The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) has granted an ELD exemption to truckers who are driving short-term rental trucks. The exemption will be valid until October 2022.
According to the latest exemption, truckers who are driving short-term rental trucks for eight or fewer days will not be required to maintain logs with electronic logging devices.
However, it is important to note that such truckers would continue to be subjected to the Hours-of-Service regulations. Therefore, they also need to maintain paper logs for eight days, as usual. In addition, truckers are also required to keep a copy of the rental agreement in the vehicle. Safety inspectors might need the copy of the rental agreement as well as a copy of the exemption notice.
Furthermore, if a trucker operates longer than eight days without an electronic logging device, it would be considered a violation.
The FMCSA’s announcement came after TRALA requested the ELD exemption in March 2017. In their exemption request, TRALA — which is comprised of renting and leasing companies — mentioned that they support the ELD mandate. However, the ELD rule would “unfairly and adversely affect short-term rental vehicles.”
It is also important to note that TRALA requested the ELD exemption on truck rentals of up to 30 days. However, the FMCSA granted the ELD exemption for only eight days or fewer. According to the FMCSA, 30 days “is unnecessarily long given the importance of ELDs to ensure the accuracy of HOS records.”
The FMCSA believes that the 8-day time-frame “would give most carriers sufficient time to repair or replace their usual vehicles.” It is also important to highlight that the agency also allows eight days to replace or repair a malfunctioning ELD.
Note: If a carrier replaces a rental truck with another rental after eight days, it would be considered a violation and a way to avoid using ELDs. Similarly, any attempt to renew the rental agreement for the same truck would also be considered a violation, according to the FMCSA.
About TRALA
Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA) is a voluntary, non-profit, independent trade organization that is providing a unified and focused voice for renting and leasing industry in the legislation.
The organization was formed in 1978 with a mission to foster positive legislative and regulatory climate among companies engaged in renting and leasing of vehicles. It also helps them all compete in a healthy environment without any distinction in the United States.
The Bottom Line
Although the FMCSA has granted an exemption to truckers driving rentals for eight or fewer days, for some carriers the time-frame could be a bit too short.
If the eight-days limitation doesn’t fit your needs, you might need to look for an ELD solution. The ELD mandate is less two months away now, and it is crucial that you are fully prepared.
Request a free demo of the Motive ELD solution today.
Motive ELDs are FMCSA-registered, feature-rich, and start from just $20 per month with no additional charges whatsoever.
If you have any questions, you can call us at 855-434-3564 or send us an email at support@gomotive.com.
