Understanding Cycle Rules in USA Trucking || A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction:

The trucking industry is an essential part of the American economy, as it delivers goods and products across the country. However, trucking companies and drivers are subject to regulations that aim to ensure safety and fairness on the roads. One of the most important sets of rules for truckers is the cycle rules, which dictate how many hours they can work and how often they need to take breaks. In this blog post, we will explore the cycle rules in USA trucking and provide valuable insights for drivers, carriers, and shippers.

 Hours of Service Regulations

The hours of service regulations are the cornerstone of the cycle rules in USA trucking. These regulations set the maximum amount of time that drivers can spend on duty and driving, as well as the minimum amount of rest they need to take. The current hours of service regulations are as follows:

11-hour driving limit: Drivers can drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.

14-hour limit: Drivers can be on duty for up to 14 hours, but they can only drive for 11 of those hours.

30-minute break: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.

60/70-hour limit: Drivers cannot drive more than 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days. They must take a minimum of 34 consecutive hours off duty before starting a new 7/8-day period.

These regulations are designed to prevent driver fatigue, which is a major cause of truck accidents. However, they can also be challenging for drivers and carriers, as they need to plan their routes and schedules carefully to comply with the rules.

Electronic Logging Devices

Electronic logging devices (ELDs) are a crucial tool for enforcing the hours of service regulations. These devices are installed in the trucks and record the driver’s duty status, including driving time, on-duty time, and off-duty time. ELDs replace the paper logbooks that drivers used to keep, which were prone to errors and falsification. ELDs help drivers and carriers to comply with the hours of service regulations and avoid penalties for non-compliance. They also provide valuable data for shippers, who can track the location and status of their shipments in real time. However, some drivers and carriers have raised concerns about the cost and privacy implications of ELDs. If you want to buy ELD click here.

Exceptions and Exemptions

While the hours of service regulations apply to most truck drivers, there are some exceptions and exemptions that apply in certain situations. For example:

Short-haul exemption: Drivers who operate within a 150-air-mile radius and return to their starting point within 14 hours are exempt from the 30-minute break and the 11-hour driving limit.

Adverse driving conditions exception: Drivers who encounter unexpected adverse driving conditions, such as snow, ice, or traffic, can extend their driving time by up to 2 hours to reach a safe location.

Agricultural exemption: Drivers who transport agricultural products, such as livestock or crops, are exempt from the 30-minute break and the 11-hour driving limit during the harvest season.

Emergency exemption: Drivers who respond to an emergency, such as a natural disaster or a terrorist attack, are exempt from the hours of service regulations for the duration of the emergency.

It is important for drivers and carriers to be aware of these exceptions and exemptions and to apply them correctly to avoid penalties for non-compliance.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these exceptions and exemptions.

Short-Haul Exemption

This exemption is designed for drivers who operate within a short radius of their starting point, such as local delivery drivers or shuttle drivers. To qualify for the short-haul exemption, drivers must meet the following criteria:

Operate within a 150-air-mile radius of their work reporting location

Return to their work reporting location within 14 hours

Have at least 10 consecutive hours off duty between each 14-hour workday

Drivers who meet these criteria are exempt from the 30-minute break and the 11-hour driving limit. However, they are still subject to the 14-hour limit and the 60/70-hour limit.

Adverse Driving Conditions Exception

This exception allows drivers to extend their driving time by up to 2 hours if they encounter unexpected adverse driving conditions, such as snow, ice, or traffic. To use this exception, drivers must meet the following criteria:

Determine that the adverse driving conditions make it impossible to complete the run within the driving time limit

Slow down to a speed that is safe for the conditions

Complete the run as soon as it is safe to do so

Record the use of the exception in the ELD

Drivers who use this exception are still subject to the 14-hour limit and the 60/70-hour limit.

Agricultural Exemption

This exemption applies to drivers who transport agricultural products, such as livestock or crops, during the harvest season. To qualify for the agricultural exemption, drivers must meet the following criteria:

Transport agricultural products within a 150-air-mile radius of the farm or ranch where they were produced

Transport the products to a location within the same state

Operate within a 150-air-mile radius of their work reporting location

Have at least 10 consecutive hours off duty between each 14-hour workday

Be employed by a farmer or rancher or a private carrier that transports agricultural products

Drivers who qualify for the agricultural exemption are exempt from the 30-minute break and the 11-hour driving limit during the harvest season. However, they are still subject to the 14-hour limit and the 60/70-hour limit.

Emergency Exemption

This exemption applies to drivers who respond to an emergency, such as a natural disaster or a terrorist attack. To use this exemption, drivers must meet the following criteria:

Be responding to the emergency as part of a federal, state, or local government agency or a private carrier that is providing direct assistance to the emergency

Be necessary to meet the immediate needs of the emergency

Record the use of the exemption in the ELD

Drivers who use the emergency exemption are exempt from all the hours of service regulations for the duration of the emergency. However, they must still operate the vehicle safely and comply with all other traffic laws.

It is important for drivers and carriers to be aware of these exceptions and exemptions and to apply them correctly to avoid penalties for non-compliance. Drivers who violate the hours of service regulations can face fines, penalties, and even suspension of their commercial driver’s license. If you want to get rid of these tensions then you must contact Rewton Logistics, We are providing the best dispatch service. We will provide you high paying loads, planning routes, and all your legal documents.