OFF Duty Driving

Right, I mean not under a load.
BTW I just got busted today (!) for violating my company's policy. As expected, the exchange was: "Hey, you can't do that!" ..."yeah, I know, but I really had to do this thing" ... "Ok, just letting you know" ...and that was that.

Isn't that the nature of this industry? There all these rules - many of which we bend or break - but as long as your record is clean and the load gets there on time ... no one really cares as long as the "violations" aren't over the top.

 

You're much better off just to do the violation on line 3, at least you won't get busted for falsification. Then, make sure you don't get pulled into a coop for the next 8 days.

 

When I nail dudes violating their PC I usually hear "I didn't have a choice". I ask them to send in a log change correct and show the violation. No punishment unless you refuse to correct your logs and try to tell me "the computer is just changing me to PC, I'm not doing it". Then I fix the computers malfunction by removing the PC option.

 

Thank you for your efforts!

PC has been pushed and pulled all out of its original context. I really hate hammering a driver with a false log violation, but if they insist on sticking with PC when they drove empty 2 states away to pick up the next load, sometimes I have to.

I really wish FMCSA would issue a clarification policy on PC, other than question 26 in the interpretations to 305.8. However, I am afraid that whoever does it might want to involve circadian rhythms, or something.

 

But, maybe it is me, the question 26 interpretation seems pretty clear. I have never had an issues with it using PC and even checked by LEO. That some nincompoops that can't figure their way out of a 55 gallon drum choose to avoid understanding the interpretation, on purpose, does not mean it needs revisited by the FMCSA.

 

I've fought with my ummm, "superiors" in my own department about PC they authorized for a driver that did not meet the criteria laid out in the interpretation. Some people think the entire book is a bunch of suggestions, I'm sad to say I know way too many of those types.

 

So, since I am not dispatched when I leave home and head to the terminal, I do not have to log this as driving, but can log this as off duty. It is 270 miles to the terminal.

I really doubt that the Indiana DOT will buy that.

 

The won't buy it because it must be logged. You're not heading to a terminal for personal reasons even though you haven't yet been dispatched. PC driving must be purely personal in nature such as bobtailing from the terminal for food but the return trip still must be logged.

 

I understand it. I was pointing out that the PC scenario in his post is not correct.

 

How about if I go 106 miles empty to get a free shower.