Publication of Final ELD Rule Delayed Again

Federal regulators have failed to meet their projected Nov. 30 date for publication of the long-awaited final rule mandating the use of electronic logging devices.

Rob Abbott, vice president of safety policy for American Trucking Associations, said the trade federation now expects the rule to be published in early December.

Abbott said the rule could be published later this week but more likely will come out the week of Dec. 7.

The rule, which has been delayed several times, cleared a review by the White House Office of Management and Budget on Nov. 16 — the last step before publication.

The agency has said the rule, which will replace paper hours-of-service logs with automated logging, has been delayed due to “additional coordination necessary.” The rule also is expected to create requirements concerning HOS supporting documents and include measures to address concerns about harassment resulting from the mandatory use of ELDs.

The proposed rule was announced in March 2014.