Rounds Encourages South Dakota Truckers, Stakeholders to Offer Comments on ELD Rules

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today encouraged South Dakota truckers and other citizens who may be negatively affected by Electronic Logging Device (ELD) rules to voice their concerns. Last month, the Department of Transportation announced a 90-day delay of its ELD rules for live load truckers, which were originally scheduled to take effect Dec. 18.  DoT is now is accepting public comments regarding agricultural commodities HERE until Jan. 19, 2018.

“The ELD rules could have significant, real-world implications for live load truckers and the agricultural economy,” said Rounds. “This new rule brings to light the hours-of-service challenges for truckers who transport agricultural commodities and have long wait times at grain elevators and livestock barns. I’m grateful DoT Secretary Elaine Chao has recognized the need to seek additional input from stakeholders and encourage South Dakotans to voice their concerns.”

The intent of the delay is to give DoT officials more time to hear the concerns of truckers who transport live-loads and other agricultural products. The announcement came a month after Rounds joined a number of South Dakota truckers in Washington, D.C., to discuss these concerns with DoT officials.