Hours of Service Regulations

Driver fatigue is a serious issue for truckers; according to several studies, it is a leading cause of major trucking accidents. Unfortunately, the pressure to make deliveries on time has lead many truckers to put their own health aside and drive for far longer than they should ever day. For the safety of truckers and other drivers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enforces Hours of Service regulations.

Whether you drive a truck or manage a freight shipping company, you need to understand and comply with Hours of Service (HOS) laws. In addition to the federal regulations, which apply to interstate travel, most states have their own similar regulations for truckers traveling within their borders. Violations of HOS policies can lead to steep penalties, delays in travel, and more.

Who Must Follow HOS Laws?

Federal HOS regulations apply to every commercial motor vehicle that meets one or more of the following:

  • Weighs 10,001 pounds or more with or without cargo
  • Is designed to carry at least nine passengers for compensation
  • Is transporting enough hazardous materials to require warning placards

As you can guess, one or more of these qualifications apply to most commercial trucks.

What Are the HOS Policies?

It is important to note that the FMCA is currently revising its policies, so new HOS laws may be passed within the next year. However, the following regulations are currently in effect for freight trucks:

  • Drivers cannot exceed 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off duty
  • Drivers cannot exceed 14 hours of on-duty or off-duty driving after 10 hours off duty
  • Drivers cannot exceed 60 hours of driving in 7 days, or 70 hours in 8 days
  • Drivers with a sleeper birth must spend 8 consecutive hours in the berth, and an additional 2 hours in or out, while off-duty

Different standards apply to buses and other passenger vehicles, so it is important to review the laws that apply to your specific business.

Contact a Trucking Factor

TBS Factoring Services, LLC helps independent truckers and trucking companies receive the payments they need today – not when their clients decide to pay. To discuss how we can help your business, contact our truck factoring agents at 1-800-207-7661.