Trucking news and updates for Friday, February 6, 2026:
Would you exchange complete HOS compliance on paper for an exemption from the ELD mandate? A new trucking organization has requested the FMCSA to relieve owner-operators from ELD requirements.
The FMCSA seeks public input regarding a request to continue accepting paper medical cards until a new electronic system is fully operational.
The MATS concert lineup has been announced—find out who will be performing.
FMCSA Reviewing Request for ELD Exemption
The Federation of Professional Truckers (FOPT) has formally petitioned the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for an exemption from the electronic logging device (ELD) mandates. Established in September 2025, FOPT aims to “restore professionalism, accountability, and fairness” in the trucking sector, according to its website.
If approved, the exemption would apply to “FOPT members and any other drivers who opt to participate,” as highlighted in a Federal Register notice. FOPT describes itself as a “nonprofit advocacy organization” representing professional drivers and small carriers throughout the U.S.
In their petition, FOPT requested relief from the ELD regulations in 49 Code of Federal Regulations 395.8, permitting affected drivers to maintain their records of duty status (RODS) manually using a paper log instead of an ELD. The organization contends that paper logs are enforceable and recognized by law enforcement nationally, and that small carriers are disproportionately impacted by ELD costs.
FMCSA Soliciting Feedback on Paper Medical Card Use
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has asked the FMCSA to provide guidance regarding the ongoing implementation of the Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration (NRII) final rule. As some states have yet to complete the rule’s implementation, FMCSA has issued waivers allowing CDL holders to utilize a paper version of their medical examiner’s certificate for proof of medical certification for up to 60 days after the certificate’s issuance, with the latest waiver in effect until April 10.
The NRII rule mandates the establishment of an electronic system for medical certification, where examiners report results to the FMCSA and these are subsequently sent to state driver’s licensing agencies for inclusion in drivers’ records. States that have not yet complied include Alaska, California, and several others.
Although CVSA’s request was meant for guidance, FMCSA is interpreting it as a request for an exemption from applicable regulations, allowing paper medical certificates to be used temporarily while waiting for full compliance from all states.
MATS Concert Lineup Announced
The annual Friday night concert at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, will feature Overdrive contributor and trucker-songwriter Long Haul Paul, along with Mark Ware and Frank Foster. MATS is set to take place from March 26-28.
Known to Overdrive readers for his contributions to the “Faces of the Road” series and Overdrive Radio podcasts, Long Haul Paul’s songwriting reflects the challenges of trucking, with notable tracks like “Thirty Weight Coffee” and “You Were a Good Hand.”
Joining him, Mark Ware blends Southern soul and storytelling in his music, famous for emotional songs like “Six Feet Away.” Headlining the event is Frank Foster, an independent Southern rocker, whose songs include the anthem “Blue Collar Boys.”
The free concert on Friday is sponsored by the Bennett Family of Companies, with tickets available at their booth, No. 39201, during MATS show hours on March 26 and 27.
