The FMCSA has finally released the long anticipated proposed changes to the Hours of Service regulations! These changes were effective on September 29, 2020.
These proposed regulatory changes appear to be wonderful and should provide much needed relief to truckers who are still struggling to manage in a world of ELD (Electronic Logging Devices).
A summary of the relevant proposed changes to 49 CFR PART 395 are listed below:
30-Minute Rest Break Provision:
The break will be required after 8 hours of driving time (as compared to 8 hours after coming on duty) and will be logged as on-duty, not driving (as compared to previously being off-duty).
Split Sleeper Berth Provision:
7/3 hour splits would now be allowed (previously only an 8/2 split was allowed).
Adverse Driving Conditions:
On-duty time may be extended to accommodate 2 additional hours of driving when encountering adverse driving conditions. (Further clarification on adverse conditions has been requested.)
Short-Haul Exemption to Record of Duty Status for CDL Drivers:
Short haul CDL drivers will be able to operate within a 150 air-mile radius and will now be able to work up to 14 hours each day. (The regulations previously only allowed CDL drivers to operate within 100 air miles and 12 hours).
14 Hour On-Duty Period: A driver would be allowed to “pause” his or her 14 hour on-duty period once, up to 3 hours during the duty day period.
These changes should create much more flexibility in the driver’s ability to manage his or her hours by allowing the driver to adjust to loading/unloading delays, traffic delays, and other common issues that they face. Need more information about the upcoming changes? Click here!
If you need help managing your fleet’s Hours of Service or any other compliance areas, please give us a call at 1-855-211-5550 or check out our safety management program at www.MySafetyManager.com.
My Safety Manager is a leading provider of fleet safety and trucking compliance services for fleets of all sizes. Our specialized safety management solutions help deliver results—safe drivers out on the road who are staying compliant with FMCSA regulations.
We work with you to create customized solutions that meet your unique needs, taking what’s typically far too much work off your plate so you have more time to grow your business.
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