Bendix expert suggests minimal cost impact from safety technology
The seemingly never-ending run of new mandates descending on the trucking industry is causing plenty of sticker shock for those who buy trucks – especially if you haven’t bought one in a while.
Environmental Protection Agency Phase 1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions rules added some $6,200 to the base cost of a truck on average and Phase 2, which will be phased in over the next eight years, will add another $11,000 per tractor, EPA estimates. Add in the ELD mandate later this year, a potential speed limiter requirement or collision mitigation technology, and the costs can add up quickly.
Fortunately, there is one mandate upcoming that won’t be hitting fleets in the pocketbook, at least not significantly. As of Aug. 1, 2017, 6×4 tractors will be required to have full electronic stability control systems installed. The systems will be required on Class 8 motorcoaches in June 2018 and all remaining tractors and Class 7 trucks by August 2019.
