Hours of Service
In-depth analysis of FMCSA hours of service regulations including the 11/14-hour rules, split sleeper berth provisions, short-haul exemptions, personal conveyance, adverse driving conditions, and ELD compliance under 49 CFR Part 395.
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FMCSA Pulls 133 ELDs in Largest Revocation in Agency History: What Carriers Need to Know
FMCSA has pulled 133 ELDs from its registry in what DOT calls the largest revocation in agency history, citing examples of devices that let carriers erase driving time on demand. FMCSA's notice to carriers points to January 12, but DOT tells inspectors to start citing on November 24, 2026, so carriers with affected devices should treat November 24 as the practical deadline to switch to a compliant device.
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA's New Complaint Center Invites Drivers to Report You. Here's How to Prepare.
FMCSA has rebranded its National Consumer Complaint Database as the FMCSA Complaint Center, making it easier for drivers to report hours-of-service coercion and other violations. Here's what carriers need to know and do now to reduce their investigation risk.
Brandon Wiseman
Do Short-Haul Drivers Need an ELD? Every ELD Exemption Explained
Short-haul drivers who qualify under 49 CFR 395.1(e) do not need an ELD, but every exemption has strict conditions. This guide covers every ELD exemption in effect today, from the 150 air-mile short-haul exceptions to driveaway-towaway, pre-2000 vehicles, agricultural operations, rental trucks, and industry-specific exemptions.
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA Denies FOPT Exemption Request to Allow Paper Logs in Place of ELDs
FMCSA has officially denied the Federation of Professional Truckers' application to allow drivers to use paper logs instead of ELDs, citing a congressional mandate under MAP-21 and the applicant's failure to demonstrate safety equivalency.
Brandon Wiseman
CVSA's 2026 International Roadcheck Targets ELD Tampering During May 12-14
CVSA's 2026 International Roadcheck (May 12-14) focuses on ELD tampering enforcement with enhanced penalties up to $16,000 per violation and automatic 10-hour out-of-service orders for tampering violations.
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA to tighten ELD self-certification process
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has announced a significant shift in how it evaluates and approves Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), marking the most substantial change to the approval process since the ELD mandate first took effect. While the agency continues to stop short of a full third-party certification program—similar to the one now used in Canada—its move toward a more structured, hands-on vetting approach signals a notable evolution in federal oversight of the ELD marke
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA Proposes Pilot Programs for Hours of Service Flexibility
As announced previously by USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy as part of the agency's Pro-Trucker Initiatives, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is moving ahead with two new pilot programs. Sheduled for publication in the Federal Register on September 17, 2025, FMCSA is proposing two pilot programs aimed to address longstanding challenges faced by property-carrying truck drivers: unreasonable detention times at shippers and receivers, traffic congestion, and the rigid constraints of curren
Brandon Wiseman
USDOT Announces New Initiatives to Support America’s Truck Drivers in 2025
On June 27, 2025, U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled a comprehensive set of initiatives, pilot programs, and regulatory updates aimed at supporting America’s truck drivers. Announced in response to the President’s Executive Order, these measures from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) focus on improving truck parking, providing regulatory relief, enhancing driver flexibility, and modernizing resources. "Truckers keep America running. Whi
Brandon Wiseman
Dispelling 5 common DOT compliance myths
Achieving DOT compliance can be tricky. Even seasoned safety professionals occasionally fall prey to some regulatory assumptions that aren’t quite true. Unfortunately, these misconceptions can lead to costly violations, increased exposure, and unnecessary headaches for trucking companies and their drivers.At Trucksafe, we help motor carriers navigate the complex web of federal and state safety regulations. In this article, we’ll debunk five of the most common DOT compliance myths to help you sta
Brandon WisemanNever Miss an Update
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