or routes known to be lacking in parking convenience.
Though the survey will not reap results until long after violations are likely to be issued, it could culminate in some exemptions for drivers or adjustments to the ELD mandate.
Otherwise, an already unpopular rule may solicit more resentment, which could lead to an even higher turnover rate in an industry already struggling to retain what drivers it has.
