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FMCSA Says ELD Is Here To Stay

FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and the Electronic Logging Device (ELD)

The passage of the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate was thought to possibly be rolled back by President Trump’s de-regulation efforts. The mandate was pending, its expected effects still being studied by Congressional committee. But, perhaps the refusal of the Supreme Court to hear a challenge to the mandate should have foreshadowed the rule becoming a certainty.

And here’s where the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) says things stand as of July 17.  The Department of Transportation’s fiscal 2018 funding bill was passed this mid-July. Despite the fact that MAP-21 requires the use of only the most basic, lowest cost devices that meet the law’s requirements, the House Appropriations Committee admits that the ELD mandate will be: “… one of the most expensive of all transportation rulemakings.”  Lawmakers further admit that the mandate will likely harm small carrier businesses. Yet this seems to be a cost legislators believe American freight carriers are willing to pay in order to improve safety on the nation’s highways. Bearing the stamp of approval from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), there is no expectation that Congress will overhaul or amend the ELD mandate as it stands.

Other trade groups have also expressed support of the measure as well. Executive vice president of American Trucking Associations (ATA) advocacy efforts, Bill Sullivan, had this to say: “[The ELD mandate] is a rule that will ensure compliance with hours-of-service and improve safety.” It seems that critics and opponents have 60 days to present their concerns and data if there is to be any hope of stalling the final passage, enactment and enforcement of the bill. Considering, however, that representatives from The Trucking Alliance believe there is no valid reason to delay a bill that will save lives with this truck safety measure, it seems that the message is clear.

The ELD mandate is here to stay. For more information on compliance and safety in the freight industry, please contact freight liability experts.

FMCSA Update On ELD Mandate
FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)

In December of this year a new mandate goes into effect regarding electronic logging devices (ELD). Here are 3 ELD mandate issues to anticipate as identified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):

  1. Short Term Rentals: If a freight company employs rental trucks, it’s possible that their ELD may not be compatible with the carrier’s software program that manages its own fleet. A work-around is in development through a waiver allowing drivers of short term rentals to use paper logs. This work-around is not yet set in stone, being a recommendation from the Truck Rental and Leasing Association to the FMCSA. However, it is expected that the exemption and solution will be approved by the ELD mandate compliance deadline, which is December 17 of this year.
  1. Grandfather AOBRD: Many fleets already feature automatic on-board recording devices (AOBRD) that meet the minimal requirements as outlined by ELD specifications. Those fleets are not required to be re-outfitted with ELD’s by this year’s mandate deadline. They are grandfathered until December 16, 2019 if they were installed prior to the new ELD mandate’s enforcement date.
  1. Data Transfer: If a driver is unable to transfer the data from an ELD to an authorized safety official, it’s the same as having no log book. That driver is considered to have no record of duty status and faces 8 consecutive hours out of service. As of this date, data-transfer software has not yet materialized. However, officials indicate that they anticipate a data transfer in print format. Basically a driver hands over the ELD to the official who prints off the logs. Some states are already transferring data via email. Needless to say, even if data-transfer software is not available by the deadline, alternative methods will create viable solutions so everyone can keep their drivers working the hours they legitimately have available.

 

For more information on the latest developments in regulations, stay connected with professionals in the freight industry who can assist you in the best solutions for your carrier issues.

FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) Lifts Restrictions Regarding Mexico Carriers

FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)

According to a recent article from Overdrive, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has lifted a restriction that prevented Mexican carriers from leasing vehicles to U.S. carriers for use in hauling freight inside the United States. This restriction was part of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999, and was to remain in place until trade agreement goals were accomplished, the article stated.

The FMCSA announced the lifting of the Mexico carrier restriction via a November 22 notice in the Federal Register. Carriers domiciled in Mexico can now lease equipment to U.S. motor carriers without restriction on where the freight is going, so long as the equipment meets FMCSA standards. The U.S.-based carrier will be responsible for operation of the equipment for the duration of the lease, the article added.

According to a previous Overdrive article, published in January, 2015, the FMCSA conducted a three-year cross-border pilot program from 2011 to 2014 and determined that it had enough information to allow Mexico carriers to apply for U.S. operating authority. Overdrive reported that initial reader response to the program was negative, with concerns being expressed that the decision would harm U.S. business opportunities along the border with lower rates coming from Mexico. However, Canadian haulers pointed out that Mexican carriers would still be required to comply with U.S. trucking regulations, which should prevent any great impact on rates.

The FMCSA conducted over 5,500 inspections during the three-year pilot program and collected inspection data from 952 Mexican carriers. Initially, the FMCSA had stated that it needed between 36-41 carriers to participate in the program. However, with 15 carriers participating, the agency stated that it could gather enough evidence to support its decision.

Why You Should Opt For TIA

Transportation Intermediaries Association

Those in the freight business need some protection from various eventualities for goods on transit. It is for that reason that every carrier needs to have a bond before products leave the source. Various companies can offer such protection to carriers, and all have different terms of operation. Here is why you should opt for the TIA (Transportation Intermediaries Association).

Professionalism

Every carrier needs to work with an association that has the necessary experience to maneuver the intricacies of the transportation industry. Over the years, TIA (Transportation Intermediaries Association) has become a trusted name in this industry because of the standards and professionalism it maintains throughout the 3 PL Industry. It is for that reason that it continues to build confidence among the various carriers.

Bond-BMC84 / Trust-BMC85

Transport is a sensitive area that requires trust. Your business partners are looking to identify your credibility as part of the reasons they should opt to deal with you for provision of transportation services. Once they identify that you subscribe to a bond-BMC84 / trust-BMC85, it becomes clear to them that part of your commitment is to avail the services they need, with the highest possible level of professionalism.  Contact LOGISTIQ Insurance Solutions for your Bond today at LOGISTIQ.com or 888-910-4747.

Transparency

Transport Intermediaries Association acts as the professional organization for the transportation industry, which means that it will be seeking to help your business succeed in all its undertakings. The implication, in this case, is that as you choose to engage the association, the safety of your finances is a guarantee that you can bank on every other time.

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