The extended comment period is over on the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) concerning Hours of Service reform. A huge number of comments from the public were received. Though no official analysis has been completed yet, it looks as though there’s a great deal of support for reform that could give drivers some much-needed flexibility.
While the window for comments was fairly short, over 5,200 comments were submitted online into the Public Register. Trucking, it seems, is hungry for a change. Even FMCSA Administrator Ray Martinez is feeling the push, saying during a public listening session that the agency is “on a very aggressive time line” when it comes to deciding what changes need to be made.
Again, while there has been no comprehensive analysis made available yet, it seems that the majority of comments came from individuals. Click on any of the comments online and there’s a pretty good chance it’s from a company driver or O-O. Most of those comments seem to support changes. Repealing the mandatory 30-minute rest break and allowing for split sleeper schedules or a “pause” on the 14-hour clock come up again and again.
A common suggestion for a split-sleeper rule is to allow drivers to consider any break of longer than 2 hours of non-driving time as part of their required 10 hours of off-duty time. That would mean drivers could split their off-duty into 8/2, 7/3, 6/4, or 5/5.
Many respondents, including the Maryland Motor Truck Association, referenced a study conducted by the ATRI which found that allowing flexible split-sleeper schedules helped truckers save 45.5 minutes of drive time and reduce their on-duty time by 1 hour and 15 minutes each day.
Even Cal Bahr, a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, submitted a comment saying; “Any period of two hours or more in the sleeper berth should stop the 14 hour clock. Why do the current rules penalize an action (rest) that they are supposedly designed to promote? Getting rest when needed should never be penalized.”
Nothing seemed to have more resounding support in comments than a repeal of the required 30-minute rest break. The Western States Trucking Association neatly distilled what seems to be the most widespread opinion on the mandatory 30-minute break. The called it “almost universally viewed as the most obnoxious of all the HOS rules.”
When making new regulations though, it’s often not the majority opinion that prevails. The push for flexibility and reform might have been quashed by big players if they had opposed it. But instead, the Truckload Carriers Association, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, and individual mega-carriers like C.R. England seem ready to ditch the 30-minute rule and give a split-sleeper program a try.
Even the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the largest lobbying group in the country ($103.95 million on lobbying in 2016), said in their comment that “The Chamber continues to doubt the benefits of requiring a 30- minute rest break within the first eight hours of a shift.”
With such popular support and huge lobbying power, it looks like HOS reform is inevitable. But even with Ray Martinez pushing efforts along as quickly as he can, the wheels of change – especially in government – will likely continue to grind slowly.
Source: ttnews, dot, dot, dot, dot, dot, dot, dot, dot, dot, truckersreport, uschamber, opensecrets
Shane says
They should also consider moving to a 70/7 or an 80/8 rule like a few states use for intrastate. Also, it would be very cool if the 16-hour short-haul exception could be allowed every day instead of once a week. Or allow it to be used 3-4 times a week. Not so much allowing 16 hours but allow driver who are doing runs to like Phoenix to metro LA and back to be able to turn that with 12-13 hours of driving if they are returning to their home domicile every day.
Jack of Hearts says
Think about this:
When I was driving I worked 60hrs/wk avg & made $60k. ($1200/wk / 60hrs = $20/hr)
Jobs now advertise $70k/yr.
($1400/wk / 70hrs = $20/hr)
Where’s the beef, (not to mention time & a half over 40hrs).
Sincerely, Disgruntled X. Driver
Jack of Hearts says
Oh how I wish I could find a job that would give me the opportunity/require me to work 16hrs a day.
Let Freedom Ring,
Disgruntled X. Driver
Fred Douglas says
Did you send your suggestion to the chamber?? I bet not.
Bruce Barbee says
I agree as a driver if where at a dock and in the sleeper birth for 2 hours are more it should stop our 14 hr clock.
Jumel says
Agreed
Douglas Whiteside says
I agree
Minister William Pearson says
As long as a driver has documented and has proven rest periods. He should be able to drive as long as he wants 14 hour rule is not necessary what’s necessary is rest and working rest and working rest and working which would be a lot easier to meet the demands of this economy and trucking companies would not be forced to just hire any and everybody to drive a truck
Fred Douglas says
??? do not understand!
Wayne norris says
I would like to see the old rule put back in place 10/8
We ran good made money
Why fix something that’s not
Broke. Drive 10 sleep 8
Its technology that isnt safe with these NEW DRIVERS. Let us ol timers show you how done.I have seen new driver (breed) driving with a computer on the dash headphones on ..texting That’s the problem not paying attention. Staying up all nit playing video games..
.
Jerre Macdougall says
By far the best thing to do with the hours of service. Simply do a with the 14-hour rule. Let us continue to have 11 hours of driving time. And you have to take a 10-hour break within the 24 hour. This way you could do the day your way simple simple simple. So many morons out there I swear.
Cosmo says
Yes there are an awful lot of morons sitting behind their computer screens attempting to drive trucks and think like drivers. If we could drop them off on a boat in the middle of the ocean would be great. But it seems these are the same morons that control freight and dispense the work. All if them got shiferbrains and brownies stuffed in their ears.
Jay says
That right
Eric Wendt says
I think we should be able to take at least a 30 minute break.
I actually like the idea.
Hammy Hambone says
You can take a break anytime you want.. it doesn’t have to be regulated by the government..
Stop giving away your freedoms because of the hive mentality..use your own common sense to figure out solutions to problems and stop relying on the government to solve problems as they most certainly will create more problems then solve them.
We the people believe in a small government ran by the people for the people..
Damn sheeple
Red says
No one is saying you can’t take a break. But instead that it shouldn’t be mandatory. Just because you like it doesn’t mean it should be forced on everyone.
Rich says
Spoken like a true Millennium
Carmelo A Amador Trucking LLC says
The split hours will be very great especially the OTR drivers at least they can make a better income for their families.Drivers make sure is not abuse or going to be like old days.thanks
Samuel gallezzo says
God damn it….the problem is not with the clock. It’s the pay. Bottom line end of story. Any changes in the rules will be 5aken advantage of by companies and drivers will continue to get the shaft.
duh says
I think we have a job hopper here! If you have been driving for more than 5 years and can’t find a job that pays you $75,000+, the problem is you. No good paying companies want to hire someone who hasn’t ever stayed put anywhere.
Turnover costs $10,000 – $15,000 per driver. Companies that are good at managing that, pay more. Companies that can’t manage turnover, can’t afford to pay more. Companies with low turnover tend to only hire drivers who’s average job length is measured in YEARS, not months.
Those drivers started from the same place you did, a CDL and no experience. They had to take their lumps with companies that didn’t treat or pay them well. Now they are reaping the rewards.
Drivers that switch jobs multiple times per year? They get stuck doing the same dance over and over again until they blame everyone and everything but themselves. You can spot these types of drivers easily, they are usually terminal rats, found in the corner, complaining about “Millennials” while ironically not understanding anything about proving oneself, loyalty, professionalism, or how to build a solid resume.
A Brand New driver, straight out of trucking school is about 3-5 years away from being able to land a really nice position. A driver with 10+ years experience with 30 different companies is also about 3-5 years away from being able to do the same. Experience matters, but good companies want consecutive years of DRIVING experience, not experience filling out applications.
Job hoppers are right about one thing though – they CAN find another job in less than 24 hours… but those jobs are going to be the same crappy jobs that don’t pay well, have lying recruiters, don’t have benefits, pay with 1099, try to trick you into a terrible lease programs, and just generally take advantage of drivers…
But Job Hoppers continue to live this vicious cycle, their insanity convinces them that the NEXT company that doesn’t care about work history will finally be the secret golden ticket company that is just willing to hire anyone and throw money at them without a care in the world. Its a fantastical fantasy. All while the job hoppers burn every bridge and professional connection they make in the industry.
JAMEE says
Completely Wrong.. If your goal is to drive someone elses truck for your entire life..
With owning your own truck, you go where the freight is.
Charles says
Ten four now there a man who knows this business !!!!
Fred Douglas says
Get another job, I have seen old men complain about not enough mile and pay for miles. They will not go out and apply to a 5 star company where the benefits are better the equipment is newer and the pay is top. Some one benefits might talk about them on the CB.
Daniel says
The HOS sleeper birth is really important. Your customer could be 45-minutes unloading/loading or 14-hours and 45-minutes. There is absolutely no HOS rule that can fix stupid scheduling. We have customers with 100-docks and 5 shippers. What’s the point?
waynesworld says
Smfh, they just simply refuse to totally take away the 14hr rules and let us drive 11hrs in the whole 24hr period, oh well least I gave them a professional remark/comment that fmcsa wanted so soon as new hos changes I will trade my 2014 ride for a glider and do that 😁
Jesse says
Gliders in the U.S. are no longer allowed,sorry.
Taylor says
There was a law coming on that limited gliders to 300 units per year per manufacturer, but for now, that law has been rescinded. Gliders are still the rule. Sorry…
Vincent J Jarvey says
I call BS.
Please include source for the BS.
Thanks.
Brian says
30 minute break, and the 2 hour break rule is very contradictory on what it is meant for.
Changing the 14 hour rule because of delay of stops is also contradictory. Changing that only benefits carriers and stops. Not drivers.
Drivers are put on time restraints. And have to answer to federal officials if guidelines are broken.
Shippers, receivers or anyone doing business with a driver having such restraints while on duty. Should also have federal time restraints. It is the stop causing the problem! Not the law.
Goinpostal says
Give us a set amount of maximum miles to run per day(Say 650mi.),with a 30min.break in the middle,and a 10hr break before.
Only use the clock for the 70hrs on for the 34hr reset.
This would free us from the lost time on the dock,or in traffic tie ups.
If we are to be payed by the miles,then we should be regulated by the mile.
I can’t believe all the whining about the little 30min break,when it’s the nonstop 14hr clock that’s the overall problem.
Red says
Your entire comment becomes invalid when you say 650 miles per day. What kind of Nancy are you that that is all you can do? I legally run an average of 730 miles per day.
And furthermore, both the 30 minute break and the nonstop 14 hour clock are the problem. Not just one or the other.
Dana Saxman says
I agree bro I lose so much time waiting to be loaded
JAMEE says
I dont want to be paid by the mile.. That is incredibly silly. I only work for % of gross..
Fred Douglas says
Dead head for free! that is the way to go bunkie.
Source of reason says
The 30 minute rule was the primary factor in my leaving the trucking industry and not going back. That rule took the enjoyment out of driving.
Most truck drivers may be overweight and out of shape, but when it comes to endurance behind the wheel, most of us are athletes. Able to do what average people can’t do, safely drive for 8+ hours each day.
Telling drivers they have to stop for a full 30 minutes, is like telling a marathon runner, at mile 20, we want you to sit for 30 minutes, before you run your last 6 miles.
I miss driving, but I don’t miss every driving day that being 30 minutes longer than it needs to be. I loved being on the road, but I also liked getting to my destination, getting a shower, and chilling out in my bunk with all my tech gadgets. A marathon runner would hate the idea of needlessly having 30 extra minutes added to their run.
I still have my CDL, and will hold on to it until automated trucks and RVs make it where they aren’t issued anymore.
Jim Bryant says
Raise the pay and pay actual miles instead of ripoff mileage pay. Fix it so we can drive the entire 14 hours if we want each day or work on the dock 14 hours. And also get rid of the 30 minute break for otr drivers. The thirty minute break works for city drivers because they are required to take lunch anyway. Also utilize the split sleeper rule with no consequences for the driver. Do something that helps the drivers instead of the shippers and recievers. They are the ones that have caused all of the death and misery. Forcing drivers to work without sleep and we have been overregulated for too long. Put the rules and regs where they belong. Pay isn’t that great over the majority of companies out there. Some pay well but the drivers have to absorb the failings of these companies also. Any driver that works for a company that pays crappy mileage and has hardly any decent benefits are stupid if they say they are being paid good. Their last job must have been raking leaves.
JAMEE says
Stop working for mileage pay. Take some time to learn about the actual load pay and get a % of that…
Josh says
I’m local and I don’t have to take a lunch break.
Steve says
There are so many forces and delays that are beyond our control. Shipping and receiving delays, accidents, road construction, weather and traffic to name a few. That all burn up our clock when were under time constraint loads Yet were put into this 14-hour rule cookie cutter system that doesn’t work with reality. Forcing drivers many times to drive when they’re exhausted and try to sleep when they’re not tired. Simply put, we could shut down when we’re actually tired or incurring delays and save our clock. in other words, in a 24-hour period you need 10 hours off duty now run it with safety as the top priority. This will save a lot of lives from accidents which are caused by unnecessary fatigue and sleep deprivation that causes a delayed reaction for exhausted drivers.
Hammy Hambone says
You mean turn the logs back to where they were before “parents against tired truck drivers” lobbied the government to change the log system?
Steven Dale says
I see a lot of comments bashing new drivers yet again. Even though I’ve been driving for about 10 years now I always feel a need to defend newbies. I’ve witnessed countless “old timers” stuck in ditches, speeding, talking on phones, rear ending 4 wheelers, and other violations. It’s not their fault they receive poor training. Until the industry takes training seriously and actually paying a liveable wage to attract smart people we will continue to suffer.
Jesse says
Most truck driver I know make 60-80 thousand a year, how can you say drivers are under paid, that is more then 60% of everyone else. Companies are paying more and more each year as the driver shortage progresses. Quite complaining about not being paid enough. P.S. if you don’t like it, don’t do it. Find another job to gripe about.
It is the HOS regs that are the problem. Mainly the 14 hour window. A pause in this would solve all the time. 2nd, would be allowing split sleeper birth. I need 7 hrs sleep. leaving 1 hr for breakfast and a shit.
Thanks.
Kc says
The public has spoken and the Givernment which is suppose to be “We the people” turns into the elected officials control for the sake of lobbist money.
Dan says
Nobody should work for “cents” per mile pay. All truck drivers should be paid by the hour. First-year driver it start at $24 an hour. And obviously with more experience you would receive more pay per hour. And like most good paying jobs anything after 8 hours would be time and a half. This would definitely help with driver turnover. Would get the same hourly rate whether you’re driving over the road or if you’re parked at a dock for 3 hours waiting to get unloaded. And get rid of the 14-hour rule. You can drive 11 hours in a 24-hour period and your 10-hour break could be broken up however works best for you and your sleep pattern. And if you have to pull off the road because of ice or snow and it’s mandatory you get off the road or you just don’t feel safe you should still get paid for a minimum of eight hours. We have families to feed also.
JAMEE says
NO NO NO!… this hourly pay and mileage pay is crazy.. % of gross or nothing..
Jesse says
Do you see a flaw in pay by the hour. I know a lot of lazy truckers and if they were to be paid by the hour, you would have no reason to drive over 50 miles an hour. Taking 2 days to do a 1 day run. Just wouldn’t work. Drivers need motivation to drive. The more miles…the better you do…
Think about it.
Randall S North says
We need less hours and more pay for several types of drivers and operations. This is where the focus needs to be. With more flexibility and more available hours will come more greed, manipulation and driving while fatigued. Not a single one of you think about anyone but yourselves. Of the 5000 comments, how many were from entry level drivers that were recently, or currently being manipulated into driving fatigued? NONE! How many comments were from visa drivers being manipulated into driving fatigued? NONE! How many trainer student teams commented? NONE!
JAMEE says
/facepalm
Its because they are all too busy workkng as slaves to take the time to post..
Mike R says
What the should do is stop wasting everyone’s hard earned money they paid in taxes doing stupid test that cost millions of dollars each. The only reason they went from 10 hours driving to 11 was to make more money for the companies anyway I certainly didn’t need or want to drive another hour. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the 10/8 rule most drivers averaged at least 6 hours of sleep then which is the norm for just about anyone who works for a living. The old rules worked for 40 years and the new rules have never worked for one reason or another so let’s just go back to what worked and stop wasting time on something that clearly is never going to satisfy everyone.
Jack of Hearts says
70/7, 80/8. More hours, shorter careers… burn out, accident out, family out. Go for it.
It’s a 24/7 society and the driver-sheeple want the right to drive 24/ 7 to make their $70k/yr. You’re headed down the dead end road the industry wants you to go… and the first ones to the end will be crushed by the others rushing behind. Signed Disgruntled X. Driver. Good luck.
Andy over the road says
Here’s one. I think that teams should be allowed to split there driving days. Maybe minimum 5 hours drive 5 hours sleeper.
Get the rest and keep moving without feeling tired. Helps get through the rough hours. Clocks would stop when you go into sleeper and pick up when you drive.
Randall S North says
Where’s my comment?
Jack of Hearts says
70/7, 80/8. More hours, shorter careers… burn out, accident out, family out. Go for it. Disgruntled X. Driver.
gary jenkins says
Go back to 14 hours. If you stop and take a break it extends your 14 hour clock.
zee says
I slept well rested, on the 10 and 8. Sitting in a truck for another 10
after 13 out of 14 on duty is just nuts. It is very fatiguing
to me. 168 hours week is what a driver is really working, on duty
as the clock never stops, and when the rig and load are on the road,
your are ALWAYS responsible. Just ask any Transportation lawyer
bringing in the big bucks. 45 cpm per mile on the average miles
of 2500(a lot of multistop and truck load carriers) is 1125.oo divided by
168 hours a week = 6.69 and hour. If you take into account 300 in taxes and 100 a week in personal, that is 725.00 / 168 hours which is 4.31 an hour. 168 hours x 10..00 an hour is 1680.
Lets say 400 + 100 out and realized take home is 1180.00 / 168= 7.02 an hour.
So pay the mileage/company driver at that last rate and they still make less than minimum wage for 168 hours a week.
Those on percentage or Owner/Op(not the same scale of wages of course)
can calculate their returns just as easily.
What’s trucking 168 hours a week to you worth? No home time,
family lost, no life but 64 square feet in a rolling tin can?
If you look at trucking as serving your country, bringing America
it’s every thing, the no matter if you are a newbie, or 40 years old school,
speak up about your freedoms, as groups like public citizen, madd, patt and others, and tlca and ata, will rule the day if you don’t.
The carriers associations now want to delete the 30 minute rule?
Why? They supported it when drivers did not. Insurance companies, a league of new poorly trained drivers.
All this blamed on the Captain of this ship which is YOU.
Shippers/receivers and brokers rule the day, without paying their way,.
Your appointment for what should be a 30 minute pull off became a waiting ,
rolling warehouse for 10 hours? Drivers(o/o, whatever) should be compensated.
Who else in America do you know that works for free?
zee says
you can bet my post will be moderated.
dave says
I told them, minimum 2 hours, line 2/sleeper berth, should allow truckers to pause 14-hour clock. Not the current 8 hours. That gives them the option of shutting down doing big cities rush hours without being penalized.
Lester says
why not do like they are doing to the North HEY , 13 on duty 13 driving, if it works in Canada it should work out here HEY.
DB says
Just make it 14h a day total 7 days a week. So a driver can drive up to 14h if they want, or driving with on duty cannot exceed 14h. Easy rule to follow. You get 14h to work, use it how you want.
Michael A says
The entire HOS program should be scrapped. To this day it has never been proven that the HOS have had any significant percentage of less accidents or moving violations. Once a driver has driven 350k miles he should be able to determine when he needs to rest, and for how long. The drivers also need to be paid for every other function they do other than driving. Like transferring trailers at a customers site, sliding axles, fueling, getting paid for actual road miles, and getting paid for live loads from the time they arrive at a customers site, and general maintenance of the truck. This would help drivers make the money required to be on the road and at the same time keep them safe.