The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has finally published its proposed changes to the Hours of Service (HOS) rules. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) would impact the 30-minute rest break, allow some split-sleeper schedules, give drivers a “pause” button for their 14-hour clock, and more.
According to FMCSA Administrator Ray Martinez, the HOS reform is supposed to give truck drivers some much-needed flexibility.
“Drivers face congestion, parking issues, unexpected adverse conditions – and they need some flexibility,” FMCSA Administrator Ray Martinez said according to Heavy Duty Trucking. He also acknowledged that “it may have been” that drivers feel that ever since the ELD mandate went into effect, they’ve been pushed into racing the clock even when they’re already fatigued.
“We hope that by providing flexibility, it puts a little more power back in the hands of drivers and carriers to make smart decisions regarding safety and the reality of what they’re facing on the roadways,” said Martinez.
In the 129-page document, there are five proposed changes. Seeing changes are the 30-minute rest break, sleeper rules, adding a “pause button” for the 14-hour clock, loosening short-haul air mile restrictions, and adding some wiggle room during adverse driving conditions.
You can find an in-depth breakdown of the proposed rules here.
According to the FMCSA, the changes will provide a $274 million savings for the U.S. economy. This is accomplished by increasing the amount of their 11 hours of drive time that truckers actually spend driving. The increased efficiency is expected to lower freight rates, and therefore shipping costs.
The proposed changes have been lauded by both the American Trucking Association and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association – two groups that often find themselves on opposite sides of the battlefield. But while large carriers and Owner-Operators could possibly win big with the proposed changes, the fate of company drivers remains uncertain.
While the FMCSA is asking for public feedback on the NPRM, the comment period is not yet open. According to Martinez, the notice will likely be posted in the Federal Register – and be ready for comment – by Monday, August 19th.
“I hope that people will comment. Don’t assume this is a done deal,” Martinez said. “If you like it, please tell us you like it. If you like parts of it, tell us you like parts of it and what parts you don’t like. Be constructive in your criticism to help us create a final rule as quickly as possible.”
Once the comment period is over after 45 days, a final rule will have to be drawn up and proposed. That process will likely take months or more. And even once the final rule is issued, it will likely be a year or more before it goes into effect. And that’s if the likely legal challenges to hold things up.
Source: FMCSA, FMCSA, gobytrucknews, truckinginfo,
truckinginfo, fleetowner, overdrive, overdrive, freightwaves,
freightwaves, freightwaves, ttnews, facebook, businessinsider
Super trucker says
They need to add a line in their 129 pages that states elds are optional because this is america and the government shouldnt be allowed to tell me how to operste my business
Christhefur says
I second this government should keep out of our business and our insurance also!
R Elliott says
Insurance shpuld keep out of our business too as they have become too powerful with respect to an O/O as well as companies operating trucks.
Frank Dobyns says
ELD’S ARE A GREAT SAFETY REQUIREMENT,,KEEPS COMPANIES,DRIVERS,OWNER OPERATORS LEGALLY RUNNING,,REVERTING BACK TOO PAPER LOGS,,COMPANIE DRIVERS/OWNER OP’S CAN EASILY FALSIFY THEIR LOGS/RECORDS,,YOU DONT WANT SOMEONE LOOKING AT YOUR RECORDS OF TRAVEL/WORKING,,HANG IT UP
Joe2boltz says
I take it from your comments here Jeff your not a truck driver or you haven’t been one very long.
Trucker smooveb88 says
For real he has to be into something else.
Henry Big Boy says
Please comment on a subject that you have an idea about it, even if its a little.
Driver, Dock 3 says
Jeff, what iis the difference between looking aver your houlder at paper, or a screen?
R Elliott says
Eld’s are only a measure to keep companies and operators compliant. It has really no real effect on saftey at all.!!!
PatRicia Larkin says
Except in stupid situations like having to move from one end of a parking lot to another and having to restart a 10 hr break because of it….
Jesse says
I agree. I get tired of these outdated cowboy fossil truck drivers whining that they can’t make money with eld on the truck. They are just to lazy and stupid to adapt .
Super trucker says
The eld is an unreliable extra piece of garbage tech that has been forced down our throats. I dont like having to waste money on equipment that doesnt work, there is no cost saving when you calculate the lost time, the hardware, the software updates that will inevitably come, the learning curve with each new update or new piece of hardware when the supplier goes belly up. Paper logs are paper logs if you have a basic understanding of math and how to fill out a grid its safe, reliable, does t have to interface with the truck, i can go on forever. The only hardware issue i ever have with paper logs is when my dog eats it
Deborah says
The only ones to worry about log cheaters is someone who cheated themselves. The goal of trying to make someone look smaller by pointing a finger is because you think it makes you look bigger. “ He lived in glass house shouldn’t throw stones”. Your snide comment accusing others of forging logs is petty and only recognized by one who did it. After 21 years of FMCSA ups , downs and changes those of us who have weathered the storm with dignity don’t belittle those who had to figure it out, and help FMCSA do a better job for us. The logs have a purpose , mostly helping keep drivers alert thru sleep, eating to prevent low blood sugar resulting in impaired foggy brain.
Don’t ever criticize your brothers in trucking
Darren says
I strongly disagree. The eld’s are causing way more unsafe situations. By the way I have been driving since 1995. No tickets, accidents, or violations. Ever… the people that falsify logs will find away to rig the eld. So it is pointless.
ROBERT LAUGHLIN says
I agree ELD’s cause more unsafe driving…everyone in a hurry gotta beat the clock and of course there’s the parking situation….
les_gvt says
do you work at Schneider, UsExpress, Covenant, or CFI headquarters? Big companies are the only ones that think they are any good
Jeff says
Even though I don’t like the ELD mandate either and don’t like the Government in my buisness, regulations are there to keep drivers from violating and cheating on log books and become a serious danger to the rest of the drivers who share the road with truck drivers. I sure don’t want my friends or family members out on the road with rogue truck drivers who love to break the driving rules. I admit I use to cheat on my logs every single day just to make an extra buck but I was dead wrong doing it. Not all drivers are respnsibile even though some are and know when to stop driving when cheating on the logs. Unfortunately if drivers are given freedom to just do what they want most NOT all would cheat and break the rules. Trucking accident statistics prove my point which in turn started this entire electronic log thing.
Super trucker says
Safety on the road? Why legalize marijuana, i cant count the times ive been in traffic and seen plumes of smoke coming out of cars. Driver training, why can huge corporations have their own school to pump out drivers. It takes a lot more than two weeks of videos to be a truck driver. Self driving cars, because these havent been plowing into trucks left and right. Or how about driver safety when a computer tells you when and where to park. Better yet what about the stress drivers are being put under, so much stress we are shooting eachother at fuel stops. Believe me there isnt one thing safe when it comes to elds. It is a money scheme to keep tech companies rich and the hard working guys like me broke. Ask around see how many drivers and companies have closed due to the recent regulations. Its bad policy bad regulations and its bad for the american people
Kelly D says
So sir, how many marijuana related deaths are there on the record? Please give the numbers compared to speeding, distracted driving, improperly maintained equipment, road rage incidents, DUI’s, and gun violence.
If there are any statistics they’ll be a blip compared to even one of the others.
Will says
While I understand what you are trying to say, I would like to address it like this.
So, I will just pull some numbers out of mid air. These are not actual numbers in any way, shape or form.
Let’s just say that 1000 people have died from DUI’s per capita in La La Land.
Then let’s, in the same time period, on the same section of road, at the same time, 4 people died from marijuana impairment.
4 people to you are a “blip”.
Now go explain to the families of the 4 who were killed that they are a blip. Tell their kids they aren’t important to worry about. Tell the Wife or Husband of the blip that they don’t really count.
To all of us “blips”, it hurts just as bad. It’s like saying that DUI’s kill more, so marijuana is fine.
So by your logic it’s OK to kill people as long as it’s a small number.
Sorry, that will never bring loved ones back, and it does not make our grief any less.
Forrest Gump says
Kelly D at the risk of sounding like a conspiracy nut, Do you honestly believe the the government would pay scientist to tell you the truth about marijuana causing death. The answer is No! Because they’ve seen the prophet margin in lying to the public putting out misinformation about everything, Did they know that Alcoholism would kill as many shiferbrains as it does when irresponsible people get behind the will and drive after drinking way to much. We will never know now will we. Stupid is as Stupid does! I am a driver and still trying to break free from my rookie ways, however some of these regulations are being used by the big companies to help them stifle the industry and remove the driver from the truck. So the answer to your question the government is not going to release marijuana related deaths because they’re already to high to function in their current job positions now.
Warren says
Even though I understand where y’all coming from, I don’t think any driver should be smoking pot! Don’t get me wrong! At home or off duty okay, but not driving! I happen to know it’s not safe and you can bet, I’m an ole hippie from 70s. I KNOW what I’m talking about
les_gvt says
all you have to do is look at Colorado- they have had an increase in wrecks and deaths that can be contributed directly to drug use.
Mangat says
I agree with 100% sir.
Experienced Trucker says
You’re obviously one who likes to break the rules and run unsafe just to make a few bucks. ELDS already have the 14 hr. pause button and 2 hr. delay in it, you just need to push the button n type it in, as well ELDS can be changed just like paper logs. ELDS are exactly the same as paper logs only now it’s LIVE & hiway patrols can instantly see it, all you have to do is read the operatining instructions. If you have to break the saftey rules to make $$$, you shouldn’t be in the business.
Darren says
Experienced trucker. You are wrong. Some eld’s have the 8/2 split all messed up and can not calculate it correctly
Dolly says
Very well said, Thank you.
Marlon J Altamirano says
Imagine if there wasn’t any regulations? We would’ve had more fatalities on the road. Regulations has put bad drivers out of business and I think that’s good.
Tammy Clark says
I would like to know where to find those statistics and how they stack up to class c vehicle accident statistics. Just because nearly every truck accident is put on a news broadcast doesn’t mean that there are a disproportionate number of truck accidents. I would also like to know if they exclude truck-related accidents caused by class c drivers.
Joe2boltz says
Jeff
The biggest danger we have out here now on the road are the newly ordained drivers. Many of these new drivers have no business in this profession. Some people just can’t do it.no matter how long you train them. And that goes fof a lot of the trainers too.
Warren says
Even though I understand where y’all coming from, I don’t think any driver should be smoking pot! Don’t get me wrong! At home or off duty okay, but not driving! I happen to know it’s not safe and you can bet, I’m an ole hippie from 70s. I KNOW what I’m talking about
c c says
True.
CW says
Sounds like you are NO longer trucking. Good, stay off the road because once a cheater, always a cheater. We don’t need steering wheel holders to avoid safety. Lastly, if you still drive, I suggest you quit.
Dale says
You are incorrect, ELD have not made anything safer, accident rates have increased not decreased.
Warren says
Agreed
Jeff says
You are absolutely right Dale even the FMCSA has came back and said ELD’s or not safer if they would have listen to drivers years ago they wouldn’t be having this problem we told them years ago l.
Into the man up above that said once a cheater always a cheater you’re an idiot that’s totally wrong
CC says
ELD’s are just a way for big bother to keep an eye on the drivers
sonny Pruitt says
They can do that with your phone. Turn on the mic,turn on the camera,whatever they want to do.remember Edward snowden.big brother was keeping an eye on you long before ELDS.
Matt Brown says
No ELD ever stopped accidents lol
You can drive all day and ELD won’t stop truck from moving.
It’s not like DOT is auditing you everyday lol
It’s been 6 years since the last time I got inspected.
Darren says
Thank you Matt Brown. I’ve been driving 24 years. Had my logbook checked twice
Robert says
I can make statistics say anything I need them to say. Look at the past years, been more accidents from big rigs than previous year before the ELD mandate. Hmmmm, could that have something to do with working constantly against the clock and not being able to take a break when you need to because you will loose money if you do. Why do you think they finally put in the “up to 3 hour pause” ? Could it be in hopes of cutting back on big rig accidents caused by driver fatigue which by the way, the ELD’s and new Hours of Service were suppose to cut down on.
sonny Pruitt says
I wow had a rule when I drove,when I feel like driving I drive,when I feel like sleeping I sleep, regardless of what my log book said it was time to do.HAVING to drive when your body wants sleep can’t be safe.
Jon Harris says
Hell yeah brother.
Joe says
The rules are there to keep idiots from doing whatever they want to do including running nonstop and falling asleep and killing innocent people.
bruce says
Your comment made me laugh. You see, conditions such as these are why I can’t figure out for the life of me why my fellow truckers to not hold the feet of their elected-GOP members of the senate (which they do make up the majority of) over the fire. They got on the C/B Obama this, Obama that but not once do they open their mouths and threaten rebellion to the very people who can make it good for ALL of us, the GOP senate. Oh no. Lets not complain to the powers that be in force less we’ll all look liberal and we’re complaining about unjust conditions. That would make us look like the Obama crowd on 28 wheels, wouldn’t it? Do you just love how brilliant we are?
Duh says
YEAH! Remember when the government regulated the entire trucking industry, including freight rates, what lanes carrier’s can run, and trucker pay?
It was awful. We all made a bunch of money, hundreds of thousands of us were unionized with pensions, and a truck driver was automatically upper middle class!
Then our industry “De-Regulated” and the government got out of the trucking biz. 1980 it was.
Trucking has been a pile since then. Free Market Capitalism doesn’t work in our industry. There are too many trucking companies, hyper competition has destroyed our way of life.
But yes – keep blaming the danged Gubmint like a good parrot.
Daniel says
The Government CAN tell you how to run your business because you cannot run a business legally without them. You cannot drive legally without them. You can’t even be born under their umbrella without them. Your very existence and labor is a lien against their debts and you are their employee. That’s how it works, fella.
Jrw says
Super trucker is right! What bs.they have every right to require us to use eld and it’s really a great thing only someone who wants to run illegal would want them gone.
If u can’t make a great living with a 70hr book then hang it up!
Kevin says
You said the sleeper berth and off duty will not count against us, my question is, can you take your 30 min, before your rest break or do you have to take earlier in the day?
Charles says
The 30-min. rest break is merely a federally-mandated notation on the logs (whether electronic or paper). Truck Enforcement only acknowledges the 30-min. break notation on the logs….
Experienced Trucker says
You CAN STOP ANYTIME you want for your 30 & stop again for another 30. It’s no big deal as you HAVE 14 hrs. with 11 hrs driving.
Warren says
Not true! You’re required to brake .3o minutes before 8 hr of driving and it’s supposed to be just before the 8 hrs of driving mark! If you drove for two hours or so and took it! What sense would that make! Bottom line is if you don’t sleep for that half hour(which most doesn’t wanna do cause can’t wake up! Then what sense does ANY BREAK AT ALL MAKE
Trokerito says
ELD can be a god thing or a bad thing . The opinion will depend on what type of driver .
1.-Company driver
2.- Owner of 2 or more trucks (working under someone or lease )
Owner operator 100 % independent
So , when you give your opinion tell the forum what you represent . so, we will have an idea where you coming from.
I’m an o/o 100% independent. 1 truck / reefer fleet.
I believe there are things that the gov should regulate for the welfare of our society . However
I’m against the gov telling me when to drive or rest . And I’m not going to get into anything else because all of you guys know that this ELD Is bs and is causing more stress , therefore accidents .
I think accidents happen when trucks are not well maintained. How about the FMCSA put more effort on removing trucks off the road because of safety issues .
Tires, brakes , mirrors, bumpers hanging or strapped with wires and crap .
That should be their concern to avoid accidents.
.
Lawrence says
after 8 hours you need to take a 30min break
Gryphon says
As long as the truck is not in motion before the first 8 hrs has elapsed, you’re good to go. Downside, if you take your 30 minute to early, you will be forced to take another to get all of your drive time. If you stop driving at hour 3 on the clock, you will be leaving drive time in the system you cant use without another 30 minute break. Your mandated 15 minute pretrip tends to screw people up. I have stopped my truck with 1 minute left in the first 8 hrs. The law does not say the entire 30 minutes must be done within the 8 hrs, just that a break must be taken prior to the expiration of the first 8 hrs of the 14 hr clock.
Lawrence says
after 5 and 1/2 hours you can take a 30min break which adds up to 6 and then you get 8 back and that completes your 14
sonny Pruitt says
One thing is clear. Nobody knows how the new rule works.obviously.
Ding says
Once again…NOTHING to hold Shippers and Receivers accountable for jacking Drivers around…Round and Round We go.
Randy says
Absolutely where its needed,the problem is the shipper,receivers and the carriers. This will just give them some added time to screw over the drivers.
Flashi10 says
Your speaking about wait time? I’m a new driver and looking to understand.
Jon Harris says
Yeah I agree. They need to be more stringent on the shippers and recievers I spend most of my time there and not on the road.
Sean says
Right on. All the trucking companies should be mandated to do nothing but drop and hook. There should be no waiting at shippers and receivers. Also all loads should be relay so that drivers will go home daily. Pay by the hour not the mile.
BC says
Hourly? Are you crazy or just Canadian?👎
Paul says
Surprise, surprise. Some people don’t like working for free. Shocking, right? Americans are deeply propagandize people.
Robin says
Well couple different ways to look at the statement ya kinda murdered there. Hourly is really good to a degree combined with paid by the mile. Up here in Canada there’s a lot paid by the hour an it def does change quite a bit when the safety comes into play into regards of making money as a driver cause not hammer down left lane jammin gears after a delay along roads make up the miles. As for shippers I think if they were charged an hourly for the rigs having to wait at a good price per hour it would def hold someone more accountable for the run arounds an they would have to change they’re act or be penalized an things start to roll smoother. Cause up here in the north couple trucking companies have started it an I can tell ya the first few bills shippers received were not welcomed lol but once held accountable for the tardiness they sure got rigs loaded more efficiently an on the way. Jus different ways to look at it. ELD is a game of cat an mouse an def don’t work in a lot of industries especially the oil an livestock hauling.
Warren says
Idk bc, I work so many hours it’s unreal! If I got paid a righteous 18 an hour which is what we all are worth and more! I’d quit my complaining and be able to get ahead too
Charles says
You bespeak of a SLAVE who doesn’t realize his/her company status…..
Jax says
You obviously live in a very small box your piddly little trucking job of pulling a dry van or reefer is only about 30% of the trucking industry and your proposed rule wouldn’t work on the other 70%
Andres Olimpo Tamayo says
This is the 100% Correct Answer. Home Everyday with Our Families, Drop and Hook 100% where posible, (some Operations are NOT POSSIBLE). 1 to 3 Yrs exp. $20 to $23 @ Hr. 3 to 6 Yrs Exp. $23 to $26 @ Hr. 6 Yrs. + Exp. $$26 + @ Hr. + BENEFITS. All these should be MINIMUMS, Better Driving Records plus Performance Bonuses should PAID HIGHER. 1 Week Vacation PAID for Each Year with No Tickets, No Chargeable Accident . Implement All These And WACTH the Industry Change 50% to 100% for the BETTER, Peace
sonny Pruitt says
Sure,as long as you don’t mind 9.00 loaves of bread.
Andres Olimpo Tamayo says
Agree 100% by the Hour, for Company Drivers. Plus time and a half after 8 hrs, Plus Benefits, Plus Vacation, Plus Profit Sharing Paid Out Every Year, Plus Double Paid for 12 to 14 hrs work on a day, also Double Paid for Working on Holidays, Minimum 10 Holidays @ Year.
Ray says
That’s true, but that’s where the drivers come in. Without us they have nothing! We need another country wide shutdown like they did in 1973. It got everyone attention and put things back in perspective!
bert says
the government can never make any rules that will change that aspect of the industry . those changes must come from the carrier that haul the freight (problem there is always the very smart company that will haul the load for the cost of fuel so they can get back to their good freight) there is only market solution to that problem
TRACY LORONDEAU says
I agree with this statement, this is a big factor that is always overlooked
Linda Fangmeier says
Agreed. A lot of push on drivers comes from dock times and dispatchers on commission. Dispatchers go home drivers do not. Informed dispatchers still push. Docks don’t allow parking for eld mandated breaks. Issues such as this no parking. State rest areas to few and far between eld clocks. Government studies include truck stops as parking it closes down then what. Problems truckers face is finger pointing not actual remedies. Stake holders reguards for traffic laws not existence. Law enforcement no see when it comes to dangerous actions around big trucks. Regulations on truckers won’t solve the problems created by regulations nor public stake holders. What needs done.
Accountability by dangerous driving around trucks. Allowable time for parking up to 2 hrs after docks. Increased truck parking along road ways especially in anti trucker states along both coasts. Dispatchers taken off commission basis. Subsidies for eld installation. These do work helping reduce fatigue.
How to resolve stakeholder speeding reckless driving around trucks. Extremely stiff fines posted showing cost of actions on the roadways. Law enforcement participation. The roadway laws are unbalanced enforcing irresponsible behaviors on the roads. Illegals educated to driving in America. They bring foreign driving deadly to our states. Prior to obtaining a drivers license. Longer training for new drivers. 3 to 8 weeks not enough experience to allow new drivers on the road. I propose a six month partner experienced driver to learn enough to be a safer driver with experienced driver. Improved driver training at schools such as skid pad excercises. I drove for 18 years and quit because of increased recklessness by stakeholders and low pay. No dock pay!
Joe2boltz says
10 dash 4.
Make the shippers and receivers who have the room give up some space to get in early and wait or to stay and do a 10 after delivery.
And loading/ unloading ANY trailer should be the responsibility of the broker or shipper. The driver dosent need to get all dirty and sweaty fingerprinting the load.
Experienced Trucker says
It’s called off duty not driving. You know, the part that STOPS the clock.
Warren says
Sorry Charlie! Nothing STOPS the clock!! First thing any school or class will tell you! Nothing but unscrupulous businesses that can be paid off! Oh yeah! Y’all can bet they exist!! I know
Lawrence says
that’s why we should be paid by the hour at the dock and charged back to them so maybe they would stop this crap
sonny Pruitt says
So what do o\os get,300.00/hour?
Robert says
There should be rules on shippers and receivers as well on time spent loading and unloading because it impacts the ELD. If us owner operators are under federal conditions so should the shippers and receivers
Jeff says
As a company driver, I like the idea of not having to take a 30 minute break due to the fact that it has hindered my schedule to deliver to certain places on time. I’m already waiting at customers a lot and basically get my breaks in then. I’d rather stop and grab a bite to eat and get paid for a 15 minute stop rather than another half hour unpaid. We dont ever drive 8 consecutive hours in this local business. I can only speak for my job as I’m sure it could make other drivers feel like their company is making them work all day without a break. I’m sure most companies are more lenient after the wild ride of HOS.
Anthony Johnson says
I take 30 min breaks and still get to my places on time…i think they should get former drivers to modify these rules
Charles says
You NEED to watch out for having to do overtime BECAUSE of the 30-min. break; however, because the HOS is a time-factor issue, there’ll never be a “finality” to it, and this is because TIME is its OWN DOMINOE EFFECT….
Kim says
Doing away with the 30 minute break would be good as I have to stop when not tired and on several occassions causes me to be late for delivery. Does the pause mean you can pause then when waiting to get loaded and how long can you pause. I waited 12 hours to be loaded at a shipper and by the time I arrived to the time I was loaded my clock ran out so didnt even get to drive
Experienced Trucker says
Ya you know the OFF DUTY NOT DRIVING BUTTON. The one that STOPS the clock. If you’re always late, then it’s not the ELDS fault.
Jeremy Swenson says
It doesn’t pause it yet
PeteDTrucker says
Someone has to blame the ELDs for their lack of knowledge. I put in 5 or 10 mins at shipper to give my PO# unless there is a requirement for me to count the boxes or pallets going in the trailer,and rest is off duty or sleeper.
Jay says
There is no “Off Duty Not Driving” button. There is a “Off Duty” and a “On Duty Not Driving” button. Neither stop the clock unless it’s the “Off Duty” and you are off for at least 10 straight hours. That doesn’t really stop the clock, just resets it. The simple solution for it all is to just get rid of the 14 hour rule altogether. When you go off duty for however long or sleeper for however long you should still have your remaining driving hours available unless it was off and/or sleeper for straight 10. It’s so simple, I guess that’s why we can’t expect government to understand it.
Lawrence says
it does not stop your 14 hour clock
Mike says
They can play with the hos all they want but until drivers actually start sleeping nothing will change.
Jay says
Because hours of service makes you sleep when your not tired and drive when your not fully rested.
Experienced Trucker says
No it don’t. If you’re tired, then DON’T LOG IN. Stay in SB until you’re rested. Excuses excuses excuses. And can always call the customer from the shopper/receiver that you’re just now loaded n heading out so THEY KNOW.
Warren says
Agreed. Should NEVER drive tired
Clark Shults says
When shippers and receivers start doing their job it could get a little better but that will never happen. E.L.Ds are a nightmare they force you to drive sometimes faster then you would because you sat 3 hours in traffic.and so much more. As my career starts to come to a end I have been driving 39 years with 8 more to go I just wish we would look out for each other because we are the blood of this nation. With out us there would be no U.S. Be safe be courteous and show respect to all. And be proud of being a truck driver.
Linseed says
Spot on sir , it use to be a brother hood out here . Now it’s a big rat race with a large hamster wheel of the government putting the brakes on us all .
Mr.Peterbuilt777 says
Amen Clark!!! We Are The Blood Of This Nation And We Should Definetly Be Proud Of Being Truckers!!! Somewhere Along The Way That Has Been Lost And That’s Sad To See!!!
We do a hard, thankless job and don’t get much Respect, If any from motorist, shippers or recievers. They have no idea what we go through o do this job and what we have to go through to get their products to them so that they can enjoy their conveniences. People look at us and they think all we do is drive all day? I mean how hard can that be? And yet they don’t have any clue that driving is not all we do.
Good Post!!! Thank You For Your Years Of Service Out-here On The Road.
Be Safe Brother!!!
John says
Im from a family of truck drivers. Thats all ive ever done. But times have changed and not for the good. I dont need anyone telling me how to sleep eat or drive. Everyone is different. And as for shippers and receivers they all need to be accountable. And charged accordingly. Im proud of what i do just tired of someone telling me how to do it. They dont know unless they’ve been there. God bless America
Joe says
Quite whining louie! Do what you can during the day with the time your given, there’s another day to make another dollar, otherwise give up and go home.
Shane says
sad to see no change in the 70/8 rule.
Sean says
That is why I got out of trucking. I can make more money working 40 hrs with a BA in math than 70 hrs as a trucker. I just don’t we why so many drivers actually want to work 60 to 70 hrs a week. Remember work smarter not harder. Let’s see 40 hrs vs 70….hmmm. More time at home to enjoy life….more money….no DOT rules to deal with. Seems like a much better ROI.
RobeRey says
got that right.
Ryan Skinner says
you need a better trucking job if your making that little…
Frank Dobyns says
30 yrs,going strong and clean record,,I chose too drive OTR,, Meet some really nice folks,,See some Strange ones Too,,beautiful Scenery,,beats the heck out of a desk doing same ole crap every dsy
Christopher Jude Perret says
worked Monday thru Friday, home every weekend, because I booked my own loads and cleared 1200-1500 per week as a company driver. knowing the business and how it works as well as routes, traffic times, and back road routes incase of delays on major routes, made the difference. planning is key to success.
MT Pockets says
What Sean ^ said. Exactly. I climbed out of the truck last Sept & started investing in real estate flipping property contracts. Maybe 25 hrs a week & Ive already made 1/3rd more in 11/mo than I did in trucking an entire year working almost 3x as many hrs a week & zero stress. Shouldve done it many years ago. #truckingsucksnow
Tammy Clark says
Sean,
By your logic, there would be no truckers, especially not long haul truckers.
Your bragging about having a BA in Math does no one any good.
Harry says
You’re the exception. I’m an O/O, drive a 2016 KW….dont average over 30-35 hrs a week (took 6 weeks off at Christmas Dec 21-Feb 6) am put, 2 weeks, rarely more, often less….and net 105k last year. (200k gross). Work smarter, not harder.
Michael L Aubrey says
That’s why I got a local job home time and I still make good money I work 6 and a half hours a day sometimes 8 five days a week and make a flat rate there is still good trucking job you just need to look not run to a factory that’s why I got my cfls was to not be cooped up in a factory just saying
Big Booblyboo says
It seems to me many drivers like Sean think we actually work 70 hours. If you’re sitting in your truck at a shipper/receiver for 1 hr texting talking or playing games on your phone, you’re not working. If you don’t load/unload that trailer you’re not working. If you go on the off duty line or sleeper line you’re not working. Many drivers blame ELD’s for being late on loads, when they should be looking at the way they drive. If you don’t know how to plan your trips ask for help. Many drivers out here have been driving for over 20 years and complain about the ELD’s,why? 20year plus drivers should know how long it takes to deliver a load and which way is the fastest just from experience. When I hear them complain about ELD’s I just shake my head and think if you’d been driving legal all along you wouldn’t have any trouble with the ELD now. If you make less money now it’s your own fault because you can’t or won’t keep that left door shut. You bitched about the fines you had to pay when you got caught with 3 log books but who did you blame, yourself? HA! It was always somebody else’s fault. ELD’s make you stay legal and it just eats you up cause you can’t hangout in the truckstops talking trash to some waitress you forget about until the next time your there. If you can’t handle the trucking industry get out we don’t need you taking up space on the highways. You are part of the problem not the solution. You cause more stress for everyone on the roads because you’re running late and think tailgating a four wheeler or 18 wheeler is going to get you there faster. The rest of us that know how to plan a trip and drive safely don’t need people like you making our job harder or making the general public not like us. Have nice day.
Jrw says
I bet u did not gross 100,000 last year
Jrw says
I’m happy with my job and benefits. I drive a custom trk/sleeper take off when I want to and run plenty of miles
And I do not have to worry about truck payments or breakdowns.
TRACY LORONDEAU says
agreed!
Rufus says
In baseball, everyone uses the same equipment, but have different jobs. We are much the same. How about realizing that,and create rules accordingly?
Christopher Jude Perret says
great analogy!
Keith Urbanski says
Too late, I’ve already cleaned out the truck due to being over regulated, subjected to long unpaid delays and losing my per diem.
Jesus sanchez says
Problems,still, shipping, recibe, take longers hrs,
James says
Two hour limit at the dock would fix most issues.
Jesus sanchez says
Need tobe fixet
Shipping, always take longers hrs loaded
Bob says
I’ve had a dispatcher tell me he could legally make me work 14 hours.
Some companies and dispatchers will now say they can work us 17 hours.
I left that company after telling said dispatcher that he can’t “make” me work at all , I am an at will employee.
Now with FedEx. 4 hours out, 4 back, home every night.
Andrew H says
Yeah I’m happily doing linehaul for a local LTL company. 4 hours out, 4 hours back, usually never more than 10 hours. Weekends off, benefits, etc. I feel like I’m betraying my OTR brethren, but when I got out in 2016, I didn’t anticipate anything getting better.
Kent Bowen says
Number 1 change should be test to obtain a license, can’t read English no license period..no more true an false test..drivers in America can’t read road signs..
Adolfchad says
Get rid of the 14…
Problem solved.
Wesley purkey says
Take them away prob solved
Justin keever says
Here’s a idea. “Get rid of the 14 hour clock” much problems would be solved like that.
Henry Big Boy says
I’ve been saying this too for a long time. Get rid of the HOS, start with ” Miles allowed” 700 miles before you have to reset for 10 hours. Your allowance won’t start before you get to speed of 36 mph, and stays on even if you drop your speed afterwards. Let them regulate the truck speed to be 70 mph, that way no one can rush the 700 miles. If you’re driving 35 mph on a city street, you can make it to a shipper, or receiver nearby, or a service station, and not have to waste any of your miles allowance no matter how long the shipper, receiver make you wait. You can’t get any more flexibility, and safety at the same time, we don’t have to shoot each other over a parking spot. The question remains the same. Are they really concerned about safety? I don’t think so, it’s about putting the OOs out of business. ATA & Corrupt government officials. They are trying to make it even harder for OOs by proposing to raise the minimum liability insurance from 750K to whopping 4.9 Million. ATA members whom are mainly the large carriers don’t buy insurance, they are big enough to insure themselves. Go figure how corrupt our elected officials are. Thanks for making America great again.
Big Booblyboo says
Your 3rd sentence contradicts your 5th sentence.
David Brooks says
That is the best idea ive heard yet.
Jay says
I was much more productive on paper than I ever will be on ELD. And I never went over 700miles a day. If I wanted to stop and take a nap, dang it I stopped and took a nap. I’ve never had a single late appointment on paper, I’ve had 2 lates due to ELD 14hr rule. So to respond to your question, I agree with this reform, take away the 14 completely and I won’t need rest breaks at all Bc I won’t be forced to drive 700 miles all in one shot. (Elogs- pee when you can, not when you have too)
Big Booblyboo says
In other words, you are forced to be legal by not running 3 log books. The 14 hrs doesn’t make you late. You make yourself late.
Lenwood Richardson says
Flexible my butt!
First thay take away the 2 mile buffer then thay mandate that when your truck tops 5 m.p.h. it kicks you over to drive time! Must be nice to sit in a nice office and go home to your wife at night and tell her about how you made life for the most important people in the United States just a little harder today. Ohh and than you can tell her about the program that you started that gives people that can not read or speak English hardly, A FREAKING GRANT YES A GRANT to buy a truck . ohhhh but if you are an American no Grant for you !! You have to deal with the banks.
Hammer Head says
Amen my brother!
Scott says
Nailed it thank you
Big Booblyboo says
You don’t know what personal conveyance is do you? You can go more than 2 miles then go on duty driving. You must be fresh out of one of those 2 week schools.
Zion Gatez says
I would never expect these corporate stooges to come up with anything for the benefit of none other than the corporations they stooge for !!! This entire administration is abominable !!!
Nick says
I’m also a local driver. I agree we frequently have to wait at stops , pick ups, etc. I don’t believe this should count against us. We are already on a break waiting. Also most local drivers are home every night. I don’t feel we should be subjected to certain rules. Such as 15 and 30 min breaks. I’m also a company driver
ez says
who cares if you have to wait, your local, when time is up head back to the shop. it’s the company’s problem to get more trucks on the road if needed or work with your stops to get you in and out faster.
Demitriy Sulima says
People, STOP blaming shippers and receivers. They are private businesses and federal government can not, I repeat CAN NOT force them how to load and unload trucks. We, on other hand, work on federal and state regulated roads. Don’t be naive! Instead, propose some smart comments about new HOS rules.
Jay says
Naive? You ask truck drivers to make smart comments and you call them naive? I guess we all can dream.
Jackie Miller says
You can change things thinking the price of freight will come down but it will not. The brokers are pocketing the money. The drivers, o/o don’t get that money. How about starting on them and leave us alone to do a job you guys know absolutely nothing about!
Joseph Senegal says
I say do away with the eld,it aint making nobody safe out here,all its doing is causing trouble,these people in office not out here doing what we do on a daily basis
Hammer Head says
What about local trucking companies. They’re going to take advantage of this and want to work us 17 hours instead of the 14 we already work! So how is that better?
Harley D. says
My sentiments exactly! Amen Bro AMEN!!
Warren says
More work for you ( very very tiring work! And mo money for them. Period
Christopher Jude Perret says
Round and round we go…where we can stop no one can know!
Its the biggest issue pertaining to the current rules. NO WHERE TO PARK!
sure they want to allow flexibility to the 11 hour rule but nothing in this 129 page roll of toilet paper suggest any improvement to parking issues.
here is my point. As the rules changed, more drivers were forced to drive during the day. Why? most shippers aren’t open at night. so drivers fight traffic, weather, and other drivers to get to the parking areas before set time to allow for 10 hours of break before unloading in morning. this causes major issues in bigger cities and even smaller towns where truck stops, rest areas, and shippers/receivers have no more available spots to park. then the safety issue of parking on road sides, on/off ramps and other no parking areas.
It doesn’t matter how much you allow us to drive, if this major issue is not corrected, no changes in rules will make a difference.
I personally was fine with the past rules which allowed 8 hours break and 10 hours driving whereas you could split the sleeper time. believe it or not, I was well rested and able to deliver loads on time, all the time, rarely did I have a parking to rest issue.
Darrell Cope says
Yea well i am sick of sitting at the docks for hours on end. Eats my ELD up. So yea rushing to get to and from each and then tells you if you are late it could be up to 500.00 late fee. I own my own company and these brokers just try and rip you off all the time.
Miguel says
Shippers and recivers are the ones who need ELD,S shippers and recivers need to be complaint with Dot,they been laughing at DOT and drivers for years, they can do anything they want with DOT and drivers
Carlos T says
New to the industry. receivers need to be more flexible, stop demanding we drive faster by eliminating penalties because things happen out of our control, there’s a way to show how fast I drove , traffic, stops made, etc to show work was being done. I won’t risk life so I can get there on time and then made to wait. Pay needs to be standardized. Brokers take advantage and push for quicker delivery at low pay. ELD is a good tool to keep you on check when to rest but shouldn’t force me to stop working when I feel well rested. I drive 3-4 hours rest, drive again 2-3 hrs rest and so on, sleep 4-6 hours and continue and so on. It should allow that type of flexibility. Also if I haven’t worked 2-3 days it should allow my 70 hours to reset.
Robert Bilyeu says
There are actually companies out here that value their employees. I work mainly in Texas and I work 6 days on and 2 or 3 days off whichever I choose.
Thanks Robert
Koolaydman says
I’ve been in this industry for 18 years and yet to this day I don’t see how someone or department has anything to do with how we operate. They don’t have anything to do with our pay check. I mean if anything it should be up to the company we drive for that decide the hours of service. That’s like someone working for Walmart and someone from another organization controlling his or her hours. Besides, you have D.O.T is supposed to be department of transportation but it’s really department of truckers. You don’t see non of them pulling over vehicles with the fenders missing, missing grills or headlights missing on the vehicle. This is just ridiculous. People don’t realize we truckers run this country, if we dont move this country would fall. From water,building materials, food,clothing, gas,ect. We should have control when and how we operate our hours.
sonny Pruitt says
We’ll you’re obviously not running anything, except your mouths as evidenced by all of the regulations placed on you without any repercussions.
Gigantaur says
These bonehead government slobs are ruining the country.
Harley D. says
The freight Rates are already low enough! The SOB’s!
Red says
The rates are the lowest I’ve seen in a long time. But company drivers don’t understand anything about rates. And company drivers make up the majority of truck drivers today. That tells you everything you need to know about the industry today.
Christopher Jude Perret says
Per my previous comment pertaining to the parking issues, the simple task of removing the “14 Hour work day” would eliminated at least 90% of the issues truckers face each day.
the rules never benefited the drivers. myself a seasoned driver of over 35 years was never asked for my input, nor do I believe any other professional owner operator was. The ATA lobby which represents all of the big trucking companies, is out to kill the competition from owner operators and small mom and pop fleets. This has always been the case ever since OOIDA started pushing for equal representation in Washington, DC.
This and all of the recent proposals for rules changes haven’t included input from drivers, which without us NO freight would ever get delivered.
George says
I LOVE IT. ❤️❤️❤️❤️Now I can pause & shut down doing Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Baltimore, Washington DC, New York City, rush hour, without being penalized. You losers take a nap with your 30 minute break
james mclendon says
still don’t have a clue, I don’t want to have to work more hours for nothing put it back to 10 and 8 and in a 24 hour period and leave it alone
stretch says
just remember folks, this is the Government… watch what you wish for, you just might get it..I’ve been driving for 46 years & haven’t seen anything come from Washington that actually helped us out.
Freeway Flier says
I’ve been a driver for 30 plus years now, and since the FMCSA has tried to make CDL drivers “safer” I have seen more jackass drivers and moves on the highway, from passing vehicles through lane ending construction areas, cutting vehicles off and dis-courtious drivers, I’d like to say it’s these immigrants, but it’s not, it’s the generation that grew up playing Grand Theft Auto and Crazy Taxi, and driving around in their cars and commercial vehicles like they are playing the game still. FMCSA, you need to stop messing around with the hours of service, there has never been any Federal agency that has been able to get anything done better than an individual who is in charge of their own lives, not that there is no need for some regulation, but let drivers decide when to take breaks and when to sleep, give me the respect to make my own decisions, you are not making things better, it’s getting worse, and micro management of my hours of service is encouraging bad behavior and speeding out on the highway, so once again, a Federal Agency is not living up to it’s name, regulations not making safety, like the Department of Education, there’s more of the dumbest kids coming out of school than ever, or the Vetrans Administration taking care of our Armed Forces vetrans, tell me how that’s working out for those people we owe a debt of gratitude to defending our country. Just let me do my job, I have a vested interest in being safe on the road, I bet even more than you do FMCSA, funny how that happens, I care more about me than you do………. but what do I know, I’m just a dumb truck driver…….
George says
I would’ve preferred 2hrs pause. But this 3 hours, is better then 8.
💯💯💯💯
Lee says
Seems to me the more time you add to our clock the more company drivers are going to be at work without pay. We should be making more money for less time at work not the other way around.
Paul Levesque says
These rules aren’t much better than before 70/8 needs to change since we have to park 10 hours a day sitting in a truck stop for 34 hour restart is ridiculous we need to be getting paid for all our waiting time
Andrew LeRoux says
I own my truck and run the loads I want and go home when I want so I don’t have the problems these company drivers have but we do need huge changes in the E.L.D system . We sit at shippers and receivers for hours and then have to drive crazy to get to or next stop before we are out of hours , then every driver is stopping for the night at the same time and you can’t find a place to park . We need to be able to stop or clock while we are getting loaded or unloaded ( unless it’s hands on freight) to allow us time to actually drive , we are just sitting in our trucks resting anyways . And DEF should be a choice not mandated on every truck , this is making engines break down more , costing drivers money and don’t forget the truck fires it is causing
Deborah Lynn Pedigo says
I agree 100 percent
Scotty Tucker Jr. says
When will we focus on the real problem… pushing the government out of trucking. Stopping the DOTband state troopers from harassing drivers…and stopping and exposing the corruption behind those manipulating the frieght rates. Truckers need to take control back of our industry!!
Ronald Sidebottom says
I see nothing changing here 30 minutes give me a brake .
James says
Let us drivers have the option of using loose leaf log books or elogs and do away with the 30 minute break. I took more breaks and naps using paper logs , now my knee is bad from driving straight without stopping because i have to get as many miles in as possible on elogs. Ive been driving since 1992 i have a ckean record i know how to do my job but these bureaucrats dont know how to do my job.
James says
Clean record
bruce says
Holding comments for moderation is a clear sign of censorship. Had the comment contained profanity, threats of violence and blatant racist overtones I can understand but to hold every comment made on this site for moderation is a bit much.
Chris says
The proposed rule is expected to “lower freight rates”. Like that’s going to help drivers o/o too. This industry can’t seem to pull its head out of it’s arse for nothing. The end is near. After new rules are implemented and you get used to them, there will be more new rules because they aren’t satisfied with the ones they have. Tired of the 💩
Richard L.Barnett says
Electronic monitor has always cause problems for the driver otr for weeks if not month n weeks on end to make a buck while in the process losing their family as well as family life to make ends meet. Now eld has costed drivers the chance of making a buck while the bigger companies are taking advantage of the drivers still yet.shortening the hours of operations without break n sleep time has also taken its toll on making a buck on most drivers lowering the cost of moving freight,which in turns lowering the cost of drivers making more to move freight only helps the larger companies to make more off the little guys( the drivers),& if you’re concern of lowering shipping costs how bout raising the company drivers salaries to a buck a mile min. As it should be for owner operators at min 2.00 mty and more when loaded to offset their costs as well? What the hell ever happened to the old school of trucking when govt n larger companies are benefitting more than the hard working drivers?
James says
Just, disband the Fmcsa! Stop wasting tax payer on an agency that can’t or won’t do their job. EPA is another we could do without. Lots of saved dollars…..
Parrish J. says
When are you going to mandate these companies, Shippers / Consignees , to get trucks in and out in less than the four hours given ? That’s a major problem . When are you , Martinez , going to actually ride out here in a truck with a tenured driver to see it all ?
Trucker Mike says
What a terribly written article, ZERO sustenance. Typical of The Trucker Report. Where do they find these hacks? Doing bongs at some run down state college?
The writer basically says “hey guys, we know how much you hate the current HOS and forget the fact we did nothing to help while ELD’s got shoved down your throats…here is a link to a 129 page boring doc, you might want to go read it.”
As for LOWERING the already long-time low rates we deal with daily…how much lower should we expect to go? A company driver barely makes a liveable wage, and as for O/O…who ever thinks $1.75 a mi is fantastic needs to be taught how to read a bank statement and use a spreadsheet.
Here is how it works:
First off, calculate ALL the expenses of being an O/O, not just fuel and maintenance, there is plates, highway taxes, tolls, insurance, and dont forget to include replacement costs for both your truck and trailer.
You will find it costs you every bit of $1 a MI if not more to operate a truck. So, the $0.75 your left with, take out BOTH sides of social security, workers comp, HEALTH INSURANCE, a little bit of life ins, disability, oh, and pay for state and Fed income taxes…you probably have about $0.50 a MI. How many miles can you drive a year? 100k? 125k?
The O/O whose pulling trailers for a mega carrier getting $1.75 mi really isn’t making any more money a year than the company driver he’s competing with. What is his or her incentive for taking all that risk being an O/O?
The point is…I don’t see operating costs going down. I don’t believe personal income taxes will be any lower…but, the FOOL who wrote this article thinks modifying the HOS will do a wonderful thing, lowering the freight rates? How is that beneficial? So we can see bankruptcy filings skyrocket?
I think this writer’s Editor needs to sit him or her down and explain who is readers are, what they DO for a living and get a GOOD pulse on what makes them tick. THEN start penning some better articles!
Kelly D says
You make some valid points looking at expense. As an Owner Operator also I wouldn’t be doing this for $1.75 per mile. Unless you have a company with other employees, no workers compensation. Is that a mandate in your state, your lease if you don’t have authority, something else? You didn’t mention that for us last year and this year forward we can take 20% off profits before being taxed. I also reduce bottom line by contributing huge to my retirement. Check into that if you don’t with your accountant or investment advisor, both.
Jay says
I really wish you people would learn the meaning of the term “Owner/Operator”. If you have a truck with a company name and D.O.T. number on it and it’s not your name and number YOU ARE NOT AN OWNER/OPERATOR. The company that has the D.O.T. number issued to it is the operator. Why do you think it’s called “Operating Authority”? Whoever the truck is registered to is the owner. Probably 80% of those who call themselves owners and/or operators are not, never have been, and never will be.
James Mercer says
Iam a company driver and didn’t read anything about how this will help or hurt company driver. # can company driver get wiggle room as well.
butters says
I like driving a semi, but,…
I don’t want to work 60 hours a week! I don’t want to drive 11 hours! I don’t want to work for three weeks straight, then only get three days off! I don’t want OT! ,…and I don’t want someone telling me WHEN I have to take a break!
Trucking,…one of the last bastions of slavery in America!
Marin Marquez says
MR. Martinez, I would like you to come to Los Angeles, and drive with me so you can see with your eyes what is like to drive in souther California, 37 miles took me three hours and seventeen minutes, ran out of driving hours ,I was 3.8 miles away from my terminal, no space to park, you have to do something for the local drivers, is not the same thing been in the office and make new laws with out knowledge, do some math please.
Jim Gilley says
I said it before and I will say it again …I dont mind the idea of using buttons to put in my activities on the electronic log ….I try to operate my job as if it was a regular 9 to 5 ….the problem is I have to be very flexible with my start and stop times…..the other problem is as I have had to sit as much as an hour in traffic just to get to my destination..or sit at a shipper or receiver as long as 8 hours….all the while watching the time tic tok away ….growing the fear of not being able to find a decent place to park or make my next appointment…with my time run out I often drive in violation of the 30 minute rule …I really hope that the flexibility of the 30 minute rule will be agreed upon and be good for all of us
Sandra Dennis says
I love this idea!! I like the option of being able to take two 15 minute breaks, rather than a 30. A full 30 can make you too drowsy, where you’ll need to pull over again almost right away. Taking a power nap is perfect without too much fatigue and I can run longer. The 14 is also another great option, especially when you need to shut down and there’s not always a place to do it within the time allotted. Also if you start your clock and the load is not ready your not rushed to get it to the final stop, causing unsafe driving conditions bc your hrs might run out. this will also give you the option to get some more needed sleep then restart the clock again when the load is ready. This is something I’ve wanted changed for so long. Whoever reads this please undersrand that this will help the safety of all drivers and less accidents on the road.
JohnT says
Shippers or receivers won’t lower any costs. The rule changes proposed will further ruin trucking for the home everyday company driver. Pause my 14 hour clock! WTF would I want to do that!!! Companies should pay me for my time on duty! It’s bad enough we work everyday without Overtime pay…Oh, I forgot, that is the reason we can be scheduled 70 hours a week, because drivers don’t get time and a half, you know; like all the other blue collar American workers!
Zilkia says
Agriculture workers also don’t get overtime either, hand pickers or harvester/equipment operators.
Brett says
So what I’m seeing here. That it is gonna be like the oilfield.
FLASHU2 says
26 yrs I’ve been out here. The plus side to ELD’S? A guaranteed 10 hr nap. The bad side? You’ve seen it time and time again. That dood with the tree trunk cankles that are red and purple from lack of circulation because an electronic device tells him to stay in that seat with only a 30 minute break in an 11 hour driving period. This CRAP about outlaw truckers on paper logs running a thousand miles a day is BULL. You still have to make fuel and toll receipts match not to mention the times you pass through many a Port Of Entry. I find that trucking out of northern Michigan during winter weather I’m driving WAY too fast for my level of comfort because I’ve a big digital ELD telling me how little time I’ve left to get there. Plus on ELD’s many of us whom deliver in the big cities like Detroit and Chicago have to squeeze out that extra mile to have enough miles for the next day so now we are sleeping downtown in unsafe areas instead of sliding into a shippers at 4 in the morning from a safe haven. And by the way. If you think that filling the industry needs by lowering the CDL age to 18 to fill all those empty seats with a bunch a testosterone overloaded youngsters and the rate of aggravation 10 fold today in this industry road rage and fatalities will double alone in the first year. I think there should be a “Thief Rule” allowed. It would allow you once in a 70 hr work week to steal 3 extra hours of driving from next day which would allow you to drive 14 hours in a 14 hour on duty (I know. Realistically 13 squeezed in a 14) to at least allow a driver to make it home or to a desired location to reset our hours. And if you dont reset after the day you use your Thief Rule you can only drive 8 hrs the next day. And if you do a 34 hour reset after you steal a few driving hours no worry. That alone would immediately ease some tensions. With my years of Driving Experience on paper logs I had no problem pumping out eight nine hundred miles a day knowing that I could pull over anytime and take it to her 3-hour nap but today there’s no way in hell I can drive 11 hours with only one 30-minute break in between
Ryan Williams says
I think the ELD should be optional for O/O. I think the live animal haulers should have special considerations due to the nature of hauling live animals such as cattle, swine, etc… HOS for regular company drivers would be fine if you take away the mandatory 30min break, most drivers break in the middle of a shift any way. Get rid of the 34 hrs restart altogether. Give us an 11 and 14 every day but, allow us to split it any way we may need to to maximize rest and deliver loads on time.
Anthony Vaughn says
Well the 70 hour rule is tragic that is the government limiting my ability to make money. Trucking is the only job were the government limits your paycheck by hours. Second I run team and teams should be able to run however they want because there is always a fresh rested driver. Third as a professional driver think about how many people affect your ability to do your job. If the load is late getting load your stuck in traffic dispatch messes up it you that has to pay the price. Everybody effect your job but they go home every night and you are the one that has to sort it out. Maybe it is time for drivers not companies to go on a.strike until we get somethings that improve our job and our life.
Buckskin says
I wonder thru all the smoke and mirrors why is it that if they want to change some regulation that screws a driver they can do it overnight (like the 30 min. thing) but if they want to change something that could possibly help someone it takes months and years,,I DON’T GET IT
David says
Why is it when it’s bad for us truckers it’s effect is amediet when it something that’ll help us it takes 1 to 2 years
Garry says
First let me start by saying we truckers are not yelling loud enough, we bitch on forums like this one and we do nothing but continue to accept the abuse.
I’ve had a cdl since 1986, I ve seen a lot of crazy shit out there.
Shippers AND receivers are a BIG problem. These are my suggestions.
#1 driver shall not wait more than 15 minutes without pay at a shipper or receiver after check in, clock starts at appt. time.
( some receivers will charge the company or driver a $500 reschedule fee)
#2 Drivers shall not be responsible of the cost ANY freight loaded or unloaded from their trailers. If any lumper fees are assessed these fees should be arranged before the truck arrives and paid for, if not at least $20 hr wait time
and interest charged for the money the driver has to advance to pay these fees. Driver shall have no responsibility loading or unloading other than securing said load.
#3 During all product counts/loading or unloading the driver should be paid a min. of $20 wait time.
#4 during this time of unloading or loading the HOS is suspended, example you arrive at 12:00pm with 6 hours left to drive, when your truck is free to go HOS starts again.
#5 Go back to the 8 hr split sleeper berth rule 4 in 4 out, or 8hr within a 24hr period.,ole schoolers remember this. The other 16hrs are to used at the drivers decresion.
#6 Drivers realize the power you/we hold. We cannot be replace by automation, don’t let the hype fool you.
#7 I’ll just throw this in, DO NOT ACCEPT all trucks governed at 65 mph crap!
This will solve 80% of the eld hos bullshit. The other 20% is customer and 4 wheeler stupidity.
All hours except sleep time should be paid, How many billions of $$ do we drivers give in free work?
I’m sure I’m missing a few things but I figure most will get the jist of what I’m saying.
Garry says
edit:
All wait time at shipper or receiver (including during load count) should be paid at least $20hr.
Brokers… don’t get me started on them…lol
wayne yates says
After 30 years of this trucking life I got 15 years to go it needs to go back the way it was and shippers and receivers need to stop Holding drivers up and parking over night because you can’t park at truck stop because there full can’t park at pickle parks there full can’t park at a dam Walmart and these places wait till you been asleep for few hrs and come beat the hell out of your sleeper and run you off ( but I’m delivering here at Walmart DC next door they still tell you to leave then your braking the law by moving when truckers are dead tired let us sleep we need rights
Bastard in a basket says
I don’t like reading that these proposals will drove rates down. How much lower can rates go? As it is we are almost driving for free
Steve says
Another year for some common sense rule changes, term limits for Congress.
Kenneth Wendler says
I like!! Hope it goes thru!!!
charli says
Great we will all go back to the days of Dispatcher‘s saying “oh you can go further I don’t care you were tired it doesn’t matter you still have four hours left on your clock because of the new provisions“
john says
owners of trucking co. who deducted that half hour from driver pay must pay back,retro, to start of this driver ripoff—now!!!!!
Michael Darrow says
I feel that we need to have are 30 minute break because there are some of us my have to get out and walk around or take a nap.Then continue on are destination to are next stop and when do you think this will go into action and what mouth and date it will begin. Thank you
Rooster says
I been trucking 48 states 40 years and have never touched a log book. I just never understood the meaning and that ain’t no 💩
Trucka T says
We need an actual union for the trucking industry. My heart goes out to you guys out here Otr and regional. I secured a union based trucking job where I’m home daily, i been at it for 4 years now. My union fights for our drivers and we get paid by everything we do down to a drop,a hook, the pallet count the mile , instant detention pay once you touch the property and confirm arrival!!! My view is this… Drivers should be paid for everything we do, also why pay to park at a truckstop when drivers are fueling and eating etc. The driver is being forced into a box with no fair trial and no one to represent them. Trucking needs a UNION to fight for the driver. Right now it feels like a free for all on trucking
Trucka T says
P.s we also get paid if there’s a fatality crash on the highway and the highway gets shut down. Bottom line is that i get paid for everything i do
. Sweeping out my trailer… Fueling… Waiting at a shipper immediately… But our industry greatly needs a UNION to fight for the driver
walter l mcclain says
I only want to drive eight hours a day , and make a dollar a mile , don’t care what they do , i have four months to retirement , my truck is parked behind my house , and a dump trailer , maby i will work three day’s a week , good luck to all of you drivers , i am so glad , that i have made out of over the road business .
Kurt says
New proposed regulation you can have two log books providing you have a jar of yellow jackets in your cab come on these new regulations really don’t help anyting as far as safety goes we are currently entering into Realm or we’re already here where there’s a unsafe drivers all over the road I see that the Amazon Prime subcontractors Drive far more aggressively then the FedEx subcontractors in a lot of these guys are dot heads Kunta Kinte and got a bone through their nose and come from countries that a set of car keys is a license to drive somebody’s got to shut this s*** down
Jay says
Kurt, you ever hear of punctuation?
Doyle T Campbell says
Just go Union. I did long haul for a few years and all I did was chase pennies. I am Union now and make a ton of money ($100,000+) a year with the pension plan and full coverage medical. I am home every night and I am happy. Make no mistake, I enjoy being out on the road and seeing the country, but the money is not there anymore. Teamsters Union Local 174. LIVE BETTER. WORK UNION.
Randall S North says
1. Will the 3 hour daily extension be allowed while using air radius? What prevents a manager from manipulating a driver into going off duty when he doesn’t want to? Can the driver be paid for this off duty time? Driver manipulation comes in forms that nobody has even seen yet. Threat of legal action has never, and will never stop some managers from manipulating drivers into doing things they either don’t want to or shouldn’t. Hard to hire drivers can’t just quit because of unwanted manipulation and a law suit is further out of the question. These new rules seem to have forgotten about protecting the hard to hire driver. Who is the hard to hire driver? Entry level, Visa driver, elderly, and deemed unsafe. This list covers thousands of drivers that will do ANYTHING to keep their job.
2. To avoid abuse, adverse conditions should only be allowed once per week. Some regular “runs” are 1.5 hours out of reach. By allowing adverse conditions every day, it gives one company a huge advantage over another company thet doesn’t “plan” “adverse conditions” into the “run”. I believe you’ve put WAY to much faith in managers that have no fear of legal repercussions. Drivers don’t snitch when they’re being rewarded. Rewards come in many fashions. The biggest one is simply being a team player to better the company that will trickle down to benefit the driver. The FMCSA needs to keep barriers between managers and drivers so neither can team up in order to test the boundaries of these new rules.
3. You state that the new split sleeper has no effect on the 11 rule. I’ve not yet tested this on paper, but I will. Meanwhile, if the split “doesn’t effect the 14”, than the 14 either leaves the table, or continually gets pushed back? What happens to the 11 when the sleeper continuously pushes back the 14 or the 14 is non-existent? When the 14 clock fails to stop the 11 clock, a driver can drive 55 hours in 4 days. That’s to much for a hard to hire driver that either doesn’t want this or shouldn’t do this. A compromise would be disallowing the use of this new rule after 4 days following a reset.(The 96 hour rule).
4. What if a hard to hire driver doesn’t want to go off duty for 3 hours, with or without pay, but he’s being manipulated into doing it? The current rules protect hard to hire drivers from themselves, greedy managers and the motoring public. Compensating a driver while off duty has always a grey area in trucking. Everybody walks away happy so who cares if it’s unethical or illegal. This rule brings this dirty little secret into the light. YES drivers actually work on the the docks while off duty and collect compensation in different forms, especially lease operators and OO’s when unloading fees are part of the load. Making 3 hours of off duty time will be huge for drivers and carriers that take advantage of this “grey area”. The final version of the ELD forces the driver to edit his own logs. Will the driver be allowed to change his log from earlier in the day to off duty and visa versa?
5. Because these are sweeping changes, in conjunction with the final version of the ELD I imagine there’s going to be a LONG learning curve for enforcement and drivers, meanwhile, greedy drivers and managers push the limits of these rules. If a driver does change his log out of greed, it will drop off in 8 days, enforcement won’t catch it, or it will be scratched up to “I didn’t know”
CjY says
Driver are never going to win or be paid right no matter what no strong union no unity everyone is in survival mode and everyone is in debt just waiting for the next crash
Buckskin says
You was reading my mind
Jason McCarter says
They should maintain a presence for safety reasons, but leaving operation of the small businesses to the small businesses! This is not a socialist country where government controls and regulates how businesses operate. ELDs have destroyed the industry. Government should set limitations and fines on the shipper & receiver. More time is wasted there and the trucks have to play catch up.
No complainer says
I like ELD. I have been on the road for 7 years and I don’t miss a minute of the rush. Neither dispatcher nor my boss can can tell me to push a little more or drive through the night and keep on going. I learned to plan better. And get up in the morning actually rested having time to get coffe and a bite to eat. Sometimes I can use a little of a personal time to find a parking spot but usually not too much. And if you now making less money that means you are a sh.tty planer. I make just as much as I was or better.
Sara says
Well the ELD is perhaps a great idea. Many a companies forced their drivers to keep driving barely any sleep. But the load had to get there on time. Truckers are the ones who wanted fair rules and regulations . Although it was carried a bit far and now perhaps we can meet eye to eye on a 14 hour rules. Non of us older drivers slept 8 hours straight we split sleeping hours in order to get the loads delivered on time. It worked out just fine.
Sara says
On our split sleeping hours we did well not tired. But when we were forced to ignore our sleep and continue on we were then deprived of all safety. Luckily that’s a thing of the past. And why did we do it. Because we needed the money and hoped to retire well. A great career if it works out to our satisfaction
David Moore says
Leave the 30-minute break as is. If it is moved to on duty some of us slower moving trucks will run out of driving hours before we get back to our yards. The company will not increase the speed due to trying to save money on fuel costs and added insurance costs due to wrecks? That is what they tell us anyway. Getting rid of it altogether or making it optional is another idea. Just my two cents worth.
Chuck Quinn says
I think it is ridiculous that the government has any say about hrs of service unless there is going to be a law enforced requirements for rate of pay. Drivers are be forced to stretch the hrs of service proposed in order to make enough money to barley get by. Either balance the hrs of service and pay rate or get out of the free Americans businesses.
Michael says
To be truthful, “Truck Drivers Life Matter..”
The sad thing WE are all cowards to allow an administration & a government to DICTATE our Life’s that we do to provide for our families. We must stand strong stop these Brokers & Government from telling us what we could or can not do!! If we risk our lifes everyday to move Merchandice around OUR state’s Especially we are doing it for the people in our country . Truthfully whats really sad all of these THIRD WORLD people coming here to our land to Ruin our aconomy & get first looks because they are willing to accept LOWER FEES because they are NOT TAXED to a degree.That is pure nonsense. WE get the lower end of the stick.. That is RIDICULOUS
A SHUT DOWN should take place .. We should just shut it down for some days Whether You are down or not no 1 can move if Truckers just Stop.
Deaconblues62 says
? LOL 😂
John says
Just leave the hos as they are.
Steven Johnson says
Why is it if you get two truck drivers together you have four butt holes/opinions?
Joel Russell says
because the two drivers are females? Thats the only way I can see two truck drivers having four butt holes
magnus says
Wow, crude comment.
Joel Russell says
that 14 hr “PAUSE BUTTON” will be worn out
John says
Hos is a great change
Pam says
The 30 min break rule varies. Local within 100 mile radius can use an exemption to this rule. BUT if you travel beyond 100 miles one way a d can NOT get back a d off duty within 8hrs, you must show a break. Also I just learned as a local driver that stays within 100 miles I can not use that exemption after 12hrs on duty. I happy to see more flexibility put back in the hands of drivers. After all we are the professional and decide when we are safe to drive. Being forced to race a clock is NOT safe !!!
Jmann. says
Bottom line it stinks that new rules have to constantly be made and or changed because people can’t be trusted. I loved the rules when we could split the sleeper bearth however we wanted to do. 4-4 6-2 5-3 etc. yeh I know I’m going a ways back but as a driver when I need rest I take my rest I never fell under the pressures of it has to be there , if u work with good brokers/ shippers that know the game u don’t need to worry about cheating . And Also I never drove all night totally against it. I was sleeping somewhere at some time at night we’re not made to sleep during the day
Benjamin says
The drivers should have all say in how much to drive. Because you get times when 11 hours straight is not possible. Sicknesses etc. The companies tend to press there drivers too much. The drivers should have more say in when they can drive. Not only for safety but for reality.
Also any time away from home should be paid time. Your under there loads you should be paid for ALL hours. Give the drivers more say. TY
Jeremy says
I worked for a company that implemented the ELD program back in 2015. I thought it was pretty cool. I wasn’t involved in the long haul,though.I was in a day cab.I’ve moved on since then.The company I work for now uses paper logs.ELD legislation hasn’t taken hold for companies that operate solely in Canada. It’s coming soon.though.As long as the system works and I don’t get fined for defects/shortcomings in the source code of the ELD,as long as I don’t have to keep a simultaneous paper log record along with ELD to compensate for faults in the ELD,I’ll be happy.This has been a problem with these devices since day1 of their launching,some 20 years ago. All I know is that I have to be more aware of what’s going on around me out there on the road now than ever before and documented record of HOS has absolutely nothing to do with that.
Dan says
Hey experienced trucker,
Do you really think that off duty stops the clock?
You had better change your name to inexperienced!!
Rick says
I agree with the flexable the qualcomm is just to mutch on the truck if you want to run with ELD’S you can but running with paper logs should be legal to
Hugh Jass says
“we dont need hours of service. the government has no right to tell me how to run my business”…………”the government needs to regulate shippers and recievers. they take too long to get me loaded” you cant have it both ways guys.
Karl says
I can’t work 14 hrs a day, now they want to extend my clock to sixteen hours. I’m no slave! I’m out see y’all, damn fools…
Eric says
Ok, there are a lot of good comments out there and some less than smart ines too. The only thing that i haven’t seen yet is safety training…we as professionals go thru recurrent training at least every quarter. How about the motoring public? I know for a fact that my wife’s last safety training was when she was 16 and got her license…so who is really responsible for most of traffic accidents involving trucks? It typically is the impatient driver of a car that just cant wait to get around us…maybe if the govt really wants to hear the truth they could start by retesting class d drivers at every renewal of a license. That would be a great start. From a defensive driving course put out by denver county: thursday night thru saturday night 1 in 3 drivers on the road is a drunk driver…how about we do something about these stats besides hanging them on truck drivers
Mike says
Smh Sounds like all the comments are from 4 wheelers with those fancy lights on top,,anyway good luck peace out (stay away from the peace pipe while driving)
Deal says
“The increased efficiency is expected to lower freight rates, and therefore shipping costs.“ Yeah, that’s what the industry needs, lower freight rates. Because pulling freight for pennies on the pound is making the industry too rich, especially O/O’s.
Felix says
ELD’S ARE GREAT SAFETY REQUIREMENT AND SAFETY FIRST AND ALLWAYS
Curtis Lambert says
Mandatory 10 HOURS of Sleep is RIDICULOUS !Our President in charge of or Country is not even required to Sleep 10 hours and he has control of weapons of mass destruction and Law Enforcement that carry guns are not required to meet this level of safety and are allowed to work a Double Shift ! Sitting Waiting for our clock, to me this is a huge waste of time and my life not to mention how it affects our travel time. 6 Hours should be enough for anybody, if you need more time then take it. Further more if I feel sleepy or to tired to drive no matter how many hours I have left on my Clock I pull over, The decision Sleep Should be made by the Driver !
Curtis Lambert says
THE ROOT ! ELD”s are at best a guideline and laws are in place to enforce those guidelines! But those laws were made by people who have Never driven a truck.The Root of the Problem is there are more cars on the road today than there ever were ! Road Rage is at a All time high ! Cities should be banned of their Federal Funds for Not allowing truck parking. Cities should enforce Commuting to and from work places. Why ? Because if you say 4 people to a car you would be taking 3 cars off the road that would decrease the traffic and commute time by as much as 75% that’s a Huge number to huge to ignore. once there was a time the gov wanted to ban trucks driving during day time hours ,That was not a very bright Idea !
Steve says
Ugh reading all your guys hate and animosity for eachother is so dis-heartining, elds, 14hr rule, insurance blah.blah.. mark my words.. 8-12 years from now unless you do something specialized, (food delivery, heavy equipment operating, over sized transport) your job is gone.. we all think a.i. is a distant future thing.. wake up guys. While u rant and rave about “rookie drivers” “old school country boy truckers” “I have a billion safe miles under my belt” tesla, Volvo, mack, are investing 100s of millions/billions to get rid of your cozy sleeper truck and replace the bunk with a artificial machine to completely cut labor costs by 100%.. soon your argument wont be how high your insurance is, or how much you cant stand eld, it will be how in the hell did I ever complain about touch freight and now I cant even hit subway for a 5dollar footlong.. stop hating eachother and if u hate this industry.. seriously seriously seriously find something better and do your self a favor..❤🗽
Cherokee says
I liked everything except lowering the freight rate comment and driving more than 11 hrs. I ran paper for yrs and fudged it just about everyway possible and I’m not doing any longer. Its to hard on your health with little reward.
MC says
How about building more truck stops and rest areas. Parking on the street is not safe nor fun. With so many more new drivers on the road, parking options are become more slim everyday
George says
80 hour work week , 13 hours of driving, 40 restart , with flexible hours .
sonny Pruitt says
When ELDS tell you what exit,what truck stop to take your break at and what space is reserved for you I’ll kinda understand them.until then its just another racket to extract money from drivers in the form of log violations. You can’t put ten million trucks on the road with one million parking spaces nationwide and tell them its mandatory to stop and rest knowing they won’t be able to find a parking space. Its like entrapment.