Thoughts on Hours of Service rules

Here we go again, not everyone is satisfied with the increased safety in the trucking industry so let’s change the rules again. The problem is; one size fits all cannot cover such a diverse industry. They may be good for a single long haul driver as written but not good for a regional or short haul driver. What is good for the long haul single driver may not be good for a long haul team operation. We do not need a complete re-write of the hours but break them down into 3 schedules.

SCHEDULE A: LONG HAUL HOURS

Leave the driving time at 11 hours.
Do away the 14 hour period.
Allow a minimum 8 hours sleeper berth and 2 hours off duty to not be consecutive. But the 2 hours must be non-broken, allowing for 1 good meal and a shower per day.
Keep the 34 hour restart.
Keep the 70 hour rule.

SCHEDULE B: REGIONAL HAUL HOURS

Allow 12 hours driving.
Do away with the 14 hour period.
A minimum 8 hours sleeper berth after 12 hours of driving.
Minimum 2 hours off duty or sleeper berth or a combination of the 2 during a 24 hour period. Allowing the driver to take a short rest period, when needed.
Minimum 30 minutes off duty or sleeper berth after 8 consecutive hours on duty, driving or a combination of the both.
38 hour reset period instead of 34.

SCHEDULE C: CITY OR LOCAL HOURS

Maximum 16 hours on duty and driving combination
Maximum 14 hours driving.
Minimum 10 hours off duty between shifts.
Maximum 200 mile radius from operating base or terminal.
If shifting from schedule A or B must have 12 consecutive hours off duty or consecutive off duty/sleeper berth combined, with a minimum 8
hours sleeper berth. Prior to going on duty.
36 hour reset after 6 consecutive days of any on duty combinations.

These above schedules I feel would increase the drivers safety and awareness on the road and maintain overall driver health; as well as maintain or increase productivity.