Federal regulators have added five electronic logging devices to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s revoked list and announced a tougher vetting process aimed at keeping non-compliant units off the market. Motor carriers and drivers have up to 60 days to replace any revoked devices with compliant ELDs.
Five ELDs revoked; agency tightens vetting
FMCSA said it is implementing “a complete overhaul of the vetting process for Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)” to prevent loophole exploitation and reduce the risk of future revocations that force carriers to swap equipment. The agency’s update adds five models to the Revoked ELDs list and sets a 60‑day window for replacement.
FMCSA reiterated that carriers using a newly revoked device must transition to a compliant ELD within the 60‑day period and continue meeting all hours‑of‑service recordkeeping requirements during the changeover.
Emergency rule on non‑domiciled CDLs paused by federal court
Separately, FMCSA’s recent emergency rule affecting non‑domiciled commercial driver’s licenses has drawn significant public comment. A District of Columbia U.S. Court of Appeals issued a temporary stay of the rule on November 13, pausing enforcement while a legal challenge proceeds. The three‑judge panel cited arguments that FMCSA did not follow required procedures, including consultation with states, and had not demonstrated that the change would improve safety.
FMCSA launches nationwide safety and economic study
The agency is also initiating a nationwide research project to quantify safety and economic impacts tied to commercial motor vehicle operations. FMCSA noted there is currently no comprehensive, existing dataset for the project. According to the agency, researchers will analyze drivers’ hours‑of‑service duty logs, crash and incident records, and inspection violation data.
Training providers face scrutiny; tighter CDL standards proposed
Nearly 44% of the approximately 16,000 truck driving schools in the U.S. may be at risk of closure following a U.S. Department of Transportation review that identified potential non‑compliance with federal requirements. DOT has also proposed tougher commercial driver’s license rules after a fatal crash involving a foreign‑born driver; supporters say the changes would strengthen safety, while critics characterize the proposal as an immigration‑related crackdown. The proposals remain under review and subject to public comment.
Carrier bankruptcies continue amid regulatory shifts
According to Equipment Finance News, eleven additional motor carriers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October, following ten filings in September. The report highlights continued financial pressure across segments of the trucking industry as regulatory changes and enforcement actions evolve, including efforts related to driver eligibility and English language proficiency.