Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Nov. 18, 2024:
FMCSA removes three ELDs from Registered Devices list
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Monday removed three electronic logging devices from its list of registered devices. As a result, drivers are asked to discontinue use of the revoked devices within the next 60 days.
Revoked devices include:
- Keep Tracking ELD
- Rollingtrans ELD -- Accurate One
- Rollingtrans RT ELD Plus -- Accurate Plus
Attempts by Overdrive to reach the two companies have gone unreturned as of Monday afternoon.
FMCSA said the devices were placed on the Revoked Devices list “due to the companies’ failure to meet the minimum requirements established in 49 CFR Part 395, Subpart B, Appendix A.” The removals are effective as of Nov. 18.
FMCSA will send an industry-wide email to inform motor carriers that all who use these revoked ELDs must discontinue using the revoked ELDs and revert to paper logs or logging software to record required hours of service data, and replace the revoked ELDs with compliant ELDs from the Registered Devices list before Jan. 17, 2025.
Motor carriers have up to 60 days to replace the revoked ELDs with compliant ELDs. If the ELD providers correct all identified deficiencies for their devices, FMCSA will place the ELDs back on the list of registered devices and inform the industry of the update.
During this time, safety officials are encouraged not to cite drivers using these revoked ELDs for 395.8(a)(1) -- “No record of duty status” or 395.22(a) -- “Failing to use a registered ELD.” Instead, officials should request the driver’s paper logs, logging software, or use the ELD display as a back-up method to review the hours-of-service data.
Beginning Jan. 17, 2025, carriers who continue to use the revoked devices will be considered as operating without an ELD. Safety officials who encounter a driver using a revoked device on or after that date should cite 395.8(a)(1), and place the driver out-of-service (OOS) in accordance with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance OOS Criteria.
FMCSA strongly encourages motor carriers to take the actions listed above now to avoid compliance issues in the event that the deficiencies are not addressed by the ELD providers.
[Related: FMCSA removed four ELDs from 'registered devices' list]
Battery-electric Nikola trucks recalled for instrument panel issue
Nikola Corporation is recalling 72 of its Nikola Tre BEV trucks for an issue in which the instrument panel can become non-compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requirements.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents, affected model year 2022-‘23 Tre BEV units have a resistor that may degrade, causing the instrument cluster to go black. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash. Nikola said all 72 MY 2022-‘23 Tre BEV trucks in the field could be affected.
Dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Nov. 22. Owners can contact Nikola customer service at 630-808-4531 with recall number 24VDC0903. NHTSA’s recall number is 24V-844.
NCDOT reminds truckers to stay on truck routes
In a brief Facebook post Friday, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is reminding truck drivers to stay in large truck routes to and from western North Carolina.
NCDOT said on Thursday, Nov. 14 alone, more than 100 tickets were issued to trucks using non-truck routes to cross the North Carolina-Tennessee border.
The only large truck routes to/from western North Carolina are I-77 to I-81 or I-40 to U.S. 74, NCDOT said. Late last month, I-26 in Tennessee partially reopened with one lane in each direction.
“If GPS apps send you to other routes, don't try it,” NCDOT said in its post. “Doing so may lead to a ticket, getting stuck or even overturning.”
Two new TA Express locations open in Minnesota, Alabama
TravelCenters of America recently announced the opening of new TA Express locations in Minnesota and Alabama.
A new TA Express in Mankato, Minnesota, at 3010 Adams Street features 75 truck parking spaces, eight Reserve-It truck parking spaces, eight diesel lanes, a Mrs. J’s Café, four showers and more.
In Birmingham, Alabama, at 901 Bankhead Highway, a new TA Express offers 85 truck parking spaces, eight Reserve-It truck parking spaces, Arby’s and Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants opening soon, eight diesel lanes, seven showers and more.
