Question about driving time each day

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Stulear, Aug 12, 2010.

  1. Stulear

    Stulear Bobtail Member

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    Aug 8, 2010
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    Hi,

    I just watched the movie "Big Rig", and there's a part where one of the truckers is describing his log book and regulated driving times and says (verbatim) "What's the problem with the new rule; they say put it in this 14 hours, 11 hours driving, but why couldn't I put a 5 hour break in here, kick my feet up anywhere in here, and do another 5 hours over here, did it for 26 years; it's forcing me to drive when I really need to take a break."

    What did he mean by that?

    thanks
     
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  3. Lilbit

    Lilbit Road Train Member

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    Aug 4, 2008
    Let me check my logbook
    0
    Before the latest change in the HOS rules, you could drive part of your allowed time, take a 4 hour break and then put in the rest of your driving time. Can't do that anymore, as once your 14 hour clock starts it doesn't stop like the clock use to stop.

    Hope that helps!
     
  4. Stulear

    Stulear Bobtail Member

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    Aug 8, 2010
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    So if I start driving at midnight and drive for 5 hours, and then get tired and stop to sleep for 6 hours, that means I can only drive for 3 more hours before I have to stop again and rest for another mandatory 10 hours?

    thanks
     
  5. BIG RIGGER

    BIG RIGGER Road Train Member

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    Feb 25, 2010
    Fargo,ND.
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    It means once you begin your day you have a 14 hr.window to work a maxium of 11hrs. If you start at 06:00 in the morning you must be parked on a 10 hr.break by 20:00 that evening.
     
  6. Stulear

    Stulear Bobtail Member

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    Aug 8, 2010
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    So suppose I park the truck at 8:00p.m. Now, that night for some reason, I don't sleep very well because of some outside disturbance or for some other reason. It's now 6:00a.m., and after having only gotten about 4 good hours of sleep, it's time for me to start my day. About noon, I find myself getting really tired, what the heck am I supposed to do: take a chance of crashing by continuing to drive while sleepy, or take a chance of getting fired by taking a sleep break.
     
  7. rockee

    rockee Road Train Member

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    Apr 17, 2007
    Pacific Northwest
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    Stop and take a short nap, or dont. What do you do now under the same circumstances?
     
  8. Stulear

    Stulear Bobtail Member

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    Aug 8, 2010
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    I'm not a truck driver right now, but thinking about becoming one. This issue, though, has me worried.
     
  9. bbqguy

    bbqguy Light Load Member

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    Mar 5, 2010
    East Wenatchee, WA
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    The HOS rules are what they are. You either operate under them or operate illegally. It is as simple as that. If naps are needed after you start the clock, it takes away from your potential driving time. Now, one may list all of the scenarios in the world but, outside of defined exceptions in the FMCSR related to specific types of emergencies, you are not allowed to violate HOS. Believe me, if this one issue (HOS) has you atwitter and anxious, driving may not be your best choice for a career.
     
    Last edited: Aug 13, 2010
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