Stepping up and being heard: There’s a $5 fine for whining

As I travel the highways and byways of our amazing and beautiful country, I keep myself entertained and alert listening to trucking news and issues — drivers who call in to the talk radio stations, primarily, asking questions and expressing opinions. It helps me keep abreast of the differences among us, and the passions that fuel them. I too have been in the industry long enough to know the running-joke expression comic book. I have seen the changes over the last 25 years.

The FMCSA asked for comments to be submitted toward potentially revising the hours of service rules. I’ll be the umpteenth person to ask, Have you done it? Make your voice heard in a respectful, logical manner, and when it comes to the HOS rules, there are many who feel change must be made, of course. Still, how do we make an argument without having that argument dismissed due to the passion of the issue? First, we must logically look at the issue and remove passion from it. What is safe and what will work for everyone involved?

Finding balance is not an easy task, I know. What works for many may not work for all, simply because there are so many different segments within the industry. However, that is the task the FMCSA must tackle, and if we wish our comments to be heard, then we must attempt to do the same. Shouting, screaming and cursing do nothing more than express your limited vocabulary and nullify your arguments.

All that being said, here’s a link to the regulations.gov portal to express your ideas and comments concerning the hours of service rules. I know many drivers who are thoughtful, giving, and highly intelligent – a reality all of us can strive for and achieve, yet one that can be destroyed in a heartbeat with misguided passion and disrespectful commentary. As the old saying goes, you catch more flies with honey.

Below are my comments to the FMCSA on the hours subject, the comment period now open with the latest extension through October 10. These ideas may not be what everyone wants or likes, but they are hopefully thought-provoking. There are no rewards for whining and crying, only a $5 fine, as the old song goes.

First, I think allowing drivers to work more than 14 hours a day is pushing safety limits. However, that said, I think your best options are:

Drivers can only work 14 hours in a 24-hour period, which means if a driver starts their day a 5 a.m. they have until 5 a.m. the following day to complete the 14 hours and cannot get another 14 hours until they take a total 10-hour break, with a minimum of 8 hours in the sleeper.