On Duty, Not Driving

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by NoMoGovtWork, Dec 2, 2016.

  1. Cowpie1

    Cowpie1 Road Train Member

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    I never touch or count any freight. I check in, I bump the dock, and I go off duty. Actually, much of my stuff is drop and hook. Same difference. I drop, I hook, I go off duty. Simple and elegant. I am relieved of work after I bump the dock, since I have nothing to do with the load at that point, and am on my own time to catch up on emails, read, nap, whatever.
     
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  3. NoMoGovtWork

    NoMoGovtWork Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for all the replies.

    It's actually my safety manager telling me that DOT is requiring it. Up to now I've had no problems with his guidance. Older guy like me and has tons of experience.

    Unfortunately, where DOT is cncerned, answers are like backsides, everybody has one and they're all different.
     
  4. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Because FMCSA/DOT wants to control every move you make.As long as youre physically not working all you need to log is 15 minutes.
     
  5. KillingTime

    KillingTime Road Train Member

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    Sounds like your company wants to gouge your 70 hr clock, thereby leaving you the opportunity to drive a stunning 1200 miles a week! If that, depending upon the nature of your live loads / unloads.
    Wow-zah! Hello big money!

    I do a pre-trip and 10 at the SHP / CON to drop paper and dock. I'm really only paid to drive (mileage), why waste my time on unpaid activity? Especially when I'm stuck with this truck 168 hours / week for 3 at a time. Might as well TRY to make it profitable.
     
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  6. driverdriver

    driverdriver Road Train Member

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    After you check in an bump the dock you can log sleeper. Perfectly legal
     
  7. Brandonpdx

    Brandonpdx Road Train Member

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    Which you are not in most cases. In most places you're required to be in your truck or very near by it waiting for the green light so you can get the hell out of the way for the next guy.

    ON DUTY!
     
  8. Brandonpdx

    Brandonpdx Road Train Member

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    Here's one caveat though: If I woke up spotted at my door I'm not going to start my 14 hour clock until maybe 30 minutes until it's time to leave even if it took longer than that to get loaded or unloaded. No point in wasting 14 hour clock if the day hasn't even started yet.
     
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  9. Cowpie1

    Cowpie1 Road Train Member

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    Sounds like it in theory, but if I am in my truck, doing nothing related to work, the truck is effectively my break area, since it is also my sleep area with built in fridge with my eats, and where I check my email on my laptop, watch a show, or read. Just because I need to be where my truck is does not mean I am on duty. Being off duty does not mean I have to be across the street eating at a diner.
     
    Last edited: Dec 3, 2016
    peterd Thanks this.
  10. driverdriver

    driverdriver Road Train Member

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    Technically speaking if your at a shipper and not free to walk to the store or go see a movie ect. Then you can't use off duty but you can always legally use sleeper.
     
  11. Steel Tiger

    Steel Tiger Road Train Member

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    That's like saying that when you're in the sleeper you have to be on duty and be ready when your break is up
     
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