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Glossary

Hours of Service (HOS)

Hours of Service are federal regulations that limit how many hours a commercial truck driver can drive and work before mandatory rest periods.

What Is Hours of Service (HOS)?

Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are federal rules enforced by the FMCSA that limit driving and working time. The primary rules include the 11-Hour Driving Limit (maximum 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty), the 14-Hour Window (cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty), the 30-Minute Break (required after 8 cumulative hours of driving), and the 60/70-Hour Limit (cannot drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days).

The 34-Hour Restart provision allows you to reset your 60/70-hour clock by taking 34 consecutive hours off duty. This is typically used over a weekend. Understanding how to plan drives around the restart is essential for maximizing weekly revenue miles.

HOS compliance is tracked through Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), which are mandatory for most commercial vehicles. Violations can result in fines of $1,000-$16,000 per offense and out-of-service orders. Repeat violations affect your CSA score and can trigger an FMCSA audit. Limited exceptions include the short-haul exemption for drivers operating within a 150 air-mile radius.

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Why It Matters

HOS violations are expensive — fines start at $1,000 and can reach $16,000 for severe violations. Out-of-service orders stop you from driving immediately, costing loads and revenue. Smart HOS management maximizes your legal driving time and keeps you earning safely.

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Real-World Example

Kevin starts his day at 6:00 AM and drives until 5:00 PM — 11 hours, the maximum allowed. His FF Dispatch dispatcher planned loads knowing he needs to be at the receiver by 4:30 PM, giving a 30-minute buffer. Kevin delivers, submits his POD, and takes his 10-hour rest. If the dispatcher had booked a load requiring 12 hours of driving, Kevin would have had to stop short and miss his appointment.
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How FF Dispatch Handles This

FF Dispatch plans every load around your available HOS hours. We factor in drive time, pickup/delivery windows, fuel stops, and required breaks. We never push you to violate HOS — your safety and compliance are non-negotiable.

Related Terms

ELD (Electronic Logging Device)

An ELD is a federally mandated device that automatically records a driver's driving time and Hours of Service status by connecting to the truck's engine.

CSA Score

A CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score is a safety rating system used by the FMCSA to evaluate and rank motor carriers and drivers based on inspection and crash data.

FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the US government agency that regulates the trucking industry, issues operating authority, and enforces safety standards.

Detention

Detention pay is additional compensation paid to a carrier when loading or unloading takes longer than the agreed-upon free time, typically after a 2-hour window.

Deadhead Miles

Deadhead miles are the miles a truck drives empty without any freight, generating zero revenue while still costing fuel and wear.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I run out of hours mid-load?+
You must stop driving immediately. Pull over safely and notify your dispatcher. We will communicate with the broker and receiver about the delay.
Can I split my 10-hour rest break?+
Yes. The split-sleeper provision allows you to split rest into at least 7 hours in the sleeper berth and at least 2 hours off-duty or in the sleeper. Neither period counts against your 14-hour window.
Do detention hours count against my HOS?+
If you are on-duty waiting, it counts against your 14-hour window but not your 11-hour driving limit. Going off-duty or sleeper berth while waiting preserves both limits.

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