FMCSA Rejects GTLM Transport’s ELD Exemption Request
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has decided not to allow GTLM Transport Inc. to skip using electronic logging devices (ELDs). The company, which is small and owner-operated, asked for a one-year break from using the devices, saying the cost was too high.
What Are ELDs?
Electronic logging devices (ELDs) are required by law for most commercial trucks. These devices help keep track of how long drivers are on the road. They make sure drivers follow Hours of Service (HOS) rules, which help keep drivers alert and safe. The devices also make it harder to change or fake driving records since everything is tracked electronically.
GTLM’s Request
GTLM Transport runs only one truck, and the owner said that buying and using an ELD was too expensive. The company wanted to save money by not installing the device and instead use that money for other safety programs. The owner believed this would keep the company’s safety standards high, despite not having the device.
The company argued that since it’s a small, owner-operated business, its safety would be the same without an ELD. GTLM wanted to put the money toward safety training and other improvements.
Public Opinions on the Request
After GTLM’s request was made public in March 2024, the FMCSA asked for comments. Out of 122 comments, 62 people supported the idea, 32 were against it, and 28 had no strong opinion.
Many people who supported the exemption said ELDs are too costly for small companies. They also mentioned that these devices put a lot of stress on drivers. Some drivers feel rushed to finish their trips before they run out of driving hours. Jimmy Haynes, a driver with 35 years of experience, said, “After 35 years of driving, the ELDs are making drivers take unnecessary risks to maximize time.”
On the other hand, those who opposed the request said that safety should always come first. One group, which included Parents Against Tired Truckers, said that paying for safety measures is part of running a business. They also said ELDs are not very expensive compared to other costs like truck tires. One anonymous commenter wrote, “I pay $300 a year for ELD. If you can’t afford that, how are you going to pay for safety-related items?”
Why FMCSA Denied the Request
After looking at GTLM’s request and all the comments, FMCSA denied the exemption. The agency said that GTLM didn’t show how it would stay as safe or safer without using an ELD. The devices are important for making sure drivers follow HOS rules, which help prevent accidents caused by tired drivers.
FMCSA also noted that ELDs make it harder to change or fake driver logs, which can happen more easily with paper logs. Though FMCSA understood GTLM’s money concerns, they stated that financial problems are not a good enough reason to avoid safety rules.
