Help at shipper, 10 hour or detention

As far as getting detention at your pick up you are supposed to call in or send a message in on QC sometime near the end of the first two hours, and let your FM know there is a problem. Then keep them posted as time goes on. If you end up being there 10 hours you are there 10 hours. You DO NOT have to be on line 4 to collect detention. If you do things the way you are supposed to you will get paid your detention time. I have claimed detention, and got a break in, a couple of times waiting at the dock. They explain how this works in oreintation, it is also in the DRG. Talk to your FM on Monday, but it should have been addressed while it was happening.

 

Just a clarification; There are 4 ways to get a LEGAL 10 hour break;

1) 10 consecutive hours off duty (line 1).
2) 10 consecutive hours sleeper berth (line 2).
3) Any combination of lines 2 and 3 "consecutively" that add up to 10 hours.
4) Splt sleeper berth provision. Must be 2 seperate periods when combined will add up to 10 hours. Neither period can be less than 2 hours and the sleeper berth MUST be 8 consecutive hours.

Just to illustrate the concept behind rule 3 lets say you have a bout of dysentery. You are stuck on the road and are trying to get your legal 10 hour break. The problem is every couple of hours you have to get up and use the restroom facilities. Now if you are "logging it like you do it" then technically every time you get out of the sleeper berth you are now considered off duty. Is it practical to actually "use" this method? No but it is legal.

Also the ONLY time the 8 hour sleeper berth "requirement" comes into play is when using the split sleeper berth provision. Anyone that tells you differently has been misinformed and needs to read the regs again.

Learn these rules and use them.

Now to the OP's original query; If you are not required to observe the loading process or count the freight then you CAN in fact log that time as off duty. You are "free" to watch tv, read a book, surf the internet, eat, socialize with others, take a walk, and in many cases even leave the property (if you have a bike, bobtail, or just elect to walk).

Roehl may have other POLICIES that you are directed to abide by but be sure you know the difference between a FMCSA reg and a company policy.

 

What really sucks is wait till you go to a meat packing house. There are a few out there that mandate you take your ten before letting you hook your trailer. Your arrival time is actually scheduled 10 hours before the actual load time!

 

If i havnt gotten any sleep, its not a 10 hour break. Get the detention on line 4 and then take a break when you leave. They will eventually get the idea... If drivers would start using line 4 like they should, especially on e-logs, detention would be easier to get. Of course, having a backbone helps too when dealing with idiots in dispatch. I dont let dispatchers run me ragged.

 

You equate burning your available line 4 (on duty not driving) hours to some kind of stand against the company?

All that does is limit YOU the driver in regard to your potential weekly earnings. Drivers that try this stunt will soon find themself replaced and wondering "what did I do wrong?"

The fact is companies have their choice of drivers today. Make waves and you can and WILL be replaced.

If you don't like the rules, regs, or policies then find another carrier to work for or better yet another line of work.

You want to have more say over what you do? Then by all means go get your own truck, trailer, and authority. Then YOU can make all the rules and decisions you like (provided your customers accept those decisions, otherwise you wont have any work from them either).

Let's see how long you stay in business by delivering a load late.