Trucking and regulatory
hours of service (HOS)
Hours of service are FMCSA rules on how long commercial drivers may be on duty and how much rest they need. They set limits on driving time and rest periods to help keep drivers awake and alert. The rules are in 49 CFR part 395.
Why it matters
Hours of service apply to most drivers of commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. For a container delivery company, they affect how many stops a driver can make in a day and how far a route can go. Rules include limits on the driving window and a required break. A common mistake is to assume short local runs are always exempt. Exceptions exist, such as the short-haul exception, but they have conditions. Another is to rely on an old summary, since rules and pilot programs change. Read the FMCSA page for current rules, train dispatchers and keep records. Ask a compliance professional about your routes.
Read: Safety and compliance for container delivery: DOT, FMCSA, CDL and OSHA
Definition source: fmcsa.dot.gov
Related terms
electronic logging device (ELD)
An electronic logging device, or ELD, is a device that connects to a vehicle engine. It records driving time automatically, so drivers can keep hours-of-service records more easily and more accurately. It stems from an FMCSA rule. Exceptions exist for some drivers and vehicles.
FMCSA
FMCSA is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation. It writes and enforces safety rules for commercial motor vehicles and carriers, and it handles registration for interstate carriers. Its rules are in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
CDL
A CDL is a commercial driver's license, required to drive certain commercial motor vehicles. A driver must pass knowledge and skills tests. States issue CDLs. FMCSA sets the federal standards and does not issue them. Some vehicles also need extra endorsements.
interstate commerce
Interstate commerce is trade, traffic or transportation in the United States between a place in a state and a place outside that state. It also covers trips between two places in one state that pass through another state. FMCSA uses this definition to decide which federal motor carrier rules apply.
DOT medical card
A DOT medical card is the common name for the Medical Examiner's Certificate. A certified medical examiner issues it to a commercial driver who passes the federal physical. FMCSA requires it for drivers of vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating that operate in interstate commerce.
pre-trip inspection
A pre-trip inspection is the check a driver makes of a truck and trailer before driving. Federal rule 49 CFR 396.13 requires the driver to be satisfied that the vehicle is in safe operating condition. The driver must also review the last driver vehicle inspection report, if one is required.
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