DOT to Grant Initial 90-Day Waiver from ELDs for Agricultural Haulers
Published
12/19/2017
On December 18, 2017, the Department of Transportation (DOT) released details on the initial 90-day waiver from the requirement for agricultural and livestock haulers to obtain Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). The 90-day waiver begins December 18th and allows the agency time to further examine our exemption request while developing additional guidance for agricultural haulers.
On September 12, 2017, Farm Bureau, National Pork Producers Council, National Cattleman’s Beef Association, and five other livestock, aquaculture and beekeeping organizations petitioned the Department of Transportation (DOT) for a waiver and limited exemption from the ELD mandate for drivers who haul livestock, live fish and insects.
On December 18, 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) ELD mandate will go into effect except for those transporting agricultural commodities and livestock. Those haulers will be granted an initial 90-day waiver from compliance.According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, most farmers and ranchers should be exempt from the ELD mandate because they can claim covered farm vehicle (CFV) status. Those who cannot claim CFV status will be able to take advantage of the 90-day waiver. This waiver will be officially published soon, but it waives the ELD mandate for those transporting agriculture commodities, livestock, fish and insects through March 18, 2018.
AFBF pointed out that additional information can be found in the waiver, but it should be noted that drivers who are operating under this waiver must carry a copy of the notice and present it to motor carrier safety enforcement officials upon request. In addition, any carriers operating under this waiver must notify FMCSA within 5 business days of any accident.