Coronavirus Trucking Understanding the Emergency Declaration by the FMCSA

 The Coronavirus Trucking Understanding the Emergency Declaration by the FMCSA Emergency Declaration issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in relation to the coronavirus pandemic, specifically regarding the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate, was put in place to provide relief to the trucking industry during this public health crisis. Here's an explanation of the Emergency Declaration and its impact on the ELD mandate:

1. What is the ELD mandate?

The ELD mandate is a regulation that requires commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers to use electronic logging devices to record their hours of service (HOS) electronically. These devices replace traditional paper logs and are designed to improve compliance with HOS regulations and enhance safety on the roads.

2. What is the FMCSA Emergency Declaration?

The FMCSA Emergency Declaration is a temporary regulatory action taken by the agency during times of crisis or emergency. It grants certain exemptions or waivers to the existing regulations to provide relief to carriers and drivers who are involved in the transportation of essential goods and services. It allows for more flexibility in operations while maintaining safety.

3. How does the Emergency Declaration impact the ELD mandate?

During the Emergency Declaration period, the FMCSA may issue specific waivers or exemptions related to the ELD mandate. These exemptions typically apply to carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to emergency relief efforts or transporting essential supplies like medical equipment, food, fuel, and other critical goods.

Under the Emergency Declaration, drivers who are eligible for the exemption are not required to use an ELD, and they can instead use paper logs to record their HOS. This temporary exemption helps streamline operations and enables drivers to focus on the efficient transportation of essential goods without being restricted by the ELD requirements.

It's important to note that the Emergency Declaration is temporary and typically has a specific duration. The FMCSA will issue guidance outlining the start and end dates of the declaration, as well as any additional conditions or requirements for carriers and drivers operating under the exemption.

4. Compliance with other safety regulations:

While the Emergency Declaration may provide exemptions or waivers for the ELD mandate, it doesn't suspend compliance with other safety regulations. Carriers and drivers must still comply with regulations related to driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, drug and alcohol testing, and other safety requirements outlined by the FMCSA.

It's crucial for carriers and drivers to stay updated with the latest guidance and announcements from the FMCSA to ensure they are aware of any changes or exemptions related to the ELD mandate and other safety regulations during the Emergency Declaration period.

Remember, this information is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021. It's important to refer to the latest guidelines and announcements from the FMCSA and other relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information on emergency declarations and regulatory changes.