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FCMSA

Truckers Sentiments on Updated HOS Rules [p]As the new HOS Rules have been updated, <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> users have brought in mixed comments via it’s in-app forum. Here are some of the comments we gathered from our users. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/trucker-2946821_640.jpg" alt=""] [p]Some users welcomed the idea, like DANZ63. He said <em>“Experiencing the new 30 minute break allowed including the on time duty into it. Honestly, the 30 minute break should be removed completely because it’s really no break at all because it completes the break while I didnt even intend to take a break. Also my pre trip doesn’t even start my day, which can actually be beneficial.”</em>[/p] [p]User, Tachyon said that <em>“This benefits owner operators and fleet owners by giving them greater flexibility. The seventy hour clock should have increased to allow employees the opportunity to make more money to justify the additional fatigue this is likely to cause.”</em>[/p] [p]<em>“I think it’s a good change and the first in a decade that will actually mitigate driving fatigue. Forcing a driver to take 10 hrs in one sitting does not necessarily reduce his fatigue. Everyone is different. A full 10 hours make me more tired sometimes!”</em> said user Tarzammond.[/p] [p]All good, said user Shuttleman. <em>“I’m good with it. I’ve been doing ELD’s. For 15 years I did all the whining back then and didn't do any good so I just got used to it, worked with it. Just hang in there a few years, all of this will be water under the bridge and life will go on.”</em>[/p] [p]While there is a mix of feedback. The common denominator is the request to remove the 14-hour rule altogether. [/p] [p]<em>“Glad to see the first step in a good direction, but the 14hr day is a huge hindrance. Like when last week, I spent 5.5hrs waiting to get loaded just chipped away at my drive time. Extended delivery to another day, turning 2-day delivery into 3 days.”</em> Another one stated.[/p] [p]8sEx4eCoSP said, <em>“I just wish they would drop the 14-hour rule. I think that’s why there are more mistakes being made because we don’t have a long enough time to actually get a shower or take a nap or like some of us take the time out to eat right and not so much on the go. Plus some of us only need 6 to 7 hours of sleep and we’re rested. And there’s a lot of us that always take a break more than 30 minutes a day anyway if we get the chance to. But with this 14-hour rule, it hinders all of us.”</em>[/p] [p]OpClgdA9Jc was also not in favor of the 14-hour rule. <em>“Like with anything, it has its pros and cons. The 14-hour rule is the problem if they’re not going to get rid of it, they should at least make it 16 like in Canada.”</em>[/p] [p]Even though one user was okay with the change, he still had something to say about the 14-hour rule. <em>“I’m in favor of the change. But they should scrap the 14 hour rule. I mean no driver likes it and it hurts drivers on making appointments.”</em>[/p] [p]<strong>Conclusion </strong>[/p] [p]While most of the truckers were in favor of the said changes and the added flexibility in schedule, there were also some that pointed out the need to remove the core 14-hour rule. The updated rules have been in place for more than a month now and gathering of public feedback is now over. The FMCSA has yet to give an update based on the feedback gathered but as one commentator said, life goes on.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/hos2.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Trucker Path[/b][/p]

Nov 10, 2020 • Carriers

Nov 05, 2020 • Carriers

Oct 07, 2020 • Carriers

FMCSA Updated Hours of Service (HOS) Rules [p]The FMCSA has changed some of the rules within the <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-of-service">Hours of Service (HOS) regulations</a> which took effect yesterday, September 29, 2020. [/p] <h2></h2> <blockquote>“FMCSA wants drivers and all CMV stakeholders to share their thoughts and opinions on the proposed changes to hours of service rules that we are putting forward today,” said FMCSA Administrator Raymond P. Martinez, who spoke with reporters on a conference call Wednesday morning. “We listened directly to the concerns of drivers for rules that are safer and have more flexibility—and we have acted. We encourage everyone to review and comment on this proposal.”</blockquote> [p]FMCSA’s newly proposed HOS rule offers a couple of revisions to the existing HOS rules, which Martinez said are based on extensive public comments shared with the agency since last year. [/p] [p][b]Here are the key changes which are important to note:[/b][/p] <ul> <li>Increase in short-haul radius to 150 air-miles no matter the size of the vehicle</li> <li>Short-haul drive time has been extended from 12 to 14 hours. </li> <li>Extension of the driving window by up to 2 hours for adverse conditions</li> <li>30-minute break can be taken in “On Duty, Not Driving” status</li> <li>30 consecutive minute break must be taken after driving eight hours</li> <li>Split sleeper can now be taken within a minimum of 7 hours in sleeper berth. The remainder of the 10 hours can be taken in “Off Duty” status and must be consecutive in nature. Neither period will count against the 14-hour driving window when utilized properly.</li> </ul> [p]In line with the above, an update to <a href="http://eld.truckerpath.com/">Trucker Path's ELD Pro</a> has also been rolled out. We urge all Trucker Path ELD Pro users to update their application in either <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.truckerpatheld&hl=en">Google Play Store</a> or the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trucker-path-eld-pro/id1488420043">Apple App Store</a> to take advantage of the new rules. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/hos2.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Trucker Path[/b][/p]

Sep 30, 2020 • Carriers

5 Most Common Mistakes for New Truck Drivers <h2></h2> <h3></h3> Many truckers try to get into the business every year and end up racking up violations and unnecessary expenses due to Rookie Mistakes. Dave of Smart Trucking shares some rookie mistakes for all the rookies entering the trucking world. <h2></h2> Here are the 5 of the most common mistakes new truck drivers make: <h2></h2> <strong>1. Misjudging a corner:</strong> You may be swinging too wide or not swinging wide enough. Always check your spacing and clearances. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b30-1.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b30-1-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5043" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>2. Not getting clear directions to a delivery or pick up:</strong> Ensure good directions to avoid getting lost or in an awkward spot where it's impossible to get turned around. Plan your trips using a trip planner (check out <a href="http://vip.truckerpath.com/gold-member?utm_source=email&utm_medium=nurture-interest">Trucker Path</a> while you're at it). <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b31-1.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b31-1-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5044" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>3. Lack of focus when backing up:</strong> This is one of the greatest challenges as a professional truck driver. Get out of the vehicle and survey the vicinity first. Check for obstructions and clearance. Do it slowly and safely and always focus on your driver aids (side mirrors, cameras, etc). <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b32.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b32-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5045" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>4. Hurrying:</strong> Hurry for no one. Hurrying leads to mistakes. Mistakes as a professional truck driver can be fatal. Take all the time you need to get it right EVERY TIME. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b33.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b33-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5046" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>5. Complacency:</strong> Experienced truck drivers as well as the new truck drivers can be guilty of being complacent and overconfident. Be thorough and 100% focused at all times and never ever take something for granted. Complacency can get any driver into serious trouble. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b34.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b34-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5047" /></a> <h2></h2> There are many more tips out there but in general it all leads to focus, and safety. Got some tips to share? Let us know down the comments section. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jun 16, 2020 • Carriers

May 27, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - May 19, 2020 <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3> <img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b1.jpeg" alt="Truck Stops" /> <h3><strong>Truck Stops to Remain Open</strong></h3> As the nation endures the Covid-19 pandemic, <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/truck-stops-remain-open-pandemic-despite-hit-bottom-line">truck stops have been working to ensure that drivers have a helping hand</a>. Some truck stops like Iowa 80 have enforced measures to limit the Covid-19 spread while keeping the showers and restrooms open. Loves installed plexiglass at all its stores, restaurants, and truck registers. Petro has remained open and has packaged their convenience store foods in a way that prioritizes customer safety. <h2></h2> <img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b2.jpeg" alt="FMCSA" /> <h3><strong>FMCSA HOS Rule Updates</strong></h3> The <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/hours-service-drivers-final-rule">Final Rule</a> features four key changes to existing Hours of Service requirements. <ul> <li>The Agency will increase safety and flexibility for the 30-minute break rule by requiring a break after 8 hours of consecutive driving and allowing the break to be satisfied by a driver using on-duty, not driving status, rather than off-duty status.</li> <li>The Agency will modify the sleeper-berth exception to allow drivers to split their required 10 hours off duty into two periods: an 8/2 split, or a 7/3 split—with neither period counting against the driver’s 14‑hour driving window.</li> <li>The Agency will modify the adverse driving conditions exception by extending by two hours the maximum window during which driving is permitted.</li> <li>The Agency will change the short-haul exception available to certain commercial drivers by lengthening the drivers’ maximum on‑duty period from 12 to 14 hours and extending the distance limit within which the driver may operate from 100 air miles to 150 air miles.</li> </ul> <h3></h3> <img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b3.jpeg" alt="Jobs" /> <h3><strong>More than 80,000 Jobs Lost Last April</strong></h3> According to the<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.t17.htm"> Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>, 88,300 jobs were lost in the trucking industry, a 6.2% year-over-year decline, as the entire economy continues to suffer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that around 60% of the jobs mentioned are drivers.

May 19, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - December 5, 2019 <h4><strong>By Paul DeCoste</strong></h4> <h3><strong>Did you Know?</strong></h3> It is a safety violation to replace your truck seat with a <a href="https://cdllife.com/2019/nebraska-state-patrol-finds-unusual-violation/">lawn chair…</a> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Weather Report</strong></h3> Pennsylvania and New Jersey have <a href="https://cdllife.com/2019/states-issue-truck-bans-ahead-of-snow-storm/">issued travel bans for vehicles</a> in lieu of a massive snowstorm. Vehicles affected are double trailers, empty trailers, RVs, motorcycles, and non-commercial vehicles hauling trailers. This travel ban went into effect at 6 AM on Monday, December 2<sup>nd</sup>. <h3></h3> For more information on which roads are blocked from travel, take a look at the Pennsylvania DOT Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation/">https://www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation/</a> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Regulations</strong></h3> California Air Resources Board (CARB) has announced that it is <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/carb-suspends-imminent-ghg-rule-trailers">suspending the enforcement of its greenhouse gas trailer standards.</a> The original standards could be met by adding features to trailers that reduce aerodynamic drag, upgrade the tire pressure monitoring system, introduce low-rolling-pressure tires or other weight reduction methods. <h3></h3> These standards were set to go into effect on January 1<sup>st</sup>, 2020 and had to be met by manufacturers of new trailers. However, due to the lack of federal enforcement and confusion among the definition of a “new trailer”, the CARB has suspended the implementation of these rules for the next two or three years. <h3></h3> <h3><strong>ELD Update</strong></h3> The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is warning <a href="https://cdllife.com/2019/cvsa-warns-truckers-no-soft-enforcement-for-eld-deadline/">that there will be no leeway on December 17<sup>th</sup></a> for drivers that have no transitioned to approved ELDs. <h3></h3> Look out drivers! The CVSA says that on December 17<sup>th</sup>, any driver caught without an FMCSA approved device will be considered to have no record of duty status and will be declared out of service for 10 hours. That’s valuable time that no one can afford to lose! Make sure your ELD is in line with the FMCSA rules: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/general-information-about-eld-rule <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Trucking Industry Serving the Community</strong></h3> Truckers serve the community in many different ways and styles. <a href="https://www.trucker.com/drivers/drivers-industry-leaders-lead-through-charitable-work">Here are just a couple of foundations making a difference this Christmas season:</a> <h3></h3> <ul> <li><strong>The Convoy of Care</strong> – Founded in 2016, Convoy of Care delivers critical supplies to families in need after natural disasters. They have delivered supplies to multiple states across the US and even found a way to get supplies to the Bahamas.</li> </ul> <h3></h3> <ul> <li><strong>The American Logistics Aid Network</strong> – The ALAN provides free logistics support to disaster relief organizations before, during and after natural disasters.</li> </ul> <h3></h3> <ul> <li><strong>CFI</strong> – CFI has been donating through its Truckloads of Treasure event since 1993 and has collected over $800,000 in donations from employees and contractors alike. They choose multiple charities to support each year and even hold fundraising events like chili cook-offs, silent auctions and ugly sweater contests.</li> </ul> <h3></h3> <ul> <li><strong>XPO Logistics</strong> – XPO supports the Ohio based non-profit, Elves and More which helped surprise over 800 children with bikes during the 2018 holidays. They even donated 500 bikes for a Christmas in July event this past summer.</li> </ul> <h3></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Wreaths Across America</strong> – Drivers throughout the industry look forward to participating in Wreaths Across America, a foundation that coordinates wreath laying ceremonies at more than 1,600 locations across the nation. Drivers support by delivering wreaths to different locations and even participating in the wreath laying events.</li> </ul>

Dec 05, 2019 • Carriers