Trucking groups offer opposing views on efforts to delay ELD deadline

July 23, 2017

The American Trucking Associations recently sent a letter to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration expressing ATA’s staunch opposition to any effort that would delay the December implementation deadline for electronic logging devices. 

“We have heard from our members, loudly and clearly, that they are vehemently opposed to these attempts to delay this important regulation,” said Bill Sullivan, ATA’s executive vice-president of advocacy. “The industry stands ready and is prepared to implement ELDs. As our letter (to FMCSA) explains, it is incumbent on regulators and on Congress to dismiss this last-ditch try by some to evade critically important safety laws.”

In contrast, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) thanked US Representative Brian Babin (R-TX-36) for introducing legislation that would delay an electronic logging (ELD) mandate for two years.

OOIDA says, among other problems, there are too many unanswered questions about the technical specifications and enforcement guidelines of the mandate, warranting a delay of implementation by the FMCSA.

“The agency has failed to answer important questions from Congress and industry stakeholders about this mandate,” said Todd Spencer, OOIDA executive vice-president. “This includes issues related to enforcement, connectivity, data transfers, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and many other legitimate real world concerns.” 

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