If you are making smaller day-trips and not traveling very far, you may be able to skip some of the extra work of keeping work logs. But watch out! The DOT is extremely serious about Hours of Service. If you don’t follow the rules of their Short Haul Exception, you will find yourself with a lot of violations on your record.
The Rule:
A driver is exempt from the requirements of §395.8 and §395.11 if: the driver operates within a 150 air-mile radius of the normal work reporting location, and the driver does not exceed a maximum duty period of 14 hours. Drivers using the short-haul exception in §395.1(e)(1) must report and return to the normal work reporting location within 14 consecutive hours, and stay within a 150 air-mile radius of the work reporting location.
So what does all this mean?
- The two rules listed are for keeping RODs (records of duty status) and submitting them to your carrier. You don’t have to keep logs.
- You still have to keep your workday inside 14 hours and return to your starting hub at the end of the day.
- You can’t driver farther out than 150 miles from the hub.
*Important: carriers have a few extra rules to follow related to keeping a general work/time sheet for you.
The Sum-Up:
Using a Short-Haul Exception is a great way to save yourself cost and time on ELDs and RODs. If you’re sure you can abide by the DOT’s guidelines, then go for it! If you want to make sure you are in compliance on this rule or any of the DOT regulations, or if you want advice and help with any part of your CSA Safety Record, then give us a call! Our CSA experts can help you figure out your record and make improvements to keep you on the road!
(888) 819-4836 | CSA@CDLLEGAL.COM
