An FMCSR question

Consider the source lol. You can usually determine if a driver is BS'ing you by the level forthrightness in which they are telling their story.

 

sure they are, regulations require them to give you a 10 hour break each day, after you work 14. That's plenty of time to eat and shower.

 

You are the one driving the truck. If you need to stop for a break...be it food, nap or shower....then do it. Be your own boss. That's not disrespecting those that sign your check but learn to manage your time wisely. There's no reason a person should "not be allowed" to do anything. You're in the truck, not them.

 

Drivers know driving, Lawyers know regs.

Never ask a Lawyer to back your truck into a dock and NEVER ask a Driver to tell you what the FMCSA regs mean.

 

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I think all they are referring to is the idea that a carrier may give permission to their drivers that they can log meal breaks as off duty as opposed to on duty, for a minimum of a half hour. This is customary although few drivers actually have this "permission letter (card)". Otherwise, there is 10 hours minimum for a driver to do their other personal and miscellaneous business, as prescribed by logging and mandatory 10 hour breaks requirements.

Try telling your DM that you're going to be an hour late for your appointment in Elizabeth, NJ because you're waiting for a shower to open up in Carlisle, 3 hours into your workday and see what he tells you.

 

If they are referring to the California DOT rules, they may be telling you the truth. That's also one of the proposed HOS changes being suggested... so depending on that driver's reference he could be telling the truth. California requires a 30 minute "lunch break".

They are not obligated except in California for the "eat" part, the shower is your responsibility on your 10 hour.

Now here's the good part, you at least tried to find them in the book, that's a good practice for any driver...Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Handbook rules your driving, so you should become familiar with it and then ask questions.

Other drivers aren't always a good place to get definitive answers, but you can help yourself along by getting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Handbook large version which has the interpretations inserted immediately after the rule, so you can understand what the FMCSA wants. Only place I've seen it so far is at Iowa 80 Truckstop, but it should be available online through JJ Keller directly. If you're really interested in staying on top of these issues, visit the FMCSA site often, they frequently post notifications clarifications, etc. You can get there at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ . Anything you hear, check out at these sources.

Good luck

 

You might be on to something there too, STexan.