A new study from the American Transportation Research Institute claims that allowing drivers flexibility with their split sleeper schedule could result in significant savings of both time and money.
To conduct the study, the ATRI examined data from one 40-mile stretch of highway outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Depending on the time of day, travel over that stretch took drivers anywhere from around 40 minutes to around an hour and a half. The average time from 1:00am to 1:59am was 39.9 minutes, while the average time between 4:00pm and 4:59pm was an hour and 33.4 minutes.
Using that data, the ATRI constructed a model which placed a “representative driver” on the road using current HOS rules. Then the “driver” traveled across that 40-mile stretch as part of a 585-mile trip.
When the model split the day up into a more flexible split sleep schedule, the driver was able to complete the trip 45 minutes faster. The 6/4, 7/3, and 5/5 split sleep schedules all yielded superior results to the current 8/2 split.
ATRI estimates that if drivers were allowed a more flexible split sleeper schedule, they would save 2.3 million driving hours and $150 million annually. And according to the ATRI, that’s an extremely conservative estimate.
The study didn’t examine the safety or fatigue impact of such a change – which is a hotly debated aspect of split-sleeper reform.
“No two trips are the same; even with identical origins and destinations,” says the report. “The opportunity for a driver to adapt to changing conditions and congestion levels throughout a day is critical, and could be greatly enhanced with the addition of flexible sleeper berth rules to the current HOS regulations.”
Source: gobytrucknews, truckinginfo, fleetowner, ATRI
Max says
The could ‘fix’ it even more and save even more hours, frustration and accidents if they simply eliminated the 14 hour rule. But that would make too much sense.
Michelle says
Agreed, but more flexible split sleeper hours is a start, although i’d personally go with cumulative breaks (15 min+ 1 hr+ 45 min, or any variation like that) to cover the shorter part of the split, so small pit stops don’t force more loss of time.
Fred. Big red rig says
Hey when i started driving back in 1975. Then in 1982 .we used to run 5hrs take two hrs in the sleeper and it was very good.i always was very alert and rest, because if i felt tired i would pull over in a rest area and sleep for one or two hrs and it was enough time for me to make it to where i was going.
Brandon says
I really like that idea!
CoveringBases says
Michelle – That is my second biggest complaint! I would much rather take several shorter breaks over an 8-11 hour period than one 30 minute break. So… do I keep driving when my body wants to take a break in order to have time to take those 30 minutes – or – do I lose my job because in addition to the 30 minute forced break, my body does better when I stop for 10-15 minutes every 2-3 hours, and my deadline doesn’t allow for that?
Tom says
Agree 200% Coveringbases. That’s about how my bladder works.
No more piss bottles!
John Hickman says
What does it matter you don’t go by it anyway rules are right leave them like they are
Chad says
If you was a driver 20 years ago, you would agree that current rules are very burdensome. You never had to fight for a parking spot because everyone was on a different agenda, now every starts shutting down as the sun goes down and truck stops are now capitalizing on it by charging for reservations for parking. I personally enjoy driving in the evening but the 14 hr rule screws up delivery and reloading the next morning.
dkbean says
you nailed it. i’m not sure which i would prefer more, ending 14 hour or adding more split-bunk choices. both would be great
Tommy Molnar says
Even better, how about going back to putting your breaks OUTSIDE of the 14 hours like it used to be. That way drivers would be more apt to actually take breaks, especially in bad weather.
Drifter says
That’s to easy.
CoveringBases says
That’s exactly what I keep saying, Max. I have other valid and logical complaints about the HOS rules, but I feel I could get over them were it not for the freaking 14 hour clock. I honestly feel like their rules make everyone more fatigued and stressed, and therefore less safe.
Ron howell says
I agree
Joe says
Go back to the old 10/8 rules. When the wheels stopped, the clock stopped..wait there was no clock that was the beauty of it. Split breaks at a minimum of two hour increments. Worked great for decades.
Gene says
Agreed
James Bishop says
14 hours is plenty. Take the ten-hour rest and use it.
CoveringBases says
James – It’s not plenty if you were unable to sleep during your forced 10 hour break, so you’re driving fatigued, and you really want and need to pull over and sleep for 5 hours, but you can’t because those 5 hours work against the 14 hour clock… the 14 hour clock only makes sense in an ideal world where every BODY is the same. But our bodies are NOT all the same.
dkbean says
not only is everybody not the same,neither is the environment. not to mention my work load changes drastically day to day, i don’t know bout you. completing clerical tasks during business hours is a super killer.
Tom says
That’s what I’ve been saying; The HOS rules is a “ one size fits all” solution where everyone is a different size.
It just don’t work for everyone.
Gene says
Exactly
Jim W says
The ability to split sleeper berth time allows a driver to rest when he is tired, avoid rush hour traffic which saves fuel and creates more parking as driver’s rest a few hours and move on instead of staying in one place for 10 hours straight.
CoveringBases says
Jim! You’re way too logical! That’s not allowed in government rules.
Kirk says
Drivers should be allowed to drive for four hours only,then take 30 minutes break.Then drive another four hours,break for 30 minutes,then finish the day driving with two more hours.The 14 hours rule needs to be eliminated.
4/4/2
CoveringBases says
Kirk – Yes, please pleeeeease government, will you please make us take even more mandatory breaks?!?!
30 minutes every 4 hours? Are you kidding me?
Diamondcuter1 says
Yes yes yes its super unproductive, to leave Big city between 3pm to 6pm or go threw from 6am to 9am its a elog buster!!!😭😭😰
Diamondcuter1 says
Yes yes yes its super unproductive, to leave Big city between 3pm to 6pm or go threw from 6am to 9am its a elog buster!!!😭😭😰 i rather get a nap in and let them get to work so i can tooooo😃
Ken harvey says
I have been driving for 40 yrs now,I have always split my time and still do.alot of companies today don’t condone doing this why,when I see for a least the past two decades the caliper of drivers that are out here I can see why simply put most of you today drive a trk like you’re driving your family car very dangerously
Fawn says
Exactly correct. And far too aggressively driven.
Greg "Sidewiner" says
42,On that Ken…
And that fact truck stops rest areas are so congested, with
Nondrivers who wanna nose in,
Granted there is twice as many trucks on the road as well as under trained wanna be super truckers… im on paper still and .
My safty record is flawless,
Ill still run like we did back in the day .. 30 yrs still going …
James says
What does nose diving have to do with it? I’ve been out here over 20 and I nose dive in to keep non-driving a$$holes from knocking the hood of my truck.
Buck says
That’s all I hear is the super trucker complaining about other drivers. Ohhhhhh your so perfect you came out of momma driving a truck.move on and complain about something else mr. SUPER TRUCKER!!!!!!!!!
Fred. Big red rig says
Hey when i started driving back in 1975. Then in 1982 .we used to run 5hrs take two hrs in the sleeper and it was very good.i always was very alert and rest, because if i felt tired i would pull over in a rest area and sleep for one or two hrs and it was enough time for me to make it to where i was going.
Ed Lester says
Rookie?
Samuel Gallezzo says
If this proposed rule isnt going to be abused by the trucking companies I’m all for it.
Steve says
There’s a LOT to complain about drivers that are out there these days. And if you don’t KNOW that …. then you’re probably just a dumb rookie that doesn’t know squat.
Robert says
Sounds like you need to learn how to actually drive a truck,instead of calling your self a driver . I’m am old school and the drivers these companies are putting out here now-think they know it all. All I can say is GOOD LUCK
Warren Kennedy says
If you started driving in the last 5 years, you are more of the problem than the solution. You go to some “driving school” and get a cdl and then drive solo in a month. That’s the problem. You didn’t get trained for a year like was the norm 10 years ago. These big companies can put you out on the road with no experience and make you think you are a real driver. They probably own the insurance company that they use. You tailgate, speed in the big cities when you can because you truck is governed at 65, you don’t use a cb(which is the best way to communicate on the road, much less stay alert), and you have no respect for your fellow man. You are too lazy to park in a spot in the middle of the day to take your break, so you do it on the fuel isle. You are so selfish that you think this job is just a paycheck, when in fact we are the backbone of the infrastructure in this country. You smell cause you don’t take pride in hygiene. Your truck is filthy because it isn’t yours. You whine like little babies and you don’t “PRACTICE” your craft.
Tom says
Hell, I can’t sleep more than five hours anyway. I’m either racing that damn clock when I’m working, or twittlin my thumbs waiting for it to catch up to me on my break.
Fred. Big red rig says
Lol.im the same way
Joe York says
DITTO!!~!~!~!~~~~
John Meyer says
This would make sense to me if the driver actually took a nap. I know that sleeper birth time has been used to merely extend available hos. (because I have done it).
In my ever to be humble opinion, drivers should have all the power. Sleep when they are tired and work/drive when they are rested. No company should be able to force a driver to operate when tired and no idiot politician should be able to legislate when a driver needs to take a break. I’ve been driving 32 years. Every driver is different. I know guys who can run 25 hours a day, eight days per week. I also know guys that 60 hours per week is to much. In my opinion, pushing a driver past what he is capable of doing just because he has hours available is more dangerous than the other extreme.
Give all the power to the driver. Throw the log books away.
Fred. Big red rig says
Yes.ihad companies tell me to take my 10hrs break while im unloading the truck, and then start driving with almost no sleep at all.that is very risky.
daddydrive says
If you can’t stay awake for 11/ 14 hours get your self out of the business!!!
daddydrive says
If you can’t stay awake for 11/ 14 hours get your self out of the business!!! This study has nothing to do with true productivity or safety..if companies or drivers really wish to increase both, tie the logging devices closely to gps, and allow more time around major cities, including extra time during road construction. Stop the overt wait times at shippers and receivers, especially those that force you to make an appointment, and stop any company forcing a drivers from adding to their day, without their permission, and increase the amount of parking available to drivers, including, but not limited to, parking at shippers and receivers, increase in permits for truckstops, rest areas, and waysides especially in close proximity to major shipping hubs. This would go a long way to solving the problems. The problem is the neither shippers, receivers, government, nor the companies themselves are willing to address the true issues this raises. Nor the fact that a lot of the drivers out here just want the ability to make better money. Fact is in 1994 JB was offering .50$ per mile, and today most drivers are making between 30-40 com with mileage cut from practical to airline miles, actually paying what I was making in the late 80’s, while costs have risen 4-6x and yet no raises in the true pay.
RenoBlues says
Where to park though? I’ve seen popular areas to rest littered with travel buddies, plastic bags and my personal favorite a bloody condom. I don’t want that stuff in my neighborhood and I am a driver. Nobody wants us resting in their neighborhoods either because of things like this.
Greg "Sidewiner" says
Driver should know his or hers
Limits,its not about being a super trucker or reckless
ITS GETTING YOUR LOAD THERE SAFE.. and on time sometimes its necessary to run a little longer and use the old split 6/4 8\8 what not …
Joe York says
How long have you been driving.
Benny W. says
That’s right give the drivers all the power and not them. and I do agree throw all the log books away.
Brandon says
Love it!!!
CoveringBases says
John Meyer – my thoughts exactly. If WE were fully in charge of our own bodies and our own clocks, rather than the government or our company, I think most of us would make the right choices.
Instead of essentially punishing drivers for the bad behavior of companies, they should just penalize companies for trying to force fatigued drivers to drive, and then penalize the drivers who keep driving when they shouldn’t be. Leave the rest of us alone.
Don Morgan says
I wish they would can the 30-minute break.
I personally wouldn’t mind seeing the 34-hour restart ended and you could have your 11 / 14 hours 7 days a week. 365 day’s a year.
I’ll stay out on the road 4 to 5 months at a time the 34-hour restart is a total waste of time.
Benny W. says
It’s alright driving 14 hours 7 days a week if you don’t have a family but for those that have a family would like to spend time with them
CoveringBases says
Benny – this isn’t about home time. This is about fatigue. It is not the government’s place to make sure we have enough time home with our families. Though it is also not the government’s job to try to force when we sleep, but they seem to think it is.
Don Morgan says
I wish they would can the 30-minute break.
I personally wouldn’t mind seeing the 34-hour restart ended and you could have your 11 / 14 hours 7 days a week. 365 day’s a year.
I stay out on the road 4 to 5 months at a time the 34-hour restart is a total waste of time.
shane price says
a hybrid of california and texas intrastate hours of service would be awesome. 80/8, 12/15.
MG says
John Mayers suggestion, in my opinion is the best, on leaving the hours of service, in the driver’s hands. No state or goverment control modules on a person’s sleep or driving habits are the same. Just my thoughts after 40 years of driving, drive when I am rested, sleep when I am sleepy. Accidents and unnecessary risk taking, happens when drivers are under time constraints, to meet deadlines due to the current hours of service.
Benny W. says
That’s very true also I agree
Chris M. says
We still need more parking!!!!!!
CoveringBases says
Government should crack down big-time on freaking CARS who park in truck parking. Even tiny little campers and motorhomes who easily could have doubled up on a pull-through, and each took a full truck space anyway.
Jason Aho says
Why would you want government to step in on that, don’t they have enough screwed up already?
John Hickman says
Split the hours just gives these fools more ways to change there logs 5 an 5 you don’t get the sleep you need you see them walking around wanting to sleep in truckstop an you think that ok they play they games over sleeping don’t do it it cost to many lives in all the wrecks they will cost
Charlie says
Some people do just fine on 5 hours sleep. Back in the 90’s, I used to run team and we’d do 5 driving/5 sleeper all week long. I was never tired (neither was my partner) To this day, I can only sleep about 5 hours at a time and I feel well rested when I wake up.
Rick Blatter says
OOIDA’s petition: EXCELLENT idea & proposal, I support it 100%, except “10 consecutive hours off duty must be repealed”.
TruckerNation petition: Also an EXCELLENT idea. I support it 100%.
A) Short-Haul Operations: No ELD should be required. Rule is fine as written.
B) Adverse Driving Conditions: Should allow extension of the 14-hour driving window up to 16 hours because of the lack of SAFE PLACES TO STOP/PARK.
Unforseen DELAYS (THE REAL WORLD OF TRUCKING) does not allow ACCURATE SAFE PARKING with an ELD at exactly 11 hours, nor 14 hours.
FLEXIBILITY is required to meet REAL WORLD NEEDS/ reality. Trucking is not a 9am to 5pm office job. There are MANY complications and unforeseen DELAYS on a daily basis, more often than not.
A 2 (TWO) HOUR WINDOW would be practical and realistic.
C) 30-Minute Break: Should be allowed ANYWHERE in the 11 hour window. At least one 30 minute break, or preferably TWO (2) FIFTEEN (15) MINUTE BREAKS could be required, but ANYWHERE in the 11 hour driving window.
I personally try to stop every four (4) hours to check tires, truck & load, and do some wake-up exercises… but this is not always possible because of the lack of SAFE PLACES TO STOP/PARK.
30 minute OBLIGATORY BREAK is redundant and punitive to drivers who do 15 minute checks every ~4 hours.
D) Split Sleeper Berth Time: Scientific Research has long ago demonstrated the “average person” requires 7 to 8 (seven to eight) hours of uninterrupted QUALITY SLEEP per night for HEALTH & LONGEVITY.
Drivers should be educated & ENCOURAGED to get 7 to 8 hours uninterrupted sleep per night, but should have the freedom & flexibility to get their 8 hours sleep any way they choose. At least “occasionally” to get back on their REGULAR CIRCADIAN RHYTHM.
A Driver’s CIRCADIAN RHYTHM must be respected and considered in the equation if we are to be serious about Highway Safety.
Basic Rule: 8 hours sleep per 24 hrs in any combination Driver chooses, including ANY SPLIT SLEEPER BERTH Driver Chooses. And a total of 10 hrs OFF DUTY per 24 hrs except for “occasional” overruns of as much as 2 (two) hours because of a lack of SAFE PLACES TO STOP/PARK at the “11 hour and 14 hour clock limit”.
Sleeping in a Truck is far from “quality sleep” under any circumstances. With REEFERS, ANIMAL HAULERS, NOISY SQUEEKY IDLERS… and inconsiderate Drivers using Jake (Retarder) Brakes in Sleeping Areas, “sleeping” in any form or fashion is a challenge in a Big Truck.
Split Sleeper Berth periods are the LEAST PROBLEMATIC WORRY FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY. Napping is way SAFER than tired driving! Entire cultures have proven the benefits of NAPPING for CENTURIES, (such as Mexicans, the Spanish, Italians, and many more).
With new IDIOTIC OBLIGATORY BACK-UP BEEPERS ON NEW TRUCKS, EVERYONE within 10 or even 20 Trucks of the BEEPER is now woken up EVERY NIGHT!!! Why must Trucks BEEP when backing up at 3am, WAKING EVERYONE UP???
These BACK-UP BEEPERS NEED AN ON-OFF SWITCH BY LAW. They are very SAFE DURING THE DAY in order to warn people about the Truck backing up. But AT NIGHT, when no one is around, except SLEEPING TIRED DRIVERS sleeping in their bunks, this idiocy WAKES EVERYONE UP, contributing to TIRED DRIVERS on the road! You have now created 10 to 20 TIRED DRIVERS PER “BEEPER”!!!
Shore Power: Idling Trucks make noise, making it hard(er) to sleep. Idling Trucks pollute. Why have RVs, Travel Trailers and Recreational Boats been outfitted with SHORE POWER for decades, but not trucks???
Plant Trees at Truck Stops: I have noticed that the hottest & coldest Truck Stops have no trees and no shade. They also have no Shore Power.
Is this a ploy by Truck Stops to MAXIMIZE FUEL SALES at the expense of Drivers & the Environment? Why does every CAMPGROUND and MARINA offer SHORE POWER and Trees for Shade, but not Truck Stops?
Should this not be part of the “No Idling Law”?
No Idling Law: If we have a “No Idling Law”, which I agree with, how about a:
Shore Power Law: Make Truck Manufacturers include SHORE POWER on ALL TRUCKS (like boats and RVs), and make ALL Truck Stops offer SHORE POWER (like campgrounds & marinas).
Plant Trees at Truck Stops Law: Housing Developers & Campgrounds have known for DECADES that Trees provide shade and reduce cooling costs in summer, while they provide a wind screen in winter lowering heating costs.
Why do the hottest & coldest Truck Stops have No Trees nor SHORE POWER? Is this a ploy by Truck Stops to maximize fuel sales at the expense of Drivers & the Environment?
If “No Idling Laws” are passed, how about SHORE POWER and TREE laws for shade in the summer, and as a wind/cold barrier in the winter?
E) OOIDA Petition for Rulemaking: EXCELLENT petition & idea except “10 consecutive hours off duty” is IMPRACTICAL & DANGEROUS! 10 consecutive hours off duty WREAKS HAVOC with the Driver’s CIRCADIAN RHYTHM. This well intentioned rule does more HARM than good. It CAUSES TIRED DRIVING. It DESTROYS CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS!!!
Obligatory 10 consecutive hours off duty needs to be repealed IMMEDIATELY!
F) TruckerNation.org (TruckerNation) Petition for Rulemaking: This is the SAFEST and most PRACTICAL SOLUTION to a dangerous HOS problem.
http://www.RickBlatter.com
Supreme says
And thanks again.
Rick Blatter says
“Costs and Benefits”:
FMCSA: HOS violations declining with new ELD RULE
HOS violations declining with new ELD RULE, but…
ACCIDENTS AND DEATH RATES ARE UP!
CONGRATULATIONS! Minor NON-LIFE-THREATENING violations are down because of the NEW ELD RULE, but the NEW ELD RULE IS CAUSING MORE ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS!
ELDS are causing accidents and killing people!
Weren’t they supposed to do the exact opposite?
Perhaps it is time to implement REAL LIFE-SAVING CHANGES rather than propagate nonsense.
EVERYONE KNOWS what the REAL ISSUES are.
Two (2) books have already been written on this topic:
Long-haul trucks have been described as sweatshops on wheels. The typical long-haul trucker works the equivalent of two full-time jobs, often for little more than minimum wage. But it wasn’t always this way. Trucking used to be one of the best working-class jobs in the United States.
The Big Rig: Trucking and the Decline of the American Dream (9780520278127): Steve Viscelli: Books
https://www.amazon.com/Big-Rig-Trucking-Decline-American/dp/0520278127
Pay has gone DOWN since the 1970s! What we actually have going on is a race to the bottom.
The quality of “new drivers” is going down, while the experienced drivers are being burnt out, and DRIVEN OUT of an industry that just does not treat people with the respect and the working conditions that are the norm EVERYWHERE ELSE, except perhaps in sweatshops. (And by the way there is a U.S. University Professor that RESEARCHED the industry, then published his research in a book called “SWEATSHOPS ON WHEELS”.)
https://www.amazon.ca/Sweatshops-Wheels-Winners-Trucking-Deregulation/dp/0195128869
Companies are having serious problems finding “drivers”/slaves to do a whole bunch of “free labor”.
This is where the “real shortage” is. Finding FREE LABOUR. Good Luck!
OVERREGULATION OF DRIVERS, FREE-FOR-ALL & TOTAL IMPUNITY for Shippers, Receivers and Load Brokers.
COST-FREE, MONEY GENERATING SOLUTION to the ELD controversy:
This NOVEL solution would prevent tired drivers from driving and also GENERATE EXTRA REVENUE for the government. It would cost absolutely nothing to administer, and resolve the ROOT CAUSE of the problem(s).
Here it is, the miracle cost-free SOLUTION: For every DANGEROUS over-the-hours violation a driver gets, for every overweight and every overheight fine trucks get, the LOAD BROKER, Shipper & Receiver should get exactly the same MONETARY FINE as the driver and/or trucking company. Ditto for ACCIDENTS.
Imagine all the extra revenue for the government! That’s 3x (three times) the revenue for the same fine! It costs little or nothing to administrate other than generating a bill/ fine and then mailing them to the above trio based on the driver’s paperwork when he is hauled over by the DOT.
This will furthermore attack and SOLVE THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM(S).
The “TICKET TRAIL” will quickly show what LOAD BROKERS, Shippers & Receivers “always” seem to pop up when drivers have SERIOUS over-hour log book violations, overweight and overheight issues/ fines… and/or ACCIDENTS.
Undoubtedly these “regulars” in violations are COERCING drivers & trucking companies to break the law.
Considering that LOAD BROKERS, and some Shippers & Receivers believe (unfortunately rightly so) that “truck drivers are a dime a dozen” and they are totally expendable and easily replaced, especially with a huge influx of NEW INEXPERIENCED DRIVERS that don’t know the rules, it is pretty easy to find some unsuspecting truck driver to do something illegal. Often unknowingly until they get a fine and learn the hard way. A notorious initiation ritual for newcomers.
Sometimes after too many fines the poor new trucker/ victim leaves the trucking industry. Another reason for the so-called “Driver Shortage”?
More importantly the “TICKET TRAIL” to certain LOAD BROKERS, Shippers & Receivers will point the DOT in the right direction as to whom to investigate for COERCION… and/or UNREASONABLE DETENTION DELAYS. Then requiring/demanding/forcing the Driver to make up WASTED TIME, & drive tired.
LOAD BROKERS (along with Shippers & Receivers) benefit from total impunity. They are accountable to no one.
When we have EQUIVALENT FINES, and preferably “CSA type scores” for LOAD BROKERS, Shippers & Receivers the problems(s) will be resolved without wasting MILLIONS, if not BILLIONS of dollars on ELDs that will cause more problems than they purport to resolve.
ELDs will not resolve the problem(s). You cannot dictate sleep. You cannot legislate CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS. A machine cannot tell you when you are rested nor tired.
It is time to MAKE ALL PARTNERS IN THE TRUCKING TRANSPORTATION EQUATION ACCOUNTABLE for their actions.
Make LOAD BROKERS, Shippers & Receivers ACCOUNTABLE FOR COERCION by giving them the exact same monetary fines and “CSA type scores” as drivers and trucking companies when their loads are involved in SERIOUS over-hour log book violations, overweight and overheight fines. And ACCIDENTS!
When a truck is involved in an accident, who was the Load Broker, Shipper & Receiver? Did the Load Broker, shipper, and/or receiver, or their “POLICIES”, directly or indirectly contribute to the accident?
This will solve the REAL problem(s) while creating TRIPLE REVENUE for the government without increasing frivolous expenses for trucks. Expenses that do not address the ROOT CAUSE of the problem(s), and actually will exacerbate the problem(s).
Rick Blatter B.Ed., M.Sc.
Fitness, Wellness, Safety & Efficiency.
Supreme says
Yep. Thanks for the literature. I’m about to pull them up.
Darrell jackson says
Let drivers split when they want to as long as pick up and delivery are on time.the truck stops would not be running over at 5:00 o’clock and parking would be available.
Josh Isaacs says
The easiest safest solution with E-logs is just have one rule. You can only work (Either driving or on-duty) for 13 hours a day. You can stop and take a break any time you want but once you reach 13hrs your out of hours till midnight. Think about it why would anyone drive tired if they could pull over and take a nap and still get their miles in for the day.
Samuel Gallezzo says
If this proposed rule isnt going to be abused by the trucking companies I’m all for it.
Cinda Kelly says
This is only for the benefit of companies. They didnt study the safety or fatigue 🙄. When they take away our 30 minute breaks dispatch will go back to demanding we drive 11 hours straight with no mealtime. So unhealthy.
Rick Blatter says
No one can “DEMAND” anything. GOOD COMPANIES have an Official “Right to Decide Policy”.
Legally you are OBLIGED to be safe & responsible. If your “dispatcher” or anyone else “forces” you to drive tired and you fall asleep, take a wild guess who will go to jail for “Criminal Negligence”? Hint, not the dispatcher, nor anyone else… only you, IF you are still alive.
Do you think your dispatcher, company, or anyone else will take responsibility if you have an accident because of their COERCION? They will proclaim their official policy is to obey the law, then hang you out to dry.
YOU are the “professional” (without the pay), and ALL THE RESPONSIBILITY is put on your back… (unjustly I agree), until we make ALL PARTNERS IN TRANSPORTATION ACCOUNTABLE for their actions/coercion: Load Brokers, Shippers & Receivers, which are pushing your dispatcher to push you.
Be SAFE… your Life depends on it!
CL wood says
Govt making and then “flexing” those rules shows they know little about driving. It only really serves to allow them to intrude and grow ever larger.
David Donovan says
Any rules for ANY activity made by those who have never performed that activity will be crap.
HOS regulations are designed to make rule-makers look and feel good, with 100% disregard for the many severe problems they cause the drivers.
Donna Benson says
Teams have a unique driving situation from the start, but teams who haul military loads are required to get up at the gate and many times have to stay up until loaded. One of the driver’s sleep is interrupted. Split sleeper would make them much safer on days like this allowing them to swap when later the person who lost sleep gets tired because of lack of sleep.
Drifter says
Also applies when you cross the border, both drivers have to get up and when going through Border Patrol check stations, sometimes they leave the other driver alone, but usually they make the other driver get up.
Daniel says
So, in short, they have proved the current rules are made up “out of thin air” with no solid research. Typical bureaucracy.
Drifter says
When my wife and I did the 5/5 split sleeper, we covered a hell of a lot more ground than we do now. We always worked it to be switching in the 4-6 am time period when the midnight driver would be getting tired as the sun rises. Don’t care who you are or how much sleep you get, 4-6 am is the hardest time to stay awake. We always tried to switch at that time anyway but due to schedules, it doesn’t always work out that way.
Bryce Nielsen says
Here is an out of the box idea. Why don’t we go with mileage in any given amout of time? Lose the 14 hr rule. And make the drivers recap for used hours by rest hours and make a requierment that an appropriate rest break is taken with-in a 24 hour period. Everybody is happy if we get more back for what rest we took. At least it might stretch my 11 Hour drive day to 14 Hours and I still rest. Plus It would allow me not to lose time for unforseen things. It’s all about math. We could drop the requiered rest break to 7 hours make the other breaks show appropriate rest times and probally have the majority of of a 24 hour period to utilize. The safty of the speed limit would hold us to having enough rest. We could call it the Johnny Rocket Regulation.
L L Vergith says
ATA will fight it because the Megas want their rigs at the receiver during business hours not in the middle of the night !
An honest Trucker just telling the truth says
According to my calculations, it would save $151 million not $150 million.
Benny W. says
What are all you drivers politicians? sounds like it, if you all wood quit talking and do something about it it would probably get better for all of us.
MrNA says
Rick Blatter has a blabber infection…sorry Rick. Couldn’t resist.
But just stick to the facts of the story and get real with reality.
ATRI once again proves split sleeper berth works. FMCSA will not do away with HOS or logs so the split sleeper is our best bet.
Ty says
Reading all these post makes me happy that I chose to get a real job.
CoveringBases says
So you’re just here to troll? Enjoy that full life you have.
Dew says
Shouldn’t regulate hours at all, but why not just make a drive-time limit and leave it at that? Get rid of all “on-duty” counting. It’s stupid. What is the difference between “duty” activity and “non-duty” activity? Activity is activity. Fatigue is the issue, and weather your activity is or isn’t work-related makes no necessary difference to your fatigue levels. Just make a daily/weekly drive-time limit and leave it at that. Better if it is just a weekly drive-time limit and let the drivers use it at their own discretion. There is not enough flexibility. Give drivers a bank of drive-time hours per week, like 70-72, and let them spend those at their own discretion.
So, once you’ve driven for 70 hrs, you can’t drive until your next week starts. That’s it. Then, next week starts and your bank is replenished at 70 again, brand new.
Roadkillflapjack says
No freaking duh! Give the “PROFESSIONALS” more flexibility, control instead of the college bean counter morons leverage and you will see more productivity and safer roads. The more constrictions and tape leads to less output and loss of profit considering one major fact “Not everyone is exactly the same or needs the same as everyone else! Just look at our governance prior to trump and how what we think we know is constantly evolving dummies!!
Lindsley Cravens says
Do away with 70 hr rule, and the 14 hr rule. Allow drivers to be responsible for their actions. The government cannot save people.
Allow drivers to have 12 hours to drive. This will put more money back into drivers pockets, government will get their “cut”, shippers and recieve ship/recieve on time. Win win for evetone, that’s how you “make America great again!”
Justin Jagielski says
Let’s analyze a stupid rule within another stupid rule and talk about how much time it can save the drivers. These stupid rules have been mandated and brought to you by… People who don’t make a living in a truck and never have. You know, there is a driver shortage for a reason, lets analyze that.
gary jenkins says
I remember when you could extend you day if yoh stopped to rest or eat.
Alison says
I wonder what would happen if they used elds track everyone’s hours with the only rule being that you have to stop and get 8 hours of sleep per day.
Taylor says
The 10/8 was perfect, never was a need to change it. Modernize it with the reset ability for those that need/can take advantage of it and call it fixed.