The Department of Transportation has released details on the initial 90-day waiver from the requirement for agricultural and livestock haulers to obtain electronic logging devices. The 90-day waiver began Monday and allows the agency time to further examine an exemption request while developing additional guidance for agricultural haulers.

In September, Farm Bureau, National Pork Producers Council, National Cattleman’s Beef Association and five other livestock, aquaculture and beekeeping organizations petitioned DOT for a waiver and limited exemption from the ELD mandate for drivers who haul livestock, live fish and insects. On Monday, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s ELD mandate went into effect except for those transporting agricultural commodities and livestock. Those haulers were granted an initial 90-day waiver from compliance.

Most farmers and ranchers should be exempt from the ELD mandate because they can claim covered farm vehicle status. Those who cannot claim CFV status will be able to take advantage of the 90-day waiver, which waives the ELD mandate for those transporting agriculture commodities, livestock, fish and insects through March 18. Drivers operating under the waiver must carry a copy of the notice and present it to motor carrier safety enforcement officials upon request. In addition, any carriers operating under the waiver must notify the FMCSA within five business days of any accident.