A U.S. appellate court has refused to overturn a new federal rule requiring truckers to use electronic logging devices, dealing a legal setback to the association that sued to overturn the regulation.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit announced Oct. 31 it would not overturn a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mandate requiring the devices, the industry news site Logistics Management reported. The court's decision came as a blow to the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, which argued the agency was placing a costly burden on the independent truck drivers the group represents.

"We are disappointed and strongly disagree with the court's ruling," OOIDA CEO Jim Johnston said in a statement. "Because this issue is of vital importance to our members and all small business truckers, we are reviewing our next steps to continue our challenge against this regulation."

The federal mandate has divided the trucking industry. The American Trucking Associations supports the rule, saying electronic logging devices would improve road safety. But the large companies that make up ATA's membership are more likely to be able to afford the technology than the small independent truck drivers that belong to OOIDA.

OOIDA claims there is no evidence electronic logging devices improve safety, Logistics Management reported. Instead, the association maintains they are a harassment tool and a violation of the 4th Amendment, which protects against illegal search and seizure. http://bit.ly/2fiqb2C

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