Advice for new hotshot owner

I think that SkateBoard is misunderstanding the rule changes that state all time spent resting in a commercial vehicle may be logged off duty. If you've got a legal sleeper log sleeper if you don't and are sleeping in the backseat you can log off duty.

 

I just go from the FMCSA site on the definition of Off Duty as when you have no responsibility for your load. I'm sure if DOT wanted to make an issue of it they could.

 

I also log my breaks as off duty.

 

I just sent an email to the DOT asking this question.

 

Alexander there are motels that have rewards programs. When I started doing this in 2008 the change in the rule that Haul Hand is referring to had not occurred, I stayed in motels all the time. I had a couple of times when I had been bitten by bed bugs, I did not want this to happen or bring them home. I had considered installing a sleeper, at the same time I heard of the change in the regulation. I called my compliance guy to confirm, by taking out the seats I did not have to spend the extra money on a sleeper. It is also easer to find a place to shut down for the night since I know where the truck stops are. The truck stops also have rewards programs for free showers

 

You log off duty when you are shut down not doing anything that pertains to the load. Where this get's you into trouble is off duty will affect the 14 hour clock unless you are doing a 10 hour off duty/ sleeper. I have legal sleeper in my one ton and never log it as sleeper I log everything as off duty.

 

I was just quoting the FMCSA web site on this. Says no responsibility for a load so you can take it from there.

 

Not if He's a O/O with one truck.