According to an FMCSA media release, the device affected is the ROBINHOOD ELD, Model R-Hood, ELD Identifier RHD481. The removal comes as a result of the provider failing to meet the agency’s minimum compliance requirements.

Motor carriers and drivers currently relying on these devices have a 60-day window to transition to a compliant ELD to continue logging Hours of Service (HOS) data correctly.

Drivers and carriers must follow these steps:

• Stop using the revoked ROBINHOOD ELD immediately and temporarily use paper logs or approved logging software to maintain HOS records.
• Replace the delisted device with an FMCSA-compliant ELD from the Registered Devices list before November 18, 2025.

Failure to comply with these instructions could result in HOS violations and regulatory penalties.

This removal serves as a reminder for fleets and drivers to ensure their ELDs remain on the FMCSA Registered Devices list to maintain compliance and avoid operational disruptions.

Source: The Trucker

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Understanding the 34-Hour Reset Rule:

The 34-hour reset rule is a regulation imposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in the United States. According to this rule, drivers must take a continuous, uninterrupted break of at least 34 hours before resetting their weekly driving limit. This reset allows drivers to start a new workweek with a fresh set of hours, ensuring they are well-rested and better equipped to handle the demands of the road.

The most surprising thing about the 34-hour reset rule is that it isn’t mandatory. Many drivers take it without really being aware; if you have a set route, and you’re home every weekend, you take a 34-hour reset incidentally. You just call it your weekend.

If It’s Not Mandatory, Why Do We Need It?

Consider a scenario where you anticipate driving 50 hours from Monday to Friday, and an additional 22 hours by the following Monday. If you adhere strictly to the mandated 10-hour breaks between shifts, there’s a risk of surpassing the 70-hour limit sometime over the weekend, resulting in a violation of Hours of Service (HOS).

However, there’s a strategic alternative. Opting for a 34-hour off-duty period from 6 p.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. on Sunday can create a situation that keeps you well-rested as well as in compliance with HOS regulations. This extended break allows your hours to reset to zero, essentially initiating a new eight-day working week starting that Sunday. With this reset, you now have the flexibility to complete your remaining 22 hours of driving on Sunday and Monday – a feat that would have been impossible without the break, all while ensuring compliance with HOS regulations. This example demonstrates how the 34-hour reset serves as a valuable tool for drivers, enabling them to strategically manage and distribute their weekly drive time.

Hours Of Service Limits for Truck Drivers

• 11 total hours of driving per shift
• No driving after the 14th consecutive hour of the shift (which includes both driving and non-driving activities)
• At least 10 hours of off-duty time between shifts
• Required 30-minute breaks after eight hours of cumulative driving
• 60 hours of driving within each seven-day period, or 70 hours of driving within each eight-day period

Best Practices for Navigating the 34-Hour Reset

Plan Strategically
To maximize the benefits of the 34-hour reset, plan your schedule wisely. Aim to take your reset during a period that aligns with your natural circadian rhythm, ensuring a more restorative break.

Utilize Amenities
When taking your reset at a truck stop or rest area, take advantage of available amenities. Quality sleep is crucial, so invest in blackout curtains, earplugs, and other accessories to create a comfortable sleeping environment.

Stay Active
Use the reset period to engage in light physical activities. Stretching, walking, or doing simple exercises can alleviate stiffness and promote overall well-being.

Healthy Eating
Opt for nutritious meals during your reset. A balanced diet can positively impact your energy levels and cognitive function, helping you stay alert and focused on the road.

Making the Most of Downtime

Personal Development
Consider using the 34-hour reset to engage in personal development activities. Audiobooks, podcasts, or online courses can be valuable companions during this downtime, offering both entertainment and learning opportunities.

Vehicle Maintenance
Conduct routine checks on your truck during the reset. Addressing minor issues early can prevent major breakdowns on the road, ensuring a smoother and safer journey.

Communication
Stay connected with family and friends during the reset. Socializing and maintaining a support network can positively impact your mental well-being, reducing the stress associated with long hours on the road.

The 34-hour reset rule is not just a regulatory requirement but an opportunity for truckers to prioritize their well-being and enhance overall efficiency. By planning strategically, incorporating healthy practices, and making the most of downtime, truckers can navigate this rule successfully. Remember, a well-rested driver is a safer driver, contributing to a more secure and sustainable trucking industry.

The post What Truckers Need to Know About the 34-Hour Reset Rule appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

WestRock, operating a paper mill in Chattanooga, necessitates truck drivers to travel on a public road, Compress Street, spanning approximately 275 feet, between its manufacturing facility and shipping/receiving docks. This route, though short, is considered interstate travel due to the cargo’s destinations. The exemption is crucial for WestRock, as without it, there would be a logistical challenge of at least two hours in which trailers couldn’t be loaded or transported, impacting on-time deliveries.

Under the exemption, WestRock’s drivers would be allowed to work up to 16 consecutive hours, and the mandatory 10 hours off duty could be bypassed. The exemption is proposed to be effective from April 17 to April 16, 2029. FMCSA, in its evaluation, deems WestRock’s driving operations under the exemption conditions to maintain safety levels equivalent to or greater than those without the exemption.

This isn’t the first time WestRock has sought such an exemption; it has operated under similar waivers since May 2012, with renewals in April 2014, July 2016, and July 2019. The current waiver, granted in 2019, is set to expire on April 16.

FMCSA invites public comments on WestRock’s hours-of-service exemption request. Interested parties can provide feedback within 30 days of Jan. 19 on Regulations.gov using Docket No. FMCSA-2010-0027.

Source: Land Line

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