Since the new Hours Of Service rules were implemented on July 1st, the FMCSA has issued several exceptions for different parts of the industry. One fairly recent exemption will allow short-haul drivers to ignore the 30-minute break rule, but the FMCSA has published a clarification that may have a major impact on some short-haul drivers.
When the exemption was first published, the rules stated that short haul drivers were to be defined as those who drive within 100 air-miles of their home base and complete their day within 12 hours. EDITOR’S NOTE: Some sources have reported that short haul drivers may drive within 150 air-miles of their home base. This is not the case for CDL holders.
The FMCSA is clarifying that even if a driver considers themselves a short hauler and normally stays within 100 air-miles of home base and completes their day within 12 hours, if they don’t meet either of those requirements on any given day, they must adhere to all HOS rules including taking their mandatory 30-minute break.
Short haulers who find themselves beyond the given radius or hourly allotment must take a mandatory 30-minute break at the earliest safe opportunity.
The official FMCSA rule change is available for viewing here.
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Ray says
To bad they are adjusting a rule that I agree with.
IZ says
YEA the 30 min break makes sense,BUT DO WE NEED A GOV MANDATE FOR IT? HECK NO!!! SOME of us can still think for ourselves.
Ted Savage says
NO NO , now wait a moment IZ, you know there has to be a Congressional study group to decide if you have their mandated qualifications before you can do that plus how much oversight, computers, and cameras will be needed before you can possible be allowed to do such a thing. O, and don’t forget about HOW MANY IRS AGENTS will have to be assigned to you to make sure that they can relieve you of any and all of the proceeds you may earn from such a risky venture.
Scott Sr. says
To me it makes sense. I carry a file with the specific rules for short haul with me at all times beecause I have found many here in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri and Minnesota dont quite understand the rules for example 100 air miles equates to 115.08 statue miles. But never the less I digress all I can say is I love being a home nightly short haul driver!
Scot says
Can I run 62.5 hours per week because I am having to break 30 minutes per day? Or is it 60 total including the 2.5 hrs of break time per week? I drive local and depending on witch supervisor you talk to ? Also do you have the specific rule that states this?
Thanks Scot