Category: ELD Mandate

Our American Truckers: Introducing the Backbone of the US

Posted on August 29, 2019 by - American truck driver, American truckers, ELD Mandate, ELD regulations, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, life of a truck driver, truck driver, trucking industry

Meet America’s trucking industry, the backbone of our country.

Consumers across the U.S. rely on truckers to deliver their goods each day, often without a second thought as to where they came from.

It’s time that changed.

The American truck driver is responsible for transporting over 70% of total domestic tonnage each year.

On top of that, the trucking industry employs 10 million people.

We’re opening the curtains. Welcome to the life of a truck driver.

The Life of a Truck Driver

The “Our American Truckers” Series

The “Our American Truckers” YouTube series was started in part to draw attention to truck drivers across the country.

As part of the trucking industry, we appreciate our drivers and want the rest of the world to do the same.

That’s why we’re working to draw back the curtain between American truckers and the consumers that rely on them.

Our first episode featured Billy Cagle, a Wadesboro, NC truck driver for the entertainment industry.

He talked about his introduction to the trucking industry and gave us a look at what his experience in the industry means to him.

This time, for Episode 2, we spoke to Kennith Farrell, owner of KF Trucking right here in Rock Hill, South Carolina to get his take on everything trucking.

The American Trucker

Farrell spoke about how the trucking industry has changed over the years and the increasing demand for American truck drivers.

“In America, without trucks,” he says, “we don’t have a country.”

 

He’s right. America’s economy thrives off of the transportation industry and relies on ground transport of goods to remain in action.

Farrell speaks on the ELD mandate, in particular, giving a personal insight on how ELD regulations directly affect drivers.

Stepping into the life of a truck driver changes your outlook on certain things that may look different from the outside.

Farrell explains why ELD regulations have changed the trucking industry and affected him personally. He also takes a moment to reminisce…

“I got into it… I actually drove when I was 18 years old. I worked for a company called King Provision with my uncle delivering to Burger Kings,” he remembers.


He didn’t think it’d be his career until his brother suggested that they invest in their own truck.

The rest is history.

Supporting the Trucking Industry

At ExpressTruckTax, we work tirelessly to support truck drivers in every way we can.

We understand that truck drivers are critical to our nation, which is why we try to make life simpler for you.

ExpressTruckTax takes the paperwork off your plate so that you can focus on serving our nation’s economy as best you can.

On top of that, you’ll always speak with a real, US-based team of people ready to help you when you need it.

We’re looking out for you.

And since we’re looking out… Have you filed IRS Form 2290 yet?

The deadline is September 3rd, 2019. Avoid IRS penalties – Get started now!

As the industry’s leading IRS-authorized e-file solution, we know how to save you time and money. We’ll have you done with filing in minutes.

The 2019 DOT Funding Bill Advances in The U.S. Senate

Posted on June 12, 2018 by - ATA, Bill, ELD, ELD Mandate, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, faa, House, House DOT Bill, Insutry news, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, Senate, Senate DOT bill, truck regulations, trucking reform








The 2019 DOT Funding Bill Advances in The U.S. Senate

(Updated August 2, 2018)
Senate-passes transportation funding bill Aug. 1st.

Legislation approves $1 billion in infrastructure grants for the 2019 fiscal transportation measure including $154.2 billion package for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Measure as passed 92-6.

The Senate bill would provide DOT with $26.6 billion in discretionary spending. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration would receive $667 million, and $50 million would be provided for improving safety of state-supported passenger rail service

The Federal transportation infrastructure, housing assistance, and community development spending bill was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday, June 7 for $71.4 billion. The bill passed with a unanimous bipartisan support (31-0). So now that the 2019 DOT funding bill advances in the Senate here is what you need to know.

The 2019 DOT Funding Bill Advances in the Senate

The FY2019 Transportations, Housing and Urban Development, and Related (THUD) Appropriations Act unlike it’s House counterpart did not include trucking policy reform. This includes the proposed ELD waiver for livestock haulers and the controversial Denham Amendment.

The Denham Amendment backed by House representatives Jeff Denham (R-Cali), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), and Jim Costa (D-Cali) would standardize meal and rest breaks for truckers. The proposed ELD waiver for livestock and insect haulers would have exempt drivers from the electronic logging device mandate until September 2019. However, the Senate called upon the DOT to “consult with Stakeholder, the Department of Agriculture and Congress on legislative solutions for drivers with unique working conditions.”

 

The 2019 DOT Funding Bill Advances in The U.S. SenateThe current DOT funding expires at the end of September however the Senate has not set a date for considering the bill. Once consideration begins in the Senate legislatures can add trucking reforms during the amendment process. The U.S. House has yet to bring the DOT appropriations bill to the floor as well.


If the two governing bodies pass a different version of the bill, the lawmakers will enter a conference committee to produce a finalized bill. This will then be passed again by the respective governing bodies. Any trucking reform that is attached would be subject to intense review during the committee process.

We want to hear from you! Click here to share. Let us know your thoughts on the DOT bill!

For more trucking news and information click here.

You Need to Know About The Possible ELD Exemption for Small Carriers

Posted on June 7, 2018 by - eld exemptions, ELD Mandate, eld mandate exemptions, ELDs, electronic driver logs, electronic logging devices, electronic logs, electronic logs mandate exemptions, elogbook, express truck tax, expresstrucktax





You Need to Know About The Possible ELD Exemption for Small Carriers
(Update August 1, 2018)

On Wednesday the Senate passed a bill that exempts livestock haulers from ELD compliance until September 2019. The current legislation has two months to finalize 2019 appropriation packages.

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A bill filed in the U.S. House of Representatives on May 23, 2018, may bring ELD exemption for small carriers. If passed, carriers with 10 or fewer trucks will be exempt from the Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) electronic logging device mandate permanently. Here is what you need to know about the possible ELD exemption for small carriers.

You Need to Know About The Possible ELD Exemption for Small Carriers

The Small Carrier Electronic Logging Device Exemption Act of 2018 is sponsored by Representatives Collin Peterson (Dem-Minnesota) and Greg Glanforte (Rep-Montana). This is the first attempt to exempt small carriers and owner-operators from the ELD mandate specifically.

The Small Carrier Electronic Logging Device Exemption Act of 2018 would allow carriers with 10 or fewer trucks to use paper logs instead of the mandated electronic logging devices. For this piece of legislation to pass it will need to be approved by the House, Senate, and President Trump.



You Need to Know About The Possible ELD Exemption for Small CarriersRepresentatives Collin Peterson and Greg Glanforte also introduced a bill that would exempt drivers hauling agricultural commodities from the ELD mandate. Livestock drivers have received an ELD exemption until the end of September but will need to comply after this date. Agricultural truckers have only until June 19th to switch from paper to an electronic logbook.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) petitioned FMCSA in November to allow small business truckers to continue using paper logs until December 2022. However, the FMCSA has yet to issue a decision on the topic.

As this issue continues to develop, we will continue to deliver you the latest news and information in the trucking industry. Click here for additional blog content.

What You Need to Know About The ELD Exemptions

Posted on March 27, 2018 by - eld exemptions, ELD Mandate, eld mandate exemptions, ELDs, electronic driver logs, electronic logging devices, electronic logs, electronic logs mandate exemptions, elogbook

FMCSA Director Hears ELD Concerns at MATS

Trucking community concerned about the ELD mandate and ELD exemptions

During the Mid-America Trucking Show, commonly known as MATS 2018, federal regulators faced off against a standing-room-only crowd of owner-operators and other trucking veterans from across the nation.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Director of Enforcement and Compliance, Joseph DeLorenzo, hosted a seminar during the first day of MATS; here is what happened and what you need to know about the ELD Exemptions.

ELD Exemptions & Growing Concerns

Since the Electronic Logging Devices Mandate (ELDs) back in December, there has been growing concern among the trucking community. From older truck exemptions to confusion over the agricultural exemption, this hour-long seminar covered more than just type of ELD compliance.

Older Truck Exemption

Joseph DeLorenzo appeared before a crowd of leading trucking veterans from across the nation. The first wave of questions centered around the older truck exemption to which DeLorenzo stated that all pre-2000 engines are exempt. And this ELD exemption applies to all pre-2000 engines whether it came with the vehicle or if it was a replacement.

However, this exemption does not apply if the pre-2000 engines are rebuilt to a certain extent and should be relabeled. If you undergo a roadside inspection, the officer will check the engine tag to determine if your truck iasds exempt.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has issued guidance on this matter, according to DeLorenzo.

ELD AG Exemption

Is the transportation of all agricultural commodities exempt? This is a more difficult question that owner-operators and self-employed drivers put to DeLorenzo. To sum up his response, the federal definition is the rule of thumb regardless of the state definition of agriculture.

According to the federal government, ELD Ag exemption is considered the transportation of bees, livestock, unprocessed fruits, and vegetables. The exclusivity of the federal definition of agricultural commodities leaves several drivers concerned considering the ELD mandate.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate

What should owner-operators and self-employed drivers know about ELD exemptionsUnder the ELD exemption, you don’t have to comply with new regulations if you don’t exceed 150-miles more than eight times in a 30-day period. Once you extend past this, you have 11 hours of driving time and 14 hours of off-duty time.

The 90-day waiver for federally defined agricultural commodities pushes the pause button on the ELD mandate. If you are transporting agricultural commodities as defined by the federal government, you will be covered under the ELD AG Exemption no matter how many time you exceed the 150-mile distance.

ELD Deadline

As drivers, you should already be aware that the deadline for complying with the ELD mandate is April 1st. If you are found without an electronic logging device, you will be cited and most likely ticketed if you cannot prove exemption.

After the April 1st ELD deadline, you will be placed out-of-service for 10 hours and then allowed to complete your run. However, you are required to install an ELD immediately before your next route. If you are later found without an ELD, you will receive an out-of-service violation under the ELD mandate.

We want to hear from you! Let us know your thoughts on the ELD mandate.

Are You Joining Monday’s Anti-ELD Media Blitz?

Posted on December 1, 2017 by - Anti-ELD media blitz, Brian Babin, ELD, ELD Mandate, ELD protest, H.R. 3283 Bill, Madate Delay Bill, Trucker Rally

Part of the appeal of being a trucker is the freedom of the open road. Unlike other professionals, truckers are one with their rigs without a boss breathing down their neck 24/7. Heck, most even say they were born free and chose to be a trucker.

ExpressTruckTax asks if you are going the anti-ELD protest

Now many feel that with the upcoming ELD mandate that the freedom that trucking provides will be trampled upon. It’s viewed as a major violation of trucker’s rights and many have taken steps to protest it with no results so far. However, now truckers all across the nation are taking to the streets for a major anti-ELD protest on Monday, December 4th.

Monday’s Anti-ELD Protest

In order to attract the public’s attention to their cause, many truckers are taking to the streets to raise awareness about the impending ELD mandate coming on December 18th. The protest will begin at 9 A.M. local time and over 40 locations are planning to participate so far.

To find out where the ELD protest will be near your state, head to the ‘Monday Information’ group on Facebook. Many truckers in the group are organizing protests in their state, providing more information, and are even helping each other out with protest signs and online flyers.

A few of the protest locations include Bill’s Truck Stop in Linwood, NC, Shoemakers Ambest Truck Stop in Lincoln NE, 116th N. 7th St, Richmond, VA, and many more. Simply post in the group to ask where you can find a rally near you.

This protest is a part of the major ELD media blitz that’s been occurring online for quite some time now. Many protesters have been on Twitter with the ELD or ME campaign to gain attention for their cause. Many tweets and memes have been directed at Trump.

ExpresstruckTax notes that the anti-ELD protest is family friendly
The December 4th anti-ELD protest is noted as a family-friendly event. Truckers are encouraged to bring their kids. Santa will even be making appearances at some of the locations and taking photos with rigs is encouraged.

The purpose of this is to educate people on the importance of truckers and so they can learn about the role in their lives. This will also give drivers a chance to share how they feel ELDs will negatively affect them.

This protest is also to support the H.R. 3283 ELD mandate delay bill introduced by Texas Representative, Brian Babin. If the bill was enacted it would give truckers two extra years to comply with the mandate by pushing the deadline back to December 19th.

Also, in attempt to stop or delay the mandate Brian Babin asked Trump halt the ELD mandate by executive order. He specifically asked for the mandate to be delayed until April 1, 2018, as that’s when the CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) will begin enforcing their out-of-service criteria.

What Are Your Thoughts On The Anti-ELD Media Blitz?

We want your feedback. Will you be joining fellow truckers on December 4th to protest ELDs and over-regulation? Or do you think ELDs will financially benefit the trucking industry and make it a safer place? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below and visit ExpressTruckTax for more trucking blogs.

OOIDA’s ELD Appeal Was Rejected

Posted on June 23, 2017 by - DOT, ELD Benefits, ELD fight, ELD Mandate, ELD negatives, ELD resistance, ELD support, ELDs, OOIDA, OOIDA ELD Fight

No matter which side of the ELD (Electronic Logging Device) mandate you currently stand on, you should brace yourself to comply with the compliance mandate on December 18th, 2017. OOIDA’s appeal has been rejected so it might be time to prepare your truck and fleet to comply.

OOIDA Isn’t Left With Many Options

OOIDA or the Owner-Operators Independent Drivers Association has been trying to fight the DOT to put a stop to the ELD mandate for years now on the grounds that they violate the rights of drivers and their constitutional protection against unreasonable searches and seizures because the rule fails to meet the congresses stipulation for the mandate.

However, the supreme court has refused to hear OOIDAs lawsuit appeal against the DOT rule that will require truckers to use ELDs to track hours of service. Therefore the December 18th, 2017 compliance deadline will remain intact for now.

Although, this doesn’t mean that OOIDA is giving up their fight. They will continue pushing the matter to Congress and the Trump Administration because they highly favor the 4th amendment which protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures.

A Little About The ELD Mandate…

To put it simply, an ELD is an electronic logging device that connects directly to a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to record the driver’s hours of service. This will make it more difficult to bend the rules and go over the driving limit of 11 hours per day since paper logs and electronic driver logs can easily be faked.

The data that an ELD captures is from the engine including movement, the number of miles driven, location, and hours.

The potential benefits of ELDs for fleets include saving time and saving money as they reduce the amount of paperwork that will need to be processed by eliminating paper logs. However, the benefits for the entire trucking community include saving lives.

FMCSA the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimates that 26 lives will be saved and over 1,800 vehicle crashes will be prevented annually because ELDs will reduce driver fatigue by more heavily enforcing compliance to hours of service regulations. 

However, many drivers have concerns about ELDs and do not want them. For example, will drivers and owners of smaller fleets be able to incur the costs of installing these devices in their vehicles?

Plus, they’ll be mounted on the dashboard, taking up valuable space and visibility. Will ELDs actually be dangerous by blocking a part of the driver’s view of the road? Also, will it be distracting?

One major concern is that ELDs will violate the driver’s privacy by recording their personal data. The guidelines as to what will protect the driver’s confidentiality when it comes to determining compliance with hours of service aren’t set in stone yet and that’s worrisome to a majority of drivers.

Are You Ready For The Mandate?

Whether you’re on board for ELDs or totally against them OOIDA has a tough fight ahead of them now. Even though they’ll continue fighting for the rights of truckers, the compliance deadline of December 18th will remain intact. Don’t let this deadline sneak up on you, be prepared to comply with the mandate.

For more trucking blogs visit ExpressTruckTax.com and please share your thoughts on the ELD mandate in the comment section below.