Groups ask DOT to reverse ELD mandate, drop speed limiter plan

A coalition of 17 organizations has asked Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to eliminate the final rule on electronic logging devices (ELDs) and abandon the proposed rule to mandate speed limiting devices on heavy trucks. In a March 21 letter to Chao, the organizations said that “President Trump’s desire to create a regulatory environment that enables businesses of all sizes to grow is commendable and welcomed. However, to do so this administration must eliminate the most egregious regulations developed under the haphazard, one-size-fits-all approach to rulemaking embraced by its predecessor.”

Regarding ELDs, the groups said that while they are adamant that the ELD mandate must be repealed, they are concerned as well with implementation issues and recommended at a minimum a delay in implementation. “We understand that many significant technological concerns remain unresolved, including the certification of devices, connectivity problems in remote areas of the country, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and the ability of law enforcement to access information.”

Most of the groups signing the letter represent associations that distribute specific types of commodities. Two organizations – the National Association of Small Trucking Companies and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association – represent trucking interests.