New Hours-of-Service Trucking Regulations
Hours of service restrictions from the FMCSA have changed the logistics labor landscape.FMCSA Regulation Creates an Economic Challenge
New Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations sometimes change as new legislation is passed. The changes can have a major impact on the trucking industry and possibly even a bigger impact on time efficiency and costs for shippers. With these new regulations passed on by the FMCSA, truck drivers are going to have a stricter schedule on the road.
The changes seen in the 2013 HOS Final Rule include:
- Limitations on the minimum "34-hour restarts"
- Mandatory 30 minute rest breaks
- Detention and unloading time now considered "on-duty" time
- Harsher penalties with full enforcement
- Oifield exemptions have changed
- Time a driver can be "on-duty" has shortened
View the final rule on the new hours of service regulations from the official website of the FMCSA.
These changes obviously reduce the number of hours a truck driver may work. This can have 2 possible impacts on the truck driving industry for shippers. It could actually shrink the capacity of the U.S. trucking industry, and substantially reduce truck transportation’s productivity. Or on the other hand, it could cause driver routes and work days to be more productively coordinated, as well as reduce the risk of over worked truck driver accidents. For either case, more drivers will most likely be necessary to move the same amount of freight with the same time-efficiency as capable in the old rules.
Who Must Follow HOS Rules?
Any driver of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) used as a part of a business and involved in interstate commerce that fits any of the following descriptions:
- Weights 10,001 or more pounds
- Has a gross combination weight or vehicle weight rated for 10,001 or more pounds.
- Designed to transport 16 or more passengers for no compensation
- Designed to transport 9 or more passengers for compensation
- Will transport enough hazardous materials to warrant placards
See FMCSA.dot.gov for more details.
New Regulations Don't Mean Big Changes for Our 3PL Company
The good news for you as a shipper is you don’t need to worry about this! Direct Drive Logistics makes this stress free, as we have been following these regulations from the start. Direct Drive routinely beats FMCSA regulation to the punch, as our logistics company already follows safe and effective policies and processes.
Rest easy knowing your freight is in good hands. We have already held these higher standards, and therefore have the proper expertise and experience in helping you pick the most qualified, efficient, and safe carriers for your shipping needs. Direct Drive Logistics delivers where quality and reliability matter most.
Reliable, Trusted Logistics Consulting Partner
Direct Drive Logistics will continue to deliver the shipping solutions you need. We’ve already established a trusted network of reputable, safe, efficient carriers held to high standards. Direct Drive Logistics monitors the insurances and safety scores of our carriers to ensure only the best carriers in the nation are transporting your freight. When you partner with Direct Drive Logistics, you partner with freight shipment success.