Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, May 21, 2024:
FMCSA revokes registration of two ELDs
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on May 21 removed two electronic logging devices from its list of registered ELDs.
Drivers and carriers utilizing the Blue Star ELD and the ELD Mandate Plus are required to stop using the devices and revert to paper logs or logging software to record required hours of service data.
Additionally, the devices must be replaced by compliant ELDs from the registered devices list before July 20. There are currently 24 ELD devices listed on FMCSA's revoked devices list that were revoked by FMCSA and have not been reinstated to the registered devices list.
As with previous ELDs that have been placed on the “revoked devices” list by FMCSA, the agency did not provide specifics on what led to their removal. FMCSA said the devices fail “to meet the minimum requirements established in 49 CFR part 395, subpart B, appendix A,” which contains the “functional specifications” for ELDs.
Ratan Baid, CEO of ELD Mandate, said the company "will remedy any deficiency and get our software reinstated," adding that the company is "in the process to find out the reasons/deficiencies from FMCSA."
Blue Star ELD has not yet responded to an inquiry from Overdrive about any plans to remedy the issues with its device.
Motor carriers have up to 60 days to replace the revoked ELDs with compliant ELDs. If the ELD providers correct all identified deficiencies for their devices, FMCSA will place the ELDs back on the list of registered devices and inform the industry of the update.
During the 60-day period, safety officials are encouraged not to cite drivers using these revoked ELDs for 395.8(a)(1), “No record of duty status,” or 395.22(a), “Failing to use a registered ELD.” Instead, officers should request the driver’s paper logs, logging software, or use the ELD display as a back-up method to review the hours-of-service data.
A snapshot of available data through Overdrive sister company RigDig BI shows officers' willingness to cite such violations growing, at least since 2020 through calendar year 2022. At once, those violations, considered together, haven't reached levels nationwide that were seen the first year of full ELD mandate enforcement in 2018.
Beginning July 20, carriers and drivers who continue to use the revoked devices will be considered as operating without an ELD. Officers who encounter a driver using a revoked device on or after July 20 should cite 395.8(a)(1) and place the driver out-of-service, FMCSA noted.
[Related: FMCSA revokes five more ELDs]
Big meth shipment found in load of papayas
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry in Texas recently seized more than $5.4 million in methamphetamine in a single enforcement action.
Border officers at the Pharr International Bridge found 369 packages containing a total of 606 pounds of alleged methamphetamine in a load of papayas.U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Upon further physical examination, CBP officers discovered 369 packages containing a total of 606 pounds of alleged methamphetamine within the load. The narcotics had a street value of $5,419,700.
“This large seizure illustrates the dedication of our front-line officers to CBP’s border security mission and their effective utilization of inspections technology and canines to detect and interdict narcotics,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez.
CBP seized the narcotics, and Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation.
[Related: Traffickers hauling millions' worth in meth caught at border]
Ohio Peterbilt hosting 589 test drives Thursday
The Ohio Peterbilt group of dealerships will host test drive events for the new Peterbilt 589 at four locations this Thursday, May 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Ohio Peterbilt locations hosting the events include:
- Cleveland -- 900 Ken Mar Industrial Pkwy., Broadview Hts., OH 44147
- Grove City/Columbus area -- 6240 Enterprise Pkwy., Grove City, OH 43123
- Toledo -- 13015 Eckel Junction Rd., Perrysburg, OH 43551
- Youngstown -- 3682 Leharps Dr., Youngstown, OH 44515
The first 25 attendees from each location to RSVP will receive a complimentary Peterbilt hat. RSVP is only required for the limited hat offer, not to test drive.
[Related: Test drive: The Model 589, Peterbilt's successor to the 389]
ATA launches new industry image campaign
The American Trucking Associations on Monday, May 20 formally launched “Nothing Without Trucking” -- a multi-year image campaign to educate policymakers and the public about the indispensable role trucking plays in Americans’ lives.
The campaign launched at ATA’s Mid-Year Management Session in San Antonio with an introductory video, new website with social media shareables and call to action for industry supporters to share their stories.
“This time of year, as schools wind down and summer vacations dot the horizon, we're here to remind America that in every season and at every moment of daily life, there’s nothing without trucking,” said American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear. “In an election year when it can feel our country is more polarized than ever, trucking is an incomparable industry that connects Americans of every background in ways that are literal, essential and personal. Our footprint is omnipresent, our reach is inescapable, and this campaign will show why trucking is the true beating heart of this nation.”
Nothing Without Trucking will champion the trucking industry’s story through earned and paid media, digital content, grassroots mobilization and in-person events that connect those in the industry with elected officials, political candidates and the motoring public.
Nothing Without Trucking debuted with a call to action for industry stakeholders to share their personal stories through the campaign’s website.
