Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/860257
EquipmentWorld.com | August 2017 13 A pipeline construction industry association and a specialized equipment fleet are seeking exemptions from the federal electronic logging device (ELD) mandate set to take effect Dec. 18. The Pipe Line Contractors Association is requesting the exemption for all drivers of pipeline contractors. The PLCA says the drivers sometimes exceed the short-haul exemption of more than eight days in a 30- day period, which would require them to use ELDs. The group says the drivers would still be required to keep paper logs, if the exemption were granted. The drivers, which primarily operate flatbed trucks, rarely drive on public roads, so the ELD requirement would not offer a safety benefit, the PLCA argues. It says the drivers "almost always" operate within a 100-mile radius and meet the requirements for the short-haul exemption, but may not return to the work-reporting site within 12 hours, as the short- haul exemption requires. Additionally, MBI Energy Services, a water service hauling fleet in North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana and Colorado, is requesting the exemption for its vehicles equipped with single-passenger cabs that are used in applications in which travel is rare. MBI says these trucks require oversize/ overweight permits to operate on public roads and are typically only used in remote areas, not on highways. Because the trucks are single- passenger cabs, the fleet says space is limited and installing an ELD would reduce driver visibility. In other ELD-related news, a bill has been filed in the U.S. House to push back ELD compliance two years, until December 2019. The ELD Extension Act of 2017, filed by Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas), is aimed at reducing the compliance burden for small operations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking public comment on both exemption requests until Aug. 9. For an in-depth look at the ELD mandate, check out Equipment World's special report at www. EquipmentWorld.com – By Matt Cole reporter | staff report Briefs John Deere and Wacker Neuson have formed a strategic alliance in which Wacker Neuson will supply Deere with Kramer brand compact equipment aimed at the agricultural market. Starting in Europe, Deere will sell Kramer's "green line" of all-wheel-steer wheel loaders, telescopic wheel loaders and telehandlers, as well as attachments, accessories and parts. Volvo has sold its 25-percent stake in German engine maker Deutz. Both companies say they will continue to work together to develop next generation medium-duty engines for off-road applications. Martin Lehner has been chosen as the next CEO of Wacker Neuson to replace Cem Peksaglam, who steps down this month. Lehner has served as Wacker Neuson's chief technology officer and deputy CEO. Lehner, 51, came to Wacker in 2007 when the company merged with Neuson Kramer. Volvo Construction Equipment has named Melker Jernberg as president, replacing Martin Weissburg at the end of this year. Weissburg, who took the reins at Volvo CE in 2014, is returning to the United States and will serve as senior adviser to Volvo President and CEO Martin Lundstedt. LiuGong Machinery has named Kevin Thieneman as chairman of LiuGong North America and senior chief director of Guangxi LiuGong Machinery. Thieneman most recently served as president of Caterpillar Forest Products from 2013 through January of this year. Pipeline contractors request short- haul exemption from ELD mandate (continued on page 14)