Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are in place to prevent fatigue-related accidents. They limit how long you can drive and work, and they require breaks to ensure you stay alert behind the wheel.
Key HOS Rules (Property-Carrying Drivers):
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: You can drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-Hour Window: You have a 14-hour window from the time you come on duty to finish your driving for the day—even if you haven’t hit 11 hours of drive time.
- 30-Minute Break: You must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving, using on-duty or off-duty time.
- 60/70-Hour Limit: You can’t drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days (depending on your carrier’s schedule).
- Restart Rule: You can reset your 60/70-hour clock by taking 34 consecutive hours off duty.
Pro Tip: Always log your time correctly in your Record of Duty Status (RODS)—that’s your logbook, either electronic or paper. Falsifying logs or missing entries can lead to out-of-service orders and penalties for both you and the company.
DVIRs: Keep Your Truck Safe & Road-Ready
Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) are required daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections that ensure your truck and trailer are in safe operating condition.
What You’re Looking For:
- Brakes
- Tires & wheels
- Lights
- Steering
- Windshield wipers
- Mirrors
- Horn
- Emergency equipment
If you find a defect that affects safe operation, report it right away. The vehicle should not be operated until the issue is corrected and documented.
What’s Required:
- Pre-trip inspections help catch issues before they become a problem.
- Post-trip reports (especially at the end of a shift) are required for certain carriers, and
- they must list any defects and confirm repairs before the vehicle is reused.
Skipping inspections or failing to report issues puts you and others at risk, and could result in serious fines or delays if caught during a roadside inspection.
Why It Matters
- DOT audits and roadside inspections look closely at HOS and DVIR compliance.
- Non-compliance can lead to violations, out-of-service orders, and a hit to your CSA score.
- Most importantly, it helps you go home safe at the end of the day.
Quick Checklist Before You Roll:
- Review your HOS logs for accuracy and completeness.
- Complete a thorough pre-trip inspection.
- Report any defects or safety issues right away.
- Keep your logbook updated throughout the day.
Let’s keep the wheels turning safely and by the book. Questions about HOS rules or how to fill out your DVIR? Just ask your supervisor—we’re here to help!
Drive smart. Drive safe. You’ve got this
