The 30 minute break

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Whatagal, Sep 21, 2020.

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  1. Sep 21, 2020 #1
    Whatagal

    Whatagal Light Load Member

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    I don't understand the significance of placement of the 30-minute break.
    Some background: I let my CDL go 8 yrs ago. Before that I drove 14 yrs. Trucking school grad. No problem understanding paper logs. Last 13 yrs drive local. We didn't really use logs.
    Now an old friend from back in the day is letting me drive with him for the few weeks I only have a learners permit. He lets me drive & that is all. No backing, no sliding tandems, no checking in at the shippers, no pre or post trip & if I operate the ELD, its to hurry up & press only the keys he tells me to & do it fast.
    He makes me take a mandatory 30 minute break but will not tell me why. By 'why', I am referring to a reference I heard somewhere about having to take an hour break if you wait too long to take your 30 minute break.

    Can someone please explain the 30 minute break to me? Thanks!
     
    Whatagal, Sep 21, 2020
    Whatagal, Sep 21, 2020
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  3. Sep 21, 2020 #2
    mitrucker

    mitrucker Road Train Member

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    You are required to take a 30 minute break after eight hours of on duty time. As of 9/29/20 this changes to eight hours of driving time. It is an FMCSA requirement.
     
    mitrucker, Sep 21, 2020
    mitrucker, Sep 21, 2020
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  4. Sep 21, 2020 #3
    JoeTruck

    JoeTruck Heavy Load Member

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    The government mandates that normal people who only work eight hours a day must take a thirty minute break within the first four hours of their shift.
    Since truck drivers are forced to work fourteen hours for eight hours pay we get to take our thirty minute break before eight hours.
     
    JoeTruck, Sep 21, 2020
    JoeTruck, Sep 21, 2020
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  5. Sep 21, 2020 #4
    Grumppy

    Grumppy Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I'm sure you said this in a mistake.
    To the OP: The rules state you must take a 30 minute break BEFORE 8 hrs on duty time. In other words prior to being on duty for 8 hrs, you must take a 30 minute break. You can do so at any point during the first 8 hrs on duty, however in most situations, its best to take it later into your first 8 hrs.
     
    Grumppy, Sep 21, 2020
    Grumppy, Sep 21, 2020
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  7. Sep 21, 2020 #5
    mitrucker

    mitrucker Road Train Member

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    Exactly. Anytime after 5.5 hours, but before 8 hours on duty is best.
     
    mitrucker, Sep 21, 2020
    mitrucker, Sep 21, 2020
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  8. Sep 21, 2020 #6
    kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    kemosabi49, Sep 21, 2020
    kemosabi49, Sep 21, 2020
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  9. Sep 21, 2020 #7
    Whatagal

    Whatagal Light Load Member

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    What's the deal with it turning into a mandatory one hour break if I wait too long to take it? Is that a thing, or have I misunderstood?
     
    Whatagal, Sep 21, 2020
    Whatagal, Sep 21, 2020
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  10. Sep 21, 2020 #8
    dptrucker

    dptrucker Road Train Member

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    no such thing
     
    dptrucker, Sep 21, 2020
    dptrucker, Sep 21, 2020
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  11. Sep 21, 2020 #9
    Roberts450

    Roberts450 Road Train Member

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    The only way it can turn into a 1 hour break is if you take the 30 min break to soon and plan on working a full 14 hour day. If you take the 30 at say hour 3 into your 14 you’re going to have to take a second 30 to make to the end of your 14.
     
    Roberts450, Sep 21, 2020
    Roberts450, Sep 21, 2020
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  12. Sep 21, 2020 #10
    Dockbumper

    Dockbumper Road Train Member

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    You have misunderstood. I think what the person was trying to explain was.......if you take the 30 minute break too early into your 14 hour clock, you won't get the FULL REMAINDER of your 11 hour drive clock and will be forced to take another "30" to get the rest of the clock back. You will RARELY burn thru your entire "11" .....but.....sometimes that extra 25 minutes may be necessary. As you become more familiar with the Elogs, you will get a handle on it
     
    Dockbumper, Sep 21, 2020
    Dockbumper, Sep 21, 2020
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