Owner Operators - Ask Safety

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As a driver, how do I ensure continued employment?

There are no set criteria for guaranteeing continued employment. However, there are actions that you may take to enhance your prospects of continued employment.  

When applying for a job, always fill out every line on applications in your own handwriting...if it does not apply, enter N/A. Do not skip any line and always ask questions if needed.  Be prepared to answer any background questions thoroughly.  Never stretch the truth, because it will come back to haunt you. 

If hired, do your job.  Always complete and fill out any company paperwork.  This includes physically inspecting your rig and documenting the inspection on the DVIR form.  One should document the inspection time on the logs as pre, post, or roadside inspections, as appropriate.  Be conscience about your logging, having matching times on receipts, and do not compress time or mileage.

Ensure that you follow your company procedures on paperwork.  Most companies do not pay you unless the paperwork is "in" the office.  Do your best to follow all safety procedures and communication with the dispatcher and work with them to keep you rolling. 

Additionally, become an integral part of your company culture.  Become the leader and set the example for others to follow.  Professional drivers maintain safe following distances in traffic, always know the condition of their truck and load and maintain a professional appearance for themselves and their employer.  The key is not being told what to do when, but to do the job right because is needs done correctly the first time.

Driving career.

Drivers have the responsibility of safely delivering their loads on-time and intact.  How that is done varies with each individual, load, and company.  Drivers cannot delegate responsibilities to someone else, so protect your personal reputation by doing what you say you can legally do.  You are the only one who will actively participate on your behalf.

Good luck with your professional

I am confused.  My company requires me to use to 11/14 rules; I hear that the old 10/15 HOS rules are still in effect, why? 

What you hear is correct.  When the HOS changed, the 10/15 rule still applied to bus operators.  They may be on-duty a maximum of 15 hours with 10 hours maximum driving.  They may also remain on duty and work without violation, as long as the driver takes a mandatory 8-hour break before returning to drive.

Trucking entities must use the 11/14 rules.  That means you may remain on-duty a maximum of 14 hours with 11 hours maximum driving.  The 34-hour reset is still in effect. One you have continuous 34-hours consecutive off duty, the hour's available reset to a full 70 hours.

Both the 10/15 and 11/14 rules remain the same in the aspect that once you reach the 60/70 hour rules, both are not allowed to drive until the HOS are satisfied.