Need info about tow aways

Lol no worries, I jumped the gun on the other side of the debate. All's fair in love, war and bs regulations

 

Yup, and I am a stickler about putting out correct information, there is so much false info floating around that I get angry when someone is given bad advice, and I am not always quick at recognizing an honest mistake. I spent the last 10 years building a small compliance consultant company so I get a bit touchy. My reputation is about all I have left, so I would hate to give out bad info.

Anyway, have a great night, I am logging out and laying down, 05:30 comes early.

 

Yes I see that it clarifies only the vehicle driven is exempt. I too, stand corrected.

 

I know from a couple of experiences pulling a few trailers and campers using my power unit is I had to use my logs for the entire trip. How do I know? DOT pulled me into the scale for a Level 1 and after the obligatory creds he wanted the BOL for the camper and to see my logs. Since I was hauling it with my truck not on a trailer I was told in some states and in NC SC GA and TN pulling a camper is the same as pulling a trailer with freight or autos. So yes a log sheet is needed.
Another tip if I may add is a lot of RV Camper transport companies require you to use their transporter tags at a cost varying from $50 to $100 if your gonna decide to pull campers (tow aways) you may want to invest in your own. I pay a whopping $36.00 a year for two plates issued by the state of NC and they can go any vehicle or camper/trailer i chose because they are registered and insured under my company. Also read the fine print on some of these RV places like Indiana Transport and Horizon, there are a lot of rules they want you to comply with and I have seen and talked to a few drivers that wish they never started with them because one wrong move YES ONE WRONG MOVE and they will suspend your contract. I wish you all the best luck, hopefully you can find some direct customers and not rely on Brokers.
Thanks Brian for the invite. Wish ya was going to the MATS hopefully next year you will be a speaker there

 

The new company I work for has booth space at MATS, wish I was there but the powers that be decided I didn't need to be there. Maybe next year. Stop by the Worldwide Equipment Sales booth if you get thru and say hi, if Pat is there tell him you know me it will blow his mind! We have booths 68180, 91200, and 91250

 

Will Do Brian

 

RV campers are exempt under the FAST act. They made a big mess out of the whole thing. That's the government for you.
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/fastact/rulemakings
Section 5507
Title Electronic Logging Device Requirements
PROVISION DESCRIPTION:
Permits a motor carrier, when transporting a motor home or recreation vehicle trailer within the definition of the term ‘driveaway - towaway operation’ to use either paper records of duty status forms or electronic logging devices to record hours of service status.

Also read this http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=1&ty=HTML&h=L&mc=true&=PART&n=pt49.5.395#se49.5.395_18

§395.8 Driver's record of duty status.

(iii)(A) A motor carrier may require a driver to record the driver's duty status manually in accordance with this section, rather than require the use of an ELD, if the driver is operating a commercial motor vehicle:

(1) In a manner requiring completion of a record of duty status on not more than 8 days within any 30-day period;

(2) In a driveaway-towaway operation in which the vehicle being driven is part of the shipment being delivered;

(3) In a driveaway-towaway operation in which the vehicle being transported is a motor home or a recreation vehicle trailer; or

(4) That was manufactured before model year 2000, as reflected in the vehicle identification number as shown on the vehicle's registration.

 

Well I will be danged, I learned something new today. Nice catch, I have read those regulations a hundred times and feel like an idiot. I'm supposed to be an expert, even have an article coming out next month in a national trade magazine about ELD's. Heck, I'm about to sign a contract to market a beautiful device and I never noticed sub (3) nor the reference from the FAST Act.

 

You can lead a horse to water...

 

Another thought, it would be nice if the FMCSA updated their handout material to reflect the FAST Act guidance, that is where I took the short interpretation from.