ATA Stands With House of Reps Decision To Keep ELD Compliance Date

by Jake Tully - Published: 9/07/2017

Although a last-minute call from voices in the trucking industry asking the House of Representatives to delay the Electronic Logging Device Mandate in December saw rejection, other major sources in the trucking industry may support the House of Reps for their decision.

The American Trucking Associations reports that it is one of these sources that lauds the decision from the House of Representatives to keep the December electronic logging device (ELD) compliance date, stating in a press release that mandate is a vital regulation for the industry.

"ATA has supported, and will support, this important regulation," said Chris Spear, ATA President and CEO. "Congress has now voted a fourth time to move forward with electronic logging of the existing hours of service information required for decades. Make no mistake, the time for debate about electronic logging is over, and we're pleased that Congress has rejected this ill-conceived effort to delay their implementation.

Spear also reported in the press release issued yesterday that the ATA applauds the House of Representatives decision to uphold the ELD mandate in accordance with other enforcement agencies that realize the need for the technology.

"For a decade, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has repeatedly spoken, the Courts have spoken, law enforcement has spoken, the industry has spoken and Congress has spoken in favor of the benefits of electronic logging devices," said Spear. "All the while, opponents of electronic logging have delayed, dissembled and deceived about this technology. Tonight's vote should end what is left of this debate so our industry can carry on with the business of complying with this regulation."

The ATA reports that it has been active in its defense of ELD-adjacent technology, going so far as to contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in support of the mandate.

According to Bill Sullivan, ATA Executive Vice President of Advocacy, the vote issued by the House of Representatives yesterday signals an acknowledgement to keep the trucking industry safe as well as a cooperation from many major trucking entities to achieve a common goal.

"Tonight's vote is a testament, not just to the broad and common sense support for ELDs, but to ATA's members, allies and staff who pressed Congress to preserve this important safety rule," said Sullivan. "This vote is important. Complying with existing laws will make all who share the roads safer, and ATA will continue to work with FMCSA, carriers, drivers, and law enforcement to ensure smooth implementation of this bipartisan effort on schedule in December. We commend the leadership of Representative Rick Crawford and bipartisan champions in the House who support compliance with existing laws and rules."

According to the FMCSA, the ELD Final Rule Compliance Date will take effect on December 18, 2017.