Today’s Pickup: Beef, livestock groups seek ELD exemption

Good day,

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and livestock groups have delivered a petition to Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao requesting a waiver from complying with the upcoming electronic logging device (ELD) rule.

The petition also asks the Department of Transportation (DOT) to address livestock industry concerns that the current hours-of-service (HOS) rules are not compatible with the realities of the livestock industry.

“U.S. beef producers and livestock haulers are focused on protecting public safety and ensuring the health and well-being of cattle transported around the country,” said NCBA President Craig Uden, a fourth-generation beef producer from Elwood, Nebraska. “A limited exemption from ELDs will allow for our haulers to continue to safely transport livestock while providing the livestock industry time to continue working with DOT to find workable solutions within the HOS rules that take into account the unique needs of livestock haulers.”

More time is needed to address livestock industry concerns and educate all stakeholders to avoid disruption in an industry that already has concerns with driver shortages, the groups argued.

Did you know?

Research firm Visiongain predicts the global autonomous trucks market will reach $26 billion by 2027.

Quotable:

“We are not here for participating trophies, we are here to win.”

– Jonathan Randall, senior vice president of North American sales for Mack Trucks, on the introduction of the Anthem highway model

In other news:

Amendment to block speed limiters advances in House

Even though FMCSA has withdrawn a rule to mandate speed limiters on trucks, a new amendment in the House would prevent the agency from finalizing a rule through September 2018. (Overdrive)

Warehouses on demand

As e-commerce buying habits change shipping patterns, more companies are finding they need more flexible warehouse options. (Supply Chain Brain)

Study finds significant IoT gaps in supply chains

While transportation organizations recognize the potential of IoT, unless it moves to close the gaps in data-sharing, it may never realize the full benefits. (Supply Chain Management Review)

Managing the ELD capacity crunch

A number of factors will influence capacity once the ELD mandate goes into effect, but understanding them now can help you cope with them in December. (Inbound Logistics)

Samsung investing in auto tech

Samsung has created an investment fund to invest in automotive technology, according to reports. (Wall Street Journal)

Final Thoughts

The request by several livestock groups to be exempt from the ELD mandate is the latest twist in the ongoing ELD saga. Their request, though, has some merit. FMCSA has never fully understood the special requirements needed to move livestock, which can involve stopping multiple times to keep the animals cool by hosing them down, feed them, etc. It’s proof that a one size-fits-all rule doesn’t work.   

Hammer down everyone!