The following devices have been added to the Revoked Devices List:

• BLUE STAR ELD
• ROAD STAR SOLUTIONS
• United ELD
• Speed ELD
• Two TrackEnsure ELD models

According to FMCSA, these devices have been removed due to their failure to meet the minimum standards outlined in 49 CFR part 395, subpart B, appendix A. The revocation officially takes effect immediately.

Next Steps for Motor Carriers

FMCSA has confirmed it will issue an industry-wide email notifying motor carriers of the steps required for compliance. If you are currently using one of the affected ELDs, you’ll need to do the following:

1. Stop using the revoked ELDs immediately. Switch to paper logs or logging software to track your hours of service data temporarily.

1. Replace the devices. Ensure you install compliant ELDs listed on FMCSA’s Registered Devices list by March 9, 2025.

The FMCSA has provided motor carriers with a 60-day grace period to remove and replace the revoked devices.

Can the Revoked ELDs Be Reinstated?

If the affected ELD providers address and correct the reported deficiencies, their devices may be reinstated on FMCSA’s list of registered devices. If reinstated, the FMCSA will inform the industry of the update.

During this interim period, enforcement officers are encouraged to avoid citing drivers using the affected devices for violations such as 395.8(a)(1) (No record of duty status) or 395.22(a) (Failing to use a registered ELD). Instead, they may review driver records through paper logs, logging software, or even the revoked device, used as a back-up display method, to ensure hours of service data is available.

What Happens After March 9, 2025?

Beginning March 9, motor carriers continuing to use any of the listed revoked devices will face non-compliance penalties. Safety officials encountering drivers with these devices on or after this date will:

• Cite violations under 395.8(a)(1).

• Place drivers out-of-service (OOS) per the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Out-of-Service Criteria.

It is strongly recommended that motor carriers take proactive action now to avoid compliance issues, especially if the deficiencies for these ELDs are not resolved by their providers in time.

Stay Updated

To access more information about ELD requirements, approved devices, and FMCSA’s ongoing updates, visit the FMCSA ELD website.

Source: Truckers News

The post FMCSA Just Removed 6 ELDs From Its Approved List—Here’s What You Need to Know! appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Southeast Emergency Declarations Extended

Efforts to recover from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton have led to the extension of certain emergency orders across Southeastern states.

One such declaration, currently active in Florida until January 31, 2025, waives several regulatory requirements to expedite recovery efforts. These include suspending registration requirements for commercial vehicles transporting FEMA mobile homes or office-style mobile units into the state. Additionally, various state administrative fees and documentation requirements have been temporarily lifted.

The order applies to both intrastate and interstate commerce on state and federal roadways, and drivers involved do not need to carry a physical copy of the emergency declaration.

Meanwhile, a regional emergency order issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) continues to provide relief for North Carolina and Tennessee. Initially enacted in October, the declaration is in effect until December 26.

This order grants relief to motor carriers and truck drivers assisting in the restoration of critical supplies and essential services. Specifically, it includes those operating utility service vehicles. Drivers offering direct assistance remain eligible for this relief regardless of the trip’s origin.

New Emergency Declarations in Iowa

Iowa has also issued new emergency orders related to outbreaks of avian influenza. On Wednesday, December 11, the state enacted two separate declarations.

1. Sioux and Palo Alto Counties

The emergency order for Sioux and Palo Alto counties is active until January 7, 2025. It waives regulatory provisions for commercial vehicles responding to sites affected by bird flu. This order specifically covers travel on Iowa state roads.

1. Sac County

A similar declaration was introduced in Sac County, providing identical relief. This emergency order will remain in place until January 10, 2025.

Authorities emphasized that while bird flu has been detected in these counties, there is no immediate public health risk. Additionally, poultry products remain safe for consumption.

Source: Land Line

The post Emergency Orders Extended in the Southeast and Issued in the Midwest appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This proposed rulemaking, which recently appeared in the Federal Register, suggests extending the compliance deadline from January 16, 2025, to January 16, 2026. The extension aims to coincide with the anticipated readiness of FMCSA’s updated registration system.

“This action is being proposed because FMCSA has determined that only its forthcoming online registration system will be used to accept filings and track notifications, and this functionality will not be added to its legacy systems,” the agency wrote in the notice. “As the new system is not expected to be available before Jan. 16, 2025, FMCSA proposed to extend the compliance date to provide regulated entities time to begin using and familiarizing themselves with the system before compliance is required.”

Overview of the Rule

The finalized regulations concerning broker and freight forwarder financial security were released by FMCSA in November 2023. These regulations aim to tighten security measures within the brokerage industry, notably suspending operating authority if financial security dips under $75,000.

Key aspects of the rule include:

• Restricting the types of assets that can be held in broker or freight forwarder trusts to cash, treasury bonds, and irrevocable letters of credit from federally insured institutions.

• Outlining the procedures for the immediate suspension of broker or freight forwarder operational authority should their financial security fall below the $75,000 threshold.

• Defining criteria for financial failure or insolvency among brokers and freight forwarders, and specifying the resultant obligations.

• Revising FMCSA regulations to introduce civil penalties for violations by sureties and trust funds, and establishing a suspension process for non-compliance.

Originally, brokers, sureties, and financial service providers were expected to adhere to these suspension protocols starting January 16, 2025, with additional rule components slated for 2026 implementation. The FMCSA now proposes a one-year deferment of the suspension rules.

Participating in the Commentary Process

Following publication in the Federal Register, there will be a 15-day window for public comments on the proposed delay. Interested parties can submit their feedback by visiting Regulations.gov and entering the docket number FMCSA-2024-0280.

Source: Land Line

The post FMCSA Proposes Postponement for Broker Financial Security Rule Compliance appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This proposal includes updates to packaging protocols for hazardous material transportation, and aims to ease the requirements for U.S. truck drivers by simplifying hazard communication for fuel transported in tanker trucks. Additionally, it encourages innovation and safety enhancements for rail cars carrying hazardous materials by reducing review times for tank car design advancements. It also adopts recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board for advanced rail tank car design standards. The proposal further seeks to update agricultural equipment regulations by setting manufacturing standards for new fertilizer tanks and allowing video and fiber optics technology for inspecting and calibrating cargo tanks in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings.

“Hazardous materials are a significant share of the essential goods routinely shipped in the United States, and the Biden-Harris Administration is working to make it more affordable and straightforward to safely move these materials through our supply chains,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. “The proposal we’re announcing today streamlines requirements while maintaining safety measures, helping to reduce costs for businesses and consumers and make it easier for drivers to do their job.”

Among the proposed changes are revisions to registration requirements to support electronic submissions. The rule also allows cargo tanks to display the UN ID number for the lowest flash point petroleum distillate transported on that day, excluding gasoline and alcohol fuel blends with over 10% ethanol. It mandates bonding and grounding during the transfer of combustible or flammable liquids from cargo tank motor vehicles, and permits using video equipment for inspections. Cargo tanks with certain defects, such as “bulges,” may be deemed unsafe. Additionally, the proposal includes new inspection and maintenance rules for external ring stiffeners on cargo tanks made from metals other than mild or high-strength low-alloy steel.

PHMSA Deputy Administrator Tristan Brown noted that the proposal prioritizes reducing regulatory burdens on truck drivers and enhancing the efficiency of America’s critical energy transportation supply chains.

The proposal is currently under review by the Office of the Federal Register and is viewable on PHMSA’s website. Stakeholders can submit comments on the proposal for 90 days following its publication in the Federal Register.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post PHMSA Proposes a Rule Designed to Save Businesses and Consumers Nearly $100 Million Annually appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.