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Mar 29, 2018
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced another 90 day extension on the deadline for livestock haulers to comply with the electronic logging device (ELD) requirements.
Subsequently, in the Omnibus Appropriations bill passed by Congress last week, a provision was included to prevent DOT from enforcing the ELD mandate through the end of the current fiscal year (Sept. 30, 2018). The initial extension issued by DOT expired on March 18.
Most farmers are exempt from the ELD mandate under the covered farm vehicle exemption, however, that does not apply to all livestock or other agriculture related haulers. Several livestock groups along with American Farm Bureau have petitioned DOT for a waiver due to concerns about livestock haulers ability to comply with the mandate and the impact it would have on animal welfare.
In the latest extension DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) indicated it will issue new guidance on the agricultural 150 air-mile exemption and hours of service rules. The additional action by Congress to delay enforcement of the ELD requirements will provide more time for livestock and agriculture groups to analyze the requirements and seek changes, if necessary.
