Federal rules in the USA dictate the utmost driving time for industrial truck drivers to make sure security and handle driver fatigue. These rules are generally known as the Hours-of-Service (HOS) guidelines. A driver’s allowed driving time is often based mostly on a 14-hour window, inside which a most of 11 hours might be spent driving after 10 consecutive hours off responsibility. There are additionally stipulations relating to relaxation breaks and necessary off-duty intervals inside a given week.
Laws governing driver hours are essential for freeway security, aiming to cut back accidents brought on by driver fatigue. These guidelines assist preserve a steadiness between well timed freight deliveries and the well-being of drivers, recognizing the demanding nature of long-haul trucking. The evolution of those rules displays an ongoing effort to enhance security requirements and adapt to the altering panorama of the trucking business, traditionally responding to documented incidents and evolving scientific understanding of fatigue.
This text will discover the nuances of HOS rules, together with particular day by day and weekly limits, exceptions to the principles, using digital logging units (ELDs), and the affect of those rules on the trucking business as a complete.
1. Hours-of-Service (HOS) guidelines
Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules type the muse for figuring out the permissible driving time for industrial truck drivers. These guidelines set up a framework designed to mitigate the dangers related to driver fatigue, a big consider trucking accidents. The HOS guidelines instantly affect the variety of hours a driver can function a industrial motorized vehicle (CMV) inside a given interval. This framework contains limitations on day by day driving hours, necessary relaxation breaks, and required off-duty time.
A core part of the HOS guidelines is the 14-hour driving window. Inside this 14-hour interval, a driver can solely drive for a most of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off responsibility. This regulation ensures drivers have satisfactory relaxation earlier than commencing their driving duties. As an example, a driver beginning their day at 7:00 AM would have till 9:00 PM to finish their 14-hour window, together with a most of 11 driving hours. Moreover, necessary 30-minute breaks are required after 8 cumulative hours of driving time, stopping prolonged intervals of uninterrupted driving and selling driver alertness. The HOS rules additionally stipulate a minimal of 10 consecutive hours off responsibility after finishing a 14-hour driving window, offering ample time for restorative sleep.
Understanding and adhering to HOS guidelines is essential for sustaining driver security and authorized compliance inside the trucking business. These guidelines are integral to lowering fatigue-related accidents, making certain drivers stay alert and rested. Non-compliance can result in important penalties for each drivers and trucking firms. Furthermore, a radical grasp of those rules aids in logistical planning and environment friendly scheduling inside the trucking business, balancing driver well-being with operational effectivity. The HOS guidelines signify an important security framework, defending each drivers and the general public by mitigating the dangers related to driver fatigue.
2. 11 driving hours most
The “11 driving hours most” regulation serves as a cornerstone of the broader query, “how lengthy can a truck driver drive in at some point.” It represents a essential limitation imposed to mitigate the dangers related to driver fatigue, a big consider trucking accidents. Whereas different components, such because the 14-hour driving window and necessary relaxation breaks, contribute to the general day by day driving restrict, the 11-hour most instantly restricts the precise time a driver can spend behind the wheel. This restriction acknowledges the physiological limitations of human endurance and the elevated danger of accidents related to extended driving. As an example, a driver who begins their day at 7:00 AM, even with breaks, can’t legally drive previous 6:00 PM, no matter different work-related actions inside the 14-hour window.
The sensible significance of this 11-hour driving restrict extends past particular person driver security. It impacts logistical planning, supply schedules, and the general effectivity of the trucking business. Corporations should fastidiously calculate routes and supply occasions to adjust to these rules, typically necessitating relay driving or strategic scheduling. Understanding the 11-hour driving restrict is crucial not just for drivers but additionally for dispatchers, logistics managers, and anybody concerned within the planning and execution of trucking operations. Ignoring this limitation can result in substantial fines, security violations, and elevated accident danger. Moreover, recognizing the connection between driving time restrictions and driver well-being promotes a tradition of security and accountable operations inside the business.
In abstract, the “11 driving hours most” just isn’t merely a regulatory element however a vital consider figuring out a truck driver’s permissible driving time. It represents a steadiness between environment friendly freight transportation and the crucial to prioritize freeway security by mitigating the dangers related to driver fatigue. This understanding is prime for authorized compliance, efficient logistical planning, and in the end, fostering a safer trucking business.
3. 14-hour work window
The 14-hour work window is a vital regulatory part in figuring out a truck driver’s allowable driving time. It defines the utmost period throughout which a driver can carry out any work-related duties, together with driving, loading, unloading, inspections, and paperwork. Understanding this window is crucial to comprehending the general limitations positioned on a driver’s workday and its affect on street security.
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Relationship to Driving Time
The 14-hour work window encompasses, however just isn’t restricted to, driving time. The 11-hour driving restrict restricts the time spent actively working the car, whereas the 14-hour window encompasses all work-related actions. This distinction means a driver can work for as much as 14 hours, however solely 11 of these hours might be spent driving. For instance, a driver might spend three hours loading and unloading earlier than commencing an 11-hour driving shift, all inside the permissible 14-hour window.
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Restart Requirement
The 14-hour work window capabilities along with the requirement for a 10-hour off-duty interval. After a driver reaches the 14-hour restrict, they need to take 10 consecutive hours off responsibility earlier than starting one other work shift. This necessary relaxation interval goals to fight driver fatigue and guarantee satisfactory relaxation earlier than resuming work. The restart provision successfully resets the 14-hour clock, permitting drivers to begin a brand new workday absolutely rested.
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Affect on Scheduling and Logistics
The 14-hour work window considerably influences scheduling and logistics inside the trucking business. Dispatchers and logistics managers should fastidiously plan routes and supply schedules to accommodate this limitation. Delays, visitors congestion, or sudden occasions can devour precious time inside the 14-hour window, probably affecting supply occasions or requiring changes to routes. Environment friendly time administration inside this window is essential for operational success and adherence to rules.
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Interplay with Relaxation Breaks
Inside the 14-hour work window, necessary relaxation breaks additional regulate driving time. Drivers should take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. This requirement ensures drivers have a chance to relaxation and regain alertness, contributing to safer driving situations. These breaks usually are not a part of the 10-hour off-duty interval and fall inside the 14-hour window.
In abstract, the 14-hour work window just isn’t merely a numerical constraint however a fastidiously designed ingredient of driver security rules. It interacts with different HOS guidelines, such because the 11-hour driving restrict and necessary relaxation breaks, to type a complete framework geared toward lowering driver fatigue and selling freeway security. Understanding its nuances is important for drivers, trucking firms, and all stakeholders inside the transportation business to make sure each operational effectivity and regulatory compliance.
4. 10 consecutive hours off-duty
The requirement for 10 consecutive hours off-duty is integral to understanding the constraints on a truck driver’s day by day driving time. This necessary relaxation interval serves as a cornerstone of the Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules, designed to fight driver fatigue and improve street security. It instantly impacts the variety of hours a driver can legally function a industrial motorized vehicle (CMV) inside a 24-hour interval and performs a essential position in structuring a driver’s workday.
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Resetting the 14-Hour Work Window
The ten-hour off-duty interval serves as a reset for the 14-hour work window. Solely after finishing 10 consecutive hours off-duty can a driver start a brand new 14-hour work interval. This provision ensures drivers are adequately rested earlier than enterprise one other shift, lowering the chance of fatigue-related accidents. As an example, a driver finishing a 14-hour shift at 9:00 PM should stay off-duty till at the least 7:00 AM the subsequent day earlier than resuming work-related actions.
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Affect on Day by day Driving Limits
The ten-hour off-duty requirement instantly influences a driver’s day by day driving restrict. For the reason that 11-hour driving restrict is contained inside the 14-hour work window, the 10-hour off-duty interval successfully determines when a driver can legally start driving once more. This interdependence highlights the structured strategy to managing driver fatigue and maximizing permissible driving time inside regulatory constraints. A driver can’t shorten the off-duty interval to achieve further driving time.
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Distinction from Relaxation Breaks
The ten-hour off-duty interval differs considerably from the 30-minute relaxation breaks required inside the 14-hour work window. The remainder breaks purpose to supply brief intervals of relaxation and rejuvenation throughout a driving shift, whereas the 10-hour off-duty interval ensures a considerable block of uninterrupted relaxation for restorative sleep. These distinct relaxation necessities complement one another in mitigating the cumulative results of driver fatigue.
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Implications for Journey Planning and Logistics
The ten-hour off-duty requirement has important implications for journey planning and logistics inside the trucking business. Dispatchers and drivers should fastidiously take into account this necessary relaxation interval when scheduling routes and supply occasions. Sudden delays or disruptions can have an effect on the timing of the 10-hour off-duty interval, probably impacting subsequent deliveries or requiring changes to routes. Efficient planning is essential to adjust to this requirement whereas sustaining operational effectivity.
In conclusion, the ten consecutive hours off-duty requirement is a vital ingredient within the framework of rules governing a truck drivers day by day driving time. It’s inextricably linked to different HOS guidelines, together with the 14-hour work window and the 11-hour driving restrict, working in live performance to prioritize driver relaxation and mitigate the dangers related to driver fatigue. Understanding this regulation is prime for all stakeholders within the trucking business, making certain authorized compliance, selling driver well-being, and enhancing general street security.
5. Relaxation Breaks
Relaxation breaks play a vital position in figuring out how lengthy a truck driver can function a industrial motorized vehicle (CMV) day by day. These breaks, mandated by the Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules, are designed to mitigate the detrimental results of driver fatigue, a recognized contributor to accidents. They’re important elements inside the broader framework of day by day driving limits, working in live performance with different HOS guidelines such because the 14-hour work window and the 11-hour driving restrict. A transparent understanding of relaxation break necessities is important for selling driver security and making certain regulatory compliance inside the trucking business.
Present rules stipulate a compulsory 30-minute relaxation break after 8 cumulative hours of driving time. This break should be taken off-duty, which means the motive force can’t interact in any work-related actions throughout this era. This stipulation ensures drivers have satisfactory time to relaxation and recuperate, counteracting the bodily and psychological pressure of extended driving. As an example, a driver beginning their shift at 7:00 AM and driving constantly should take a 30-minute break no later than 3:00 PM. Failure to adjust to this requirement can lead to penalties and negatively affect security information. Importantly, these relaxation breaks don’t prolong the 14-hour work window. The 30-minute break is taken into account a part of the general 14-hour interval.
The strategic implementation of relaxation breaks enhances driver alertness and contributes to safer roadways. By incorporating these breaks into day by day schedules, trucking firms exhibit a dedication to driver well-being and regulatory compliance. This proactive strategy not solely minimizes the chance of fatigue-related accidents but additionally fosters a optimistic security tradition inside the group. Moreover, adherence to relaxation break rules strengthens the business’s general security file, contributing to public belief and demonstrating a accountable strategy to industrial transportation. Efficient utilization of relaxation breaks improves each driver well being and operational effectivity, reinforcing the significance of those rules inside the broader context of day by day driving limits for truck drivers.
6. Weekly Limits
Weekly driving limits are a vital extension of day by day driving rules, additional refining the reply to “how lengthy can a truck driver drive in at some point.” Whereas day by day limits give attention to managing fatigue inside a single workday, weekly limits broaden the scope to think about the cumulative results of driving over a number of days. These limits forestall extreme driving over prolonged intervals, making certain drivers obtain satisfactory relaxation and restoration all through a given week, thereby enhancing long-term security and well-being.
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60/70-Hour Rule
The 60/70-hour rule units the utmost variety of hours a driver can work inside a 7 or 8-day interval, respectively. A driver working underneath the 7-day rule can’t exceed 60 hours on responsibility, whereas a driver working underneath the 8-day rule can’t exceed 70 hours. This limitation prevents drivers from accumulating extreme hours over consecutive days, selling satisfactory relaxation and restoration. For instance, even when a driver drives the utmost 11 hours every day, they’d attain the 70-hour restrict in simply over six days. This rule reinforces the significance of managing fatigue not simply day by day, however weekly.
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34-Hour Restart
The 34-hour restart provision permits drivers to reset their weekly gathered hours. After reaching the 60 or 70-hour restrict, a driver can take a minimal 34-hour off-duty interval, which should embrace two intervals between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM. This prolonged relaxation interval goals to disrupt the cumulative fatigue cycle, permitting for a extra full restoration earlier than resuming driving duties. This restart is essential for drivers working lengthy routes or working a number of consecutive days, making certain they continue to be inside regulatory compliance and preserve optimum alertness.
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Affect on Day by day Driving Choices
Weekly limits instantly affect day by day driving choices. Drivers should strategically handle their hours all through the week to stay compliant with each day by day and weekly limits. Approaching the weekly restrict may necessitate changes to day by day driving schedules, requiring shorter shifts or longer relaxation intervals. This interaction between day by day and weekly limits underscores the holistic strategy to managing driver fatigue. A driver planning an extended journey should take into account not solely the day by day 11-hour restrict but additionally how every day’s driving will contribute to their weekly whole.
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Balancing Effectivity and Security
Weekly limits signify a steadiness between operational effectivity and driver security. Whereas these rules may limit the whole potential driving time, they prioritize the long-term well-being of drivers and contribute to safer roadways. Trucking firms should optimize scheduling and routing methods to maximise productiveness inside these limitations, balancing enterprise wants with the essential significance of driver security and regulatory compliance. This cautious planning ensures environment friendly operations whereas adhering to the mandatory safeguards in opposition to driver fatigue.
In abstract, weekly limits usually are not merely an administrative element however a essential part of driver security rules. They’re intrinsically linked to day by day driving limits, working collectively to comprehensively handle the difficulty of driver fatigue. Understanding these rules is crucial for all stakeholders within the trucking industrydrivers, dispatchers, and managementto guarantee authorized compliance, promote driver well-being, and improve general street security. They supply a framework for sustainable and accountable trucking operations, balancing the calls for of the business with the crucial of driver well being and public security.
7. Digital Logging Gadgets (ELDs)
Digital Logging Gadgets (ELDs) are instantly associated to the permissible driving time for industrial truck drivers. These units electronically file driving hours, changing conventional paper logs, and play a essential position in imposing the Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules. ELDs present an goal and tamper-resistant file of driver exercise, making certain compliance with driving limits and selling street security by lowering cases of driver fatigue.
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Automated Recording of Driving Time
ELDs robotically file a driver’s driving time, eliminating the potential for errors or manipulation related to paper logs. This automated recording offers correct and readily accessible information for monitoring compliance with day by day and weekly driving limits. By exactly monitoring on-duty and off-duty time, ELDs assist drivers keep inside authorized limits and keep away from violations. This automation simplifies record-keeping and strengthens adherence to HOS rules.
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Actual-Time Monitoring and Alerts
ELDs supply real-time monitoring of driver hours, offering each drivers and carriers with up-to-the-minute info on remaining driving time. Many ELD methods incorporate alerts that notify drivers when they’re approaching their HOS limits, permitting for proactive changes to driving schedules and stopping violations. These alerts act as a safeguard in opposition to unintentional HOS breaches, additional enhancing security and compliance.
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Simplified Compliance and Enforcement
ELDs simplify HOS compliance and enforcement. The available digital information facilitate roadside inspections, permitting legislation enforcement officers to rapidly confirm a driver’s compliance standing. This streamlined course of reduces administrative burden and enhances the effectiveness of HOS enforcement. The digital information additionally present precious information for security audits and evaluation, serving to establish potential areas for enchancment inside fleet operations.
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Affect on Driver Conduct and Scheduling
The implementation of ELDs has considerably impacted driver conduct and scheduling practices. The exact monitoring of driving hours encourages better adherence to HOS rules, lowering cases of driving past permissible limits. ELDs affect scheduling practices, selling higher planning and extra environment friendly use of driver time. The information generated by ELDs can be utilized to optimize routes, reduce delays, and enhance general fleet efficiency inside the confines of HOS rules.
In conclusion, ELDs have turn out to be an integral part in managing and monitoring driver hours inside the trucking business. Their capability to precisely observe driving time, present real-time alerts, and simplify compliance has considerably strengthened the enforcement of HOS rules. ELDs contribute on to enhancing street security by selling adherence to day by day and weekly driving limits, in the end taking part in a vital position in answering the query, “how lengthy can a truck driver drive in at some point?” By fostering a tradition of compliance and offering precious information for operational enhancements, ELDs are important instruments for a safer and extra environment friendly trucking business.
8. Security Laws
Security rules, notably the Hours-of-Service (HOS) guidelines, are inextricably linked to the allowable driving time for truck drivers. These rules set up the framework for figuring out how lengthy a driver can function a industrial motorized vehicle (CMV) inside a given interval. The first purpose is to mitigate the dangers related to driver fatigue, a big consider trucking accidents. By limiting driving hours, mandating relaxation breaks, and imposing off-duty intervals, security rules instantly affect a driver’s permissible time behind the wheel. This connection is prime to understanding the steadiness between environment friendly freight transportation and the crucial of freeway security.
The HOS rules signify a complete strategy to managing driver fatigue. The 11-hour driving restrict, 14-hour work window, and 10-hour off-duty requirement are interconnected elements designed to forestall overwork and guarantee satisfactory relaxation. For instance, a driver concerned in a fatigue-related accident after exceeding the 11-hour driving restrict highlights the real-world penalties of non-compliance. Such incidents underscore the essential significance of adhering to security rules, not merely as authorized obligations however as important safeguards in opposition to preventable accidents. The sensible significance of this understanding lies in its potential to save lots of lives and scale back the financial and social prices related to trucking accidents.
In conclusion, security rules usually are not merely constraints on driving time however important elements of a complete security technique. They set up a framework for accountable and sustainable trucking operations, balancing the calls for of the business with the paramount significance of driver well-being and public security. Understanding the connection between these rules and permissible driving time is essential for all stakeholders inside the trucking industrydrivers, carriers, and policymakersto guarantee a safer and extra environment friendly transportation system. Adherence to those rules demonstrates a dedication to security, contributing to a extra accountable and sustainable future for the trucking business.
Steadily Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to day by day driving limits for industrial truck drivers.
Query 1: What are the first components figuring out a truck driver’s authorized driving time?
Federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules dictate driving time, encompassing day by day and weekly limits, necessary relaxation breaks, and off-duty intervals. These rules work together to find out the utmost permissible driving time.
Query 2: How does the 14-hour work window have an effect on a truck driver’s day?
The 14-hour work window encompasses all on-duty time, together with driving, loading, unloading, and inspections. Drivers can’t carry out any work-related actions after the 14-hour restrict is reached, even when they have not pushed the total 11 hours.
Query 3: Can drivers exceed the 11-hour driving restrict in distinctive circumstances?
Restricted exceptions, reminiscent of hostile driving situations, might enable for slight extensions of the 11-hour driving restrict. Nonetheless, these exceptions are strictly regulated and require particular documentation.
Query 4: How do Digital Logging Gadgets (ELDs) issue into day by day driving limits?
ELDs robotically file driving time, making certain compliance with HOS rules. These units eradicate handbook record-keeping and supply correct information for monitoring driver hours, imposing compliance, and enhancing security.
Query 5: What are the penalties for exceeding HOS rules?
Violating HOS rules can lead to important penalties for each drivers and carriers, together with fines, out-of-service orders, and adverse impacts on security rankings. Constant violations can result in extra extreme penalties.
Query 6: How can drivers and carriers guarantee constant compliance with these rules?
Complete driver coaching on HOS guidelines, utilization of ELDs, cautious journey planning, and proactive communication between drivers and dispatchers are essential for sustaining constant compliance and selling a safety-conscious tradition.
Understanding and adhering to those rules is essential for sustaining a protected and environment friendly trucking business. Driver well-being and public security stay paramount.
The following part delves deeper into particular situations and examples associated to calculating and managing driving time underneath these rules.
Ideas for Managing Driving Hours
Successfully managing driving hours inside the confines of Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules is essential for each security and operational effectivity within the trucking business. The following tips present sensible steering for drivers and carriers to maximise productiveness whereas prioritizing compliance and driver well-being.
Tip 1: Plan Routes Strategically
Cautious route planning is crucial for maximizing driving time inside authorized limits. Take into account components reminiscent of distance, visitors patterns, and potential delays when designing routes. Using route optimization software program will help establish essentially the most environment friendly routes whereas accounting for HOS limitations.
Tip 2: Make the most of Break Time Successfully
Obligatory relaxation breaks must be used strategically. Plan breaks at places with facilities reminiscent of relaxation areas, truck stops, or eating places. Use this time for meals, stretching, or different restorative actions to maximise alertness throughout driving intervals.
Tip 3: Monitor Driving Hours Persistently
Commonly monitor remaining driving time utilizing ELDs or different monitoring strategies. Keep knowledgeable about approaching HOS limits to keep away from violations and plan for required off-duty intervals proactively. This constant monitoring helps forestall sudden disruptions to schedules.
Tip 4: Talk Successfully with Dispatch
Preserve open communication with dispatchers relating to potential delays, visitors situations, or different unexpected circumstances that will affect driving schedules. Proactive communication allows well timed changes to plans and helps keep away from HOS violations brought on by sudden occasions.
Tip 5: Prioritize Relaxation and Restoration
Ample relaxation is essential for driver security and efficiency. Make the most of off-duty intervals for high quality sleep and rest. Keep away from actions that would intervene with restorative relaxation, and prioritize wholesome sleep habits to mitigate the consequences of fatigue.
Tip 6: Perceive HOS Exceptions
Familiarize oneself with the precise circumstances underneath which HOS exceptions might apply, reminiscent of hostile driving situations. Perceive the documentation necessities for using these exceptions and guarantee correct procedures are adopted to keep up compliance.
Tip 7: Leverage Expertise
Make the most of accessible applied sciences, reminiscent of ELDs with built-in navigation and HOS administration options, to streamline compliance efforts and optimize driving schedules. These instruments can present precious insights into driver conduct and assist enhance general operational effectivity.
By implementing these methods, drivers and carriers can successfully handle driving hours, making certain compliance with HOS rules, selling driver well-being, and enhancing general security inside the trucking business. These practices contribute to a extra accountable and sustainable strategy to industrial transportation.
The next conclusion summarizes the important thing takeaways relating to day by day driving limits for truck drivers and their implications for the trucking business.
Conclusion
Laws governing how lengthy a truck driver can drive in at some point are important for sustaining a steadiness between environment friendly freight transportation and freeway security. This text has explored the important thing components influencing these limits, together with the Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules, the 11-hour driving restrict, the 14-hour work window, necessary relaxation breaks, the 10-hour off-duty interval, weekly driving limits, the position of Digital Logging Gadgets (ELDs), and the broader context of security rules. These interconnected components type a complete framework designed to mitigate the dangers related to driver fatigue, a acknowledged contributor to accidents. Understanding these rules just isn’t merely a matter of authorized compliance however a basic side of accountable operations inside the trucking business.
The trucking business performs an important position in trendy economies. Adherence to driving time rules ensures the security and well-being of truck drivers, a essential workforce, whereas additionally defending the general public sharing the roadways. Continued give attention to compliance, technological developments in fatigue administration, and ongoing analysis into driver well-being will additional improve security and contribute to a extra sustainable and accountable future for the trucking business. Prioritizing driver security isn’t just a regulatory obligation however a shared accountability amongst all stakeholders to make sure the protected and environment friendly motion of products throughout our highways.
