Hours of Service of Drivers: Electronic Logging Devices; Application for Exemption; Truck Renting and Leasing Association, Inc.

Summary: FMCSA announces that the Truck Renting and Leasing Association Inc. (TRALA) has requested an exemption until December 31, 2018, from the electronic logging device (ELD) requirements for all drivers of property-carrying commercial motor vehicles rented for 30 days or fewer. A waiver for the same purpose and group of drivers was issued to TRALA on January 19, 2018, and expires on April 19, 2018. TRALA states that the waiver period, which is limited to 90 days, is not sufficient to address the ELD problems that they and their short-term lessors are encountering. This request, if granted, would provide rental-vehicle owners, carriers, and drivers with additional time to develop compliance strategies for dealing with the unique issues relating to the use of ELDs in short-term rental vehicles. TRALA believes that the exemption, if granted, would not have any adverse impacts on operational safety, as drivers would continue to remain subject to the hours-of-service regulations as well as the requirements to maintain a paper record of duty status. FMCSA requests public comment on TRALA's application for exemption.