Source: Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 5/30/14
 
A coalition of poultry organizations has submitted comments arguing against a proposed rule that would require the use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) on trucks.

The rule, proposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), satisfies a requirement of the July 2012 highway reauthorization law. In support of the proposed rule, the FMCSA cites studies showing that trucks with the ELDs have a lower incidence of crashes.

In a news release, however, the Joint Poultry Industry Human Resources Council, which includes members from the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, National Chicken Council and National Turkey Federation, contend that the requirement for all trucks is an unnecessary expense.

Acknowledging that many poultry companies already have installed ELDs in their fleets, the groups also say that “the existing paper log system allows motor carriers to comply with current hours of service regulations, and there is no reason to believe that electronic systems will substantially improve highway safety. In addition, the mandatory use of electronic systems adds an unnecessary expense to the costs of fleet operations.”

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