Livestock Drivers Catch a Break With ELD Mandate Extension

Here at SmartSense, we understand the complexity of the food supply chain at every link. Making sure that our food arrives fresh, safe, and at the right temperature is the responsibility of everyone working in processing, packaging, distribution, and sales. It’s not always easy—and if anyone knows that, it’s the truckers who haul our goods from coast to coast.

But here’s the good news: A new extension has surfaced recently that will lessen the pain of transitioning to meet the new ELD mandate.

What is the ELD Mandate?

The ELD mandate, which was signed into law effectively last December, requires most interstate commercial truck drivers to use electronic logging devices (ELD) to track their hours on the road and ensure they’re meeting the off-duty/non-driving requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Until now, enforcement of the law has been somewhat forgiving as trucking companies transition to the ELD technologies.

Starting April 1, full enforcement of the ELD mandate kicks in. That means truckers can start getting citations if their trucks aren’t equipped with an ELD (or an AOBRD until December 17, 2019) and are unable to transfer data digitally to an authorized law enforcement officer.

One Size Does Not Fit All

In a number of industries with complicated carrying requirements, truckers have been criticizing the ELD rule as “one-size-fits-all” that’s simply not feasible in every situation. Livestock truckers, for example, are now faced with what seems to be an irreconcilable dilemma: FMCSA is requiring stopping times, yet livestock industry guidelines recommend that drivers avoid stops when carrying livestock, since long periods in a stationary trailer can have a detrimental effect on the animals inside.

"There was no thought given to the living, breathing commodities," according to trucker Steve Hilker of Cimarron, Kansas. "There is no advantage to livestock haulers."

Mandate Extended Until 2019

Here’s where the good news comes in: Not only did the FMCSA grant a temporary extension of the ELD mandate until June for transportation related to agriculture, but has now exempted livestock drivers specifically for the remainder of 2018 federal fiscal year.

During this time, representatives of industries seeking flexibility in the rule will be lobbying law and policymakers to consider their particular needs. We’ll keep you posted with any significant developments.

Subscribe to Connected Insights!