As I read about the possible changes to the USA 34 hour reset provision, I have to quietly thank Santa Claus for the early Christmas present. Though most laws that are introduced, positive or negative, have a higher purpose that I can rationalize. Unfortunately this law just wasn’t one of them… Over two years ago the debates began regarding this new provision, then came into effect in July 2013. The first of the changes I could understand and support, everyone needs to get out from behind the wheel and stretch the legs to get the blood flowing. This is important for safety purposes as I know many Drivers that refused to stop at all and just roll on. Of course this was the direct result of the 14 hour window regulation implemented back in 2007, maybe the USA should look north of the border for some ideas on HOS regulations. Our 14 hour on-duty requirement with 16 hour window is a lot more flexible for Drivers allowing them a chance to stop and eat with loosing time off their day. Therefore, mandating a 30 minute break within the first 8 hours of shift, made sense, even if it was a band aid to fix earlier regulations. The second part of this law I just couldn’t understand nor support from a safety perspective, the 34 hour reset provision that was limited to once per week and must include two periods between 1am – 5am. For the most part I do not have any issues with the once per week, if a Driver plays his hours properly, that is plenty of time to run a full two weeks. My concern lies with the two periods between 1-5 am…

I fully understand the circadian rhythm, sleep debt, and the effects these have on safety. I have personally coached 1000’s of Drivers on these affects and how to manage them. But obviously the people creating the laws haven’t sat in a truck stop for days on end, feeling the boredom of staring at the walls of a 6X5 box begging to hit the road. Really, when you are at a truck stop resting, there is only so much sleep one can get to feel ready to hit the road again. Don’t take this the wrong way, taking 34 hours off is important and needed for road safety, just don’t think it needs to be extended to cover two 1-5 periods. Industry has been aggressively arguing this new requirement since its inception. Discussing the safety risks associated with putting trucks back on the road during rush hour traffic, the effects the new law has on industry productivity. My point of view is strictly from a Drivers perspective, sitting in a truck stop waiting to hit the road.

Well from my understanding, as I type this, the senate has voted in the bill that will reverse the law regarding the 34 hour restart, putting things back to July 2013 standards. Now we wait for the President to sign the proposal, and for the FMCSA to make the final announcements. Don’t jump to fast to the old rules as it will take some time to get through the enforcement community. Though the length of time it will take to come to full reality is uncertain, what is for sure; this will be good for trucking companies, shippers, and most importantly the professional Drivers that keep this industry rolling.

Steve Newton
Director of Safety
Challenger Motor Freight Inc
300 Maple Grove Rd | Cambridge | ON | N3E 1B7
O:(519)653-9770 X 2255
C: (519)502-2717
F: 519-653-9905