Hey there y’all! Quick Blog post on how a trucker’s hours work. Back in the day, there were no limitations put on how long a driver could drive. Today there are. I will not digress by stating that there’s no money to be made by The Greedy People if they aren’t regulating something, so…. suffice it to say trucking has gradually become very regulated. Oops, did I forget to delete that facetious opinion before I published this? My Bad. (teeheehee)
I will summarize this in my own way, but please also read it from the source in the link provided, and review that source at all times for current regulations.
The current HOURS of SERVICE, (HOS) stipulate:
There are 4 clocks and 2 breaks I must adhere to:
For the purpose of this article, the word ‘work’ is equal to time driving plus time on job-related tasks.
A 14 hour clock with 10 hour break
14 hours is the most I can work during my 24 hour shift before taking a mandatory 10 hour break.
An 11 hour clock
Most I can drive within the 14 hours.
An 8 hour clock with 30 minutes break
I can only work for up to 8 hours without having a solid block of 30 minutes not driving somewhere in that 8 hours.
And a 70 hour clock.
I am not allowed to work more than 70 hours in an 8 day period.
(14 hr Clk). This clock starts when I start my day, and runs continuously down to 0. If I start work at 4 am, I must break at 6 pm for a minimum of 10 straight hours. I can stop before 6 pm, and that 10 hour break will start from when I stop. Either way, a block of 10 straight hours is mandatory before I can go back on the clock.
(11 hr Clk). This clock adds up all the blocks of time I am driving the truck throughout my work day. the total can not exceed 11 hours.
I don’t have to drive all 11, but I can’t drive more than 11.
(8 Hr Clk) I will often have shorter breaks within that 8 hours, but somewhere needs to be a straight block of 30 minutes
(70 hr Clk) This clock adds up drive time plus time spent on other job oriented tasks, like my pre-trip inspections, hooking or unhooking trailers, and fueling to name just three things. I cannot log more than 70 total on-duty hours in an 8 day period.
I don’t need to work 70 hour weeks, I just can’t work over this amount.
(14) I typically run a 12/12 split.
(11) Typically I’ll drive between 6 & 9 hours. If I’m on a long haul and don’t need to stop to pick up or deliver, then I love to drive 10/11 hours. Those are my favourite days….When I’m laden with live-loads, or too many short hauls, it kills my momentum and stamina and I’ll end up with days where I only drive 3 hours. :0(
(8) I take this whenever I like to have a lunch break.
(70) If I run some longer days, this clock ensures that I am balanced with some shorter days.
That’s it! A driver who wants to run hard and get a lot of miles will truly be honed in on Clock Management, as will a driver who is dependent upon critical deliveries and pick ups! Improper starting of one’s 14 hour clock can make or break their ability to be on time. Logging breaks at non-advantageous times will also hinder on time arrival.
There are federal penalties for exceeding these limits which are strikes to the driver’s record as well as the company’s record, if they are a company driver.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) was established on Jan 1, 2000, and is part of the over-arching Department of Transportation. This administration makes amendments to these rules every so often, so always check their site for the most current regulations.
10-7 for now.
St Louis, MO, Carlisle, PA, W. Memphis, AR, Gary, IN, Indianapolis, IN, Lebanon, TN, Laredo, TX and Tunkhannock, PA.
Cheers,
JJ
Good to know there are regulations! PS) And I love your background pic 🙂 My city… 🙂
Yes mon trésor. Haha. Paris is a love of mine. Your hometown…. Cheers xx
Thanks for the addendum JJ😊
My pleasure! Im glad you enjoy some of these tidbits :). 😉