FMCSA ELD-HOS Exemption for Farm Supplies

FMCSA Addresses Petition Submitted by ARA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently issued a letter to the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) responding to a petition ARA submitted regarding Hours of Service (HOS) and Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). The letter denied ARA’s petition, but clarified some items that may be of interest to shippers of farm supplies.

FMCSA’s letter clarifies that “farm supplies for agricultural purposes”, which includes fertilizers, are exempt from ELD and HOS requirements when operating within a 150 air-mile radius.

Depending on state enforcement officials, it may be helpful for drivers to keep a copy of the FMCSA letter in the cab as well as documentation to show a driver is operating within the 150 air-mile radius.

OABA applauds ARA's leadership in addressing the recent rule changes, and encourages members to read the response letter to clarify rules regarding HOS and ELDs for agriculture.