Question about PC

I suggest that you attempt (respectfully) to get that carrier PC policy IN WRITING! The primary reason I say this is technically speaking you are not supposed to be advancing a load unitizing PC. Every carrier that I ever drove for had the attitude you stay on line 3 get to a safe place ASAP, note it, and do your best to avoid this situation in the future. The FMCSA when they audit logs expect to see some clock busts from time to time. As long as the carriers are noting them and show why and how they handled it.

 

I think the not advancing the load wording has changed in the last year.
And yes east coast reefer is much harder finding a safe haven than Midwest van.

 

I'm not advancing the load. I am PC for a safe haven.

This was provided as an example from the FMSCA last year.

A driver runs out of hours in an unsafe location to park their truck. The drivers goes off-duty at that point and moves under personal conveyance to the NEAREST safe parking spot where they would remain off-duty. That would be a valid use of personal conveyance.

If on the other hand the driver passed several safe and suitable locations (the FMCSA does not define this, so it’s up to the driver’s best judgement) to park in order to end up closer to the next pickup or dropoff, that would be considered advancing the load and would not count as personal conveyance.

 

First off I recommended you get that PC policy IN WRITING! Next let's go look at the Guidance found in 395.8.

First
Guidance:

A driver may record time operating a CMV for personal conveyance (i.e., for personal use or reasons) as off-duty only when the driver is relieved from work and all responsibility for performing work by the motor carrier. The CMV may be used for personal conveyance even if it is laden, since the load is not being transported for the commercial benefit of the carrier at that time.

Next

1. Time spent traveling to a nearby, reasonable, safe location to obtain required rest after loading or unloading. The time driving under personal conveyance must allow the driver adequate time to obtain the required rest in accordance with minimum off-duty periods under 49 CFR 395.3(a)(1) (property-carrying vehicles) or 395.5(a) (passenger-carrying vehicles) before returning to on-duty driving, and the resting location must be the first such location reasonably available.

I have not read any FMCSA guidance that allows a movement this way. If you know of it please link so I can update my records.


I am not trying to start a fight or a flame war here. I actually think most of this crap is pure BS. I am just looking after drivers. I will always stand by the philosophy of GET IT IN WRITING!

 

I do have it in a message on my qual comm.

Here is a link
FMCSA provides welcome guidance on personal conveyance | Convoy

 

Hang on a minute. Let's go back and look at the example. Being caught in a bad traffic accident or something like that. NOT leaving after getting loaded or unloaded. The key here is you go on PC AT THE POINT of departure NOT out in the middle of the freeway. To do this is to be advancing and now you are in a huge black hole. Again, it's the point OF THE CHANGE OF DUTY STATUS!

You get caught out on the highway, it's best to stay on line 3 until you can get stopped ASAP. It's a HOS violation, but the FMCSA is not going to take action. I have had DOT cops look at my logs after doing this. I had the situation notated AND I had my old bills available. People have this idea that cops are hiding behind all the trees ready to jump out and arrest a driver the very instant they bust a clock. This is simply NOT true. If you hear someone saying it is they are telling untruths. Just don't do it all the time!

 

My situation was, I pulled into 3 different TS no parking available. I was not on the highway. That is why I was told to go off duty and PC to the next available parking.

I could have parked illegally at the TS. Then woke up to knocking on my door to move. Then I would have PC anyways.

 

In your situation, IT IS CORRECT to log PC. The other situation, however, stay on line 3!

 

I should ask them again; that would be pretty helpful if I had that backstop. It’s been almost a year since I had asked when to start notations for parking. If their interpretation changed, it’s an option I’d like to have.

I’ve had trouble finding night parking in the northeast and Charlotte, NC.

 

did you read my post. if you know your going into ny. and there is limited truck stops or parking. then plan ahead and dont run it that tight. look at the rest area's on the big road. if there full at 8:30pm. chances are there isnt truck stop parking. its okay to stop ahead and call it a day. that truck stop on I-90 in buffalo has some good food. free thanksgiving meal with cdl