Understanding H.O.S.
For commercial drivers, understanding Hours of Service (H.O.S.) regulations is top priority for safety and compliance. A key component of these regulations is the definition of "on-duty time," which extends far beyond simply being behind the wheel.
According to H.O.S., on-duty time encompasses any period a driver is working or responsible for a commercial vehicle. This includes not only driving time but also a range of other essential tasks. Pre-trip and post-trip inspections, as well as any servicing, repairing, conditioning, fueling, or even just starting the vehicle, all fall under the umbrella of on-duty time.
Time spent traveling as a co-driver in the vehicle (and not in the sleeper cabin) is also considered on-duty. Activities directly related to the cargo, such as participating in the loading or unloading process and inspecting or checking the load, are also counted. Perhaps less obvious are the various waiting periods that drivers often encounter.
Whether it's waiting for the vehicle to be serviced, loaded, unloaded, or dispatched, or waiting for inspections of the vehicle or its load, this time accumulates as on-duty. Finally, any unexpected delays encountered en route due to accidents or other unplanned situations also contribute to a driver's on-duty hours.
It's crucial for drivers and carriers alike to have a clear understanding of these inclusions to accurately track working hours and ensure adherence to H.O.S. regulations, ultimately promoting safer roadways for everyone. In contrast, "off-duty time" is defined simply as any period that does not fall under the definition of "on-duty time," providing drivers with necessary rest and recovery periods.
For more information on safety and H.O.S., reach out to the team at Truckker today!
📞905-487-7906 X30
📧support@truckker.com
💻www.truckker.com
