Question about PC

I guess there’s not a whole lot that keeps me from going home when I’m pointed that way.

 

In the US you can PC with a loaded trailer so long as it's "not forwarding the load towards it's destination". Legally, you could drive a Fargo to Chicago load out to Montana and back if you wanted on PC, your company might have an objection, but the rules in the US are pretty flexible compared to Canada (PC is limited to 75km a day, can't have a loaded trailer and if it is, the truck can't move so long as it's hooked).

That might be the guidance, but I disagree with it. If the driver is returning to his home terminal to go off-duty for a reset, he absolutely should be able to PC his way there. That's not the company's time, that's his time. Especially if he is bobtail or pulling an empty trailer.

He's not returning the equipment for the company's sake, he's returning the equipment so he can go home. I highly doubt all but the most anal of DOT officers would cause issues with this during an audit.

 

Disagree all you want. And for the record I agree with you also, it should be PC. Simple fact though is if he gets inspected in the next 7 days or even worse in a wreck with an injury he's going to get a citation or even jail time. If it wasn't specified that would be one thing, but what he's talking about IS specifically not allowed.

 

Also what is company policy? My elog wont let me drive 4 hours PC. It will take itself off line 5 and put me on duty driving.

 

I’d do it, especially bobtail.

 

I would ignore it as my final destination is my house. It's not like I'm trying to return to the terminal and then wait for another load. As it is only "Guidance" and not a law I would treat it as such.

If i was pulled over for whatever reason I wouldn't volunteer any extra information. "I'm going home" which I would be, don't need to mention it may be via a company terminal. I'm not going to the terminal for more work.



The company I worked for was rather liberal with PC considering their size. They did warn not to use PC past the 14hr clock. But that was before the recent changes to PC. It Seemed a sensible precaution.

 

Ok guys, the problem with this idea of using pc to travel around has a bit of a catch, the advisory circular and a bunch of fmcsa people use the word "REASONABLE" which to them and the cop that is doing your level 1 will think that means a drive time that is used for things like driving to get something to eat or going to hotel, but not traveling 150 miles to home.

 

If it's within my 14, it is reasonable... isn't it?

 

Well, maybe not...

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