Peterson helps exempt livestock and insect haulers from ELD mandate

Last week, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced that livestock and insect haulers are indefinitely exempt from the requirements of the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate. According to the agency’s website, drivers transporting livestock and insects can continue to use paper logs to document their hours of service “until further notice.” FMCSA also noted that effected drivers do not need to carry documentation about the exemption.

“This decision helps reduce the lingering uncertainty about which types of haulers need to use ELDs,” said Congressman Peterson. “More importantly, it also helps ensure that agricultural products arrive to market in a safe and efficient manner.”

"The care and safety of our animals is our top priority. Minnesota Farm Bureau appreciates the clarity that FMCSA's announcement provides for farmers and ranchers while transporting them from one location to another in the safest manner possible," said Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFBF) President Kevin Paap. "Thank you to Congressman Peterson for his leadership in addressing this issue."

In the 115th Congress, Congressman Peterson sent letters to FMCSA calling for increased clarity and flexibility around the ELD mandate as it relates to livestock and insect haulers. He also introduced the bipartisan Agricultural Business Electronic Logging Device Exemption Act (H.R. 5949) to completely exempt agricultural businesses from the ELD mandate.