What the new hours of service really mean.

I have one small question. I get a 34 every wkend, can I still do it from Sat. afternoon to Mon. morning at 5:00 and still be within the "every 168 hr rule?

 

So, since I can only be on the road from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. From San Onofre to Sylmar, its now a two day trip from San Diego to Bakersfield... I cant even begin to try to schedule or bid on San Diego/Los Angeles/Sacramento/San Francisco curfew areas with this new HOS. It could be a week to go 400 miles.
Just like the days of prohibition, make more laws and the outlaws will make more money.

 

Yes, the 168 hours is counted from the start of the 34 hour break, not the end of it.

 

With that scenario, I would stop at Pocahontas (I70 x36) and get a nap and a bite to eat at the Powhaten restaurant. They make some of the best omelets on the planet! And it would be that extra hour driving that I mentioned. Effingham or Foristell? Now that's desperation.

 

What the 309 minute break does is rob you of 30 minutes on your 14 hour clock. Nothing more nothing less. Unless someone is paying for that 30 minute break then it should be illegal to make drivers take it.

 

Well, I just thank God that our government is saving us from ourselves. Not.

I personally don't care about the 30-minute break. I almost always start my day by driving two to three hours, then taking a break for breakfast. But that's my personal preference.

Now, the 1AM-5AM BS? That's another story. I've been a morning person for better than 30 years. Running the NE like I used to, that is several times a week, you get used to this type of schedule to make the best time.

More government intervention, all because their computer models, studies, and other such tripe dictate that is what is best for our industry.

I feel my ire rising again....

 

The 1AM -5AM BS needs to be seen for what it is . The FMCSA couldn't get rid of the restart for the Teamsters so they came up with this . The intent is to force carriers needing drivers during these hours to reduce drivers hours so restarts aren't needed . Cut the drivers to under 70 hours a week and hire more drivers .

 

So I suppose you should be paid for your mandatory 10 hr break then? After all, it is required also before driving another 11.

I am still quite baffled at how this 30 min break thing is going to be the downfall of everything. I have made mention before, that it can be used quite effectively to one's advantage. Like getting a bite to eat, refilling the thermos (for those that like coffee), taking care of bodily issues in the restroom, checking emails or making a call home, scanning a bill of lading, Doing a mid trip equipment check (probably a good idea for those that just start their day without even checking things), or any number of things that can't be done while driving down the road. Time really flys by fast when you combine things into that 30 min. And I am not quite sure why anyone would want to cram their rear into a seat for 11 straight hrs without getting out of the seat. If you have to do that to get the job done, makes me wonder if you are working for a living or just being a slave to the job. If it is the latter, then why do you do it? So many folks seem to think that they were grabbed kicking and screaming into driving a truck and there is nothing else they can do with their life. Sad.

 

A person can take a 34 in each 168 hr period. If a person takes that, say, starting on Friday Eve, they can start driving Sunday morn. You can start another reset anytime after the next Friday eve. That leaves 70 hrs of driving/work between Sunday morn and Friday Eve. That is a hair over 11.5 hrs a day of work, each day, every day, Sunday thru Friday. Isn't that enough? You can use any other day starting the reset to figure the same thing.

Of course, there is always the recap. Due to being real busy, I haven't pulled off a 34 reset for the last 3 weeks. Been by the house several times during the week even. Am taking a 10 at home right now. By recapping, I have kept the ball rolling just fine. I plan the loads on what hours are going to be and keep it rolling. Same as I did for a couple of decades before all the reset stuff came about.

 

I always stop anyway for lunch or dinner during my 11. and that takes about 30 mins. no big deal. Dont see how it impacts negativity.