Owner-op asks FMCSA if he can use paper logs because he can’t afford an ELD

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is reviewing an owner-operator’s request to use paper logs because he can’t after an ELD.

In a notice to be published in the Federal Register on March 1, the FMCSA stated that it received a request for exemption from electronic logging device (ELD) regulations from trucker Arbert Ibraimi.

Ibraimi is asking officials for permission to use paper logs instead of an ELD for one year.

The trucker told officials that he is operating a new business and cannot afford an ELD at this time.

According to FMCSA documents, “the applicant states that he would use the funds saved from not implementing an ELD in the single CMV to monitor the safety of operations and to incorporate safety management controls into his operation.”

The FMCSA will accept public comments on the ELD exemption request.

If you would like to leave a public comment after the notice is published on March 1, you can visit Regulations.gov and reference Docket No. FMCSA-2023-0244.