Congressman Greg Gianforte of Montana and Representative Collin Peterson of Minnesota have introduced two bills to exempt certain sectors of the trucking industry from the Federal Motor Carrier Association’s electronic logging device mandate.
The Small Carrier Electronic Logging Device Exemption Act of 2018 will completely exempt businesses which operate ten or fewer trucks from the requirements of the ELD mandate. The Agricultural Business Electronic Logging Device Exemption Act of 2018 will completely exempt agricultural businesses.
“Electronic logging devices are another layer of unnecessary red tape that continues to tie up truckers and puts livestock and Montana livelihoods at risk,” Gianforte said. “This measure is a step in the right direction as we reduce the burden this mandate places on Montana’s small trucking operations, farmers, and ranchers.”
Agricultural haulers have only until June 18 to implement ELDs, while livestock haulers must be compliant by September 30.
“This legislation will eliminate costly and time-consuming regulations for small trucking companies and individual owner-operators, which constitute much of the rural trucking industry.” Peterson said. “In addition, it will help reduce unnecessary stops and delays which threaten the quality of agricultural products on their way to market.”
