This week the livestock industry joined forces in hand delivering to Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao a petition for a waiver followed by a limited exemption for compliance with the Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) rule. The petition also asks the Department of Transportation (DOT) to address livestock industry concerns that the current Hours of Service (HOS) rules are not compatible with the realities of the livestock industry Under current regulations, ELD's must be implemented starting on Dec. 18, 2017.
The Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association has been actively working with NCBA to ensure livestock haulers are able to safely and efficiently transport livestock as needed. MSCA also recently signed onto a letter to capitol hill regarding the ELD and HOS rules. View that letter HERE.
“U.S. beef producers and livestock haulers are focused on protecting public
safety and ensuring the health and well-being of cattle transported around the
country,” said NCBA President Craig Uden, a fourth-generation beef producer
from Elwood, Nebraska. “A limited exemption from ELDs will allow for our
haulers to continue to safely transport livestock while providing the livestock
industry time to continue working with DOT to find workable solutions within
the HOS rules that take into account the unique needs of livestock haulers.”
Livestock haulers have a challenging task of ensuring motorist safety while
also maximizing the health and welfare of transported animals. To meet these
demands, a large number of livestock haulers participate in specialized
training programs covering safe animal handling and transportation methods.
Unfortunately, the upcoming ELD rule would decrease driver safety, jeopardize
the well-being of hauled animals, and force small business owners out of the
marketplace.
More time is needed to address livestock industry concerns and educate all
stakeholders to avoid disruption in an industry that already has concerns with
driver shortages. MSCA and NCBA will continue to work with the DOT to find a
workable solution that allows our drivers, our cattle, and others on the road
to move safely around the country and get where they need to go.
Background: Specific Asks of MSCA, NCBA and Livestock Industry Partners on
ELD and HOS. MSCA and NCBA is actively engaging with the Department of Transportation,
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and Congress on the ELD
and HOS rules. Echoing previous requests in meetings with FMCSA officials, and
language currently found in the House Appropriations FY 18 Bill, the livestock
industry continues to request:
- Delayed
ELD Enforcement: The current ELD enforcement deadline
should be delayed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
(FMCSA) for no less than one year. Additional time will allow industry
concerns to be addressed and provide training/educational opportunities
for impacted stakeholders.
- Increased
Flexibility within HOS: Hours of Service (HOS) rules
applying to livestock haulers must be made more flexible so that drivers
can safely do their jobs while preserving the welfare of the animals.