34 Hour Reset Question?????

I have been advised that unless the truck has a proper sleeping compartment, then all time in the truck is considered to be either driving or on duty not driving.

The vehicle I have does not have a legal sleeper on it and it has been an issue.

You can even check the FMCSA website for the sleeper definition as well.

 

That would make sense.

 

I know what the book says,but I bob tail where I choose when off duty(seldom do I waste the fuel)
I'm still "off duty" and can remain off duty for several days if need be. Driving a twin screw around ain't much fun,but its no different then my pick up at home.

Folks seem to forget "The Book" is a guideline reference
of minimal standards for DOT Compliance.

"Field Interpretation" and "Enforcement" of such are seldom equal.

Fleet desk jockeys are generally the ones that make simple into difficult by thinking they wear a badge.

 

You should write "something" in the remarks section. It is "legal" to show straight across for 24 hrs in sleeper berth, but I wouldn't reccommend it. DOT looks funny and harder at that reasoning being, "You mean to tell me you spent 34 hours in your trucks sleeper without having to eat, pee, doodoo or nothing?" If your at a truckstop for your break, and during that "24" hour period on log, just go off duty from your sleeperberth line then back to sleeper berth at night til next morning. you are still legal, and more beleivable since most drivers are up and in the trk stop anyway eating, watching tv, whatever. as long as you have 34 hours of continuous "off duty/sleeper berth" time, your legal. just fuel or do your log required duties before or plan for them after your break to keep you in your 34 mode. Unless i was dead, so sick i couldnt move, I would find it hard to believe a driver could spend 34 straight hours in his sleeper without going crazy, and if your that sick, you should have medical attention. Hope that helps you.

 

Notarps is more accurate.

Bobtailing - as you described it - doesn't fall into these guidelines since you are not 'under dispatch'. As such, you are essentially driving a very large sports car.

Under load/dispatch, all time in the driving compartment is on duty. A pillow and a blanket do not a sleeping compartment make.

 

To cover my butt when at home on a 34 where I show going off duty to go home which usually comes after a 15 minute PTI I show city, state ,terminal, and in bigger letters AT HOME with an arrow pointing to the right on the log book and on the next page it still says AT HOME and when the lines comes down from line 1 the arrow stops! And I put again city state yard PTI and a 15 minute line 4 for them!

On the road I usually came from some place and when i go to line 1 and I know I'm doing a 34 I state for the not so brilliant out there STARTING 34 RESET and when I do go into the sleeper I will show 8 hours just to satisfy those who think I need 8 solid hours sleep can see it. But to tell the truth I HAVE seen a DOT miss something and have to show him where he miscounted I will ALWAYS show at LEAST 8.25 hours in the bunk! I do this twice!

Now the silly part is if you don't know if you are going to get 34 hours and it's early in the day, your dispatch works only bankers hours (yea they really do!) and you are told to call back in the AM! wonderful way to try for a "productive" 34 hour reset! Thank god for loose leaf logs ! I'm glad that I know that when on the west coast to hit the bed a little later as no one is awake brokering loads at 0400 PTZ! And I'll stay asleep as long as I can and take it from there.

I know some of us out here have a problem counting all those lines but 24 in a sleeper a DOT will look at you funny! I don't like funny looks from DOT! Why push a point? Unless you have the time to waste while Mr DOT is going through your dirty laundry, go ahead! I'd just as soon do the duck thing, like "in and out" Don't give him any holes to look or pick at. I even mark the 34 restart point to give him a clue! Trust me even DOT has rookies! Not only us! ROFL!

 

Whatever way you to choose to do it - do it that way all the time & most of all Keep It Simple!!!!

 

Can anyone tell me when your in a truck stop can you show 34 hours in the sleeper to get your 34 hour reset??
Ng

 

You can, but I wouldn't. I'd go off-duty.

 

Can you show off duty when your at a truck stop stop and not in a motel???