🚫 No ELD, No HOS Violations? One Trucking Group Says It’s Time for Freedom Over Mandates

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction – A Revolt Against the Black Box

If you’ve ever screamed at your ELD for cutting off your drive time 5 miles from a truck stop, this story’s for you.

A new coalition of small trucking companies and independent drivers is throwing a bold pitch at the FMCSA:

“If we don’t violate the Hours-of-Service rules… why the heck do we need an ELD?”

That’s the logic behind a recent petition from the Small Business Transportation Coalition (SBTC) — and it’s got both fans and critics gripping the wheel.

So let’s put this into gear and cruise through what’s happening, why it matters, and what it means for the future of driver autonomy.

The Ask: Scrap the ELD If You’re Clean

The SBTC is asking the FMCSA to grant an exemption from the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) requirement for carriers and owner-operators who:

Have NO Hours-of-Service violations for at least two years

Operate with excellent safety records

Are willing to self-certify they’ll continue playing by the rules

In other words, if you’re proven to be safe, on time, and not cheating the clock — they want you to be freed from the digital babysitter.

What's the Beef with ELDs?

Let’s keep it real: ELDs were supposed to level the playing field and prevent drivers from being overworked. But here’s how a lot of folks out there really feel:

🧠 They’re Overkill for Good Drivers
If a driver is running legal and not bending logs, why be micromanaged by a computer that shuts down your wheels at 10 hours and 59 minutes like you’re a child on screen time limits?

💸 They’re Expensive for Small Fleets
Buying, installing, and maintaining ELDs costs thousands — and many one-truck operations or family-run outfits are barely making it already.

💡 They Remove Flexibility
Can’t pull over for traffic? Stuck 15 minutes from home? ELD don’t care. It’s clock out or get violated. That rigid enforcement creates unsafe decisions, like speeding or parking in sketchy spots.

Is This a Pipe Dream or a Real Possibility?

Here’s the twist: There’s precedent.

The FMCSA has granted exemptions before, like for livestock haulers or UPS — and even SBTC had an earlier exemption request denied back in 2019. But they’re back now, better organized and with growing support among small carriers.

That said, it’s gonna be an uphill haul:

Big carriers LOVE ELDs – they help control drivers, boost compliance, and reduce liability

Safety groups argue exemptions open doors to abuse

FMCSA isn’t in the habit of loosening rules, especially post-pandemic and post-crash lawsuits

Multiple Perspectives: More Than Just "Lazy Drivers vs. Big Brother"

🚛 Owner-Operators Say:
“Let me run my truck like a business. If I’ve been clean for years, I’ve earned that trust.”

🧑‍⚖️ Regulators Say:
“Without ELDs, it’s too easy to fake logs, even if you claim to be squeaky clean.”

💼 Big Fleets Say:
“Standardized ELDs make it easier to manage hundreds of trucks. Don’t mess up our workflow.”

👷‍♂️ Safety Advocates Say:
“This could lead to cherry-picking or worse — companies pretending to be safe just to ditch their ELDs.”

So who’s right? Probably a little bit of everyone.

The Real Issue Isn’t Just the Device

At the end of the day, this debate isn’t just about technology — it’s about trust, transparency, and trucking culture.

Most drivers don’t mind rules when they make sense. But they hate being treated like crooks because of what a few bad actors did.

If FMCSA is serious about “flexibility, safety, and fairness,” then creating an exemption for proven-safe, clean-running drivers isn’t just logical — it’s long overdue.

And let’s be honest, we’ve got bigger issues on the road:

Scammers stealing fuel cards

Dispatchers pushing unpaid detention

New drivers being trained in parking lots and sent solo

Maybe it’s time to focus on real threats, not guys just trying to get home without a violation.

Bottom Line: Exemptions Could Empower the Right Drivers

If approved, this exemption could open the door to smarter, safer, and more personalized regulation. One that rewards integrity, not just compliance.

But the industry has to step up too. If drivers want more freedom, they’ve gotta prove they can handle the road without cutting corners.

It’s like Hervy says: “Freedom without discipline is chaos. But freedom earned through trust? That’s power.”

📢 Want In On the Real Game?

Whether you’re trying to get into trucking the right way or you’re looking to finally build income while parked, here’s where the smart folks go:

👉 LifeAsATrucker.com
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Don’t wait till the industry forces your hand. Learn now, earn while rolling, and build the life you want behind (and beyond) the wheel.