Q&A

Jordan
violating HOS as an O/O?

What are the consequences of violating HOS regulations as an O/O?

3
Comments
Josef
Josef
03.16.2024
That’s playig with fire
Grayson
Grayson
11.30.2023
Bending those HOS rules ain’t worth the risk
Eddie
Eddie
08.27.2023
Rolling past your HOS is like skipping a weigh station – might save time, but the fines will catch up
Eva Johnson / Customer Support
Eva Johnson / Customer Support
04.19.2023

HOS rules are the service hours, that is, the maximum amount of time a driver can spend driving a commercial vehicle. This time naturally includes both rest time and hours for driving itself. All HOS rules are detailed in 49 CFR 395.

Violation of HOS rules as an O/O is something that many commercial vehicle drivers abuse. It seems to them that such violations do not entail anything dangerous, but this is not the case. As a serious preventive measure, large fines, deprivation of a license, as well as a reduction in the reduction of the CSA score can act. Not to mention that by violating the HOS rules, you are simply putting yourself and other road users in danger.

Penalties for violations of the HOS rules can be:

  • Suspension from the possibility of driving a truck for a certain period;
  • Fines of various sizes from state or local authorities;
  • Fines of various sizes for the transport company where the truck driver works. The size can reach from 1000 to 11000 dollars;
  • Reduction of the driver's personal safety rating in the public database;
  • Criminal penalties for serious or repeated violations;

Thus, none of the drivers should violate the HAS rules, as this can lead to many serious consequences. The minimum is fine, the maximum is the creation of an emergency situation on the road or imprisonment.

Aidan
Aidan
04.09.2023
That’s like violating the law of gravity as a bird. You can try, but you’ll end up crashing hard.
Magnus
Magnus
03.22.2023
bad idea, man. You’re risking your safety, your license, and your business. You could face fines, audits, out-of-service orders, or worse.
Milo
Milo
03.03.2023
The consequences of violating HOS regulations as an O/O are not worth it. You could face hefty fines, points on your CSA score, loss of business opportunities, and increased risk of accidents. You could also lose your license or face legal action if you cause harm to yourself or others.
Benito
Benito
02.28.2023
You might get away with a warning or a small fine if you only go over your hours by a few minutes or if it’s your first offense. But if you repeatedly or grossly violate the HOS rules, you could face serious fines, points on your CSA score, loss of customers, and suspension or revocation of your license. You should try to avoid violating the HOS rules and use an ELD to monitor your hours closely.
Jordan
Jordan
02.17.2023
How long can they go back on the audits
Iqra
Iqra
02.17.2023
DOT can dig a month.
Iqra
Iqra
02.16.2023
If they bust you it's a small fine up to $1500 per. Hope they don't do a full audit
Krueger
Krueger
02.14.2023
+ Nothing, until you get caught.
Barney
Barney
02.14.2023
Same as when not an O/O. Ticket and put out of service.
Lepe
Lepe
02.11.2023
Some brokers might not want to work with you after.
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Orpik Inc Truck Driver Leads generation Commercial
Marta
Worst Interstates For Truckers

Currently, what road do you hate the most?
I was horrified by I76 in southern PA.
Thanks

6
Comments
Leon
Leon
05.24.2024
That interstate is notorious for its difficult driving conditions
Tamsin
Tamsin
10.14.2023
You’re right about I76. It’s full of potholes and can be quite challenging to navigate
Orlando
Orlando
07.12.2023
That road is rough
Mike
Mike
04.06.2023
That’s easy. It’s the one you’re on right now. It doesn’t matter where you are or where you’re going. It’s always the worst. Trust me, I’ve been there.
Aidan
Aidan
03.18.2023
I agree, the roads are rough and narrow, and the exits are confusing. It’s a nightmare to drive through, especially during rush hour or bad weather.
Eddie
Eddie
03.06.2023
I hate I95 in New Jersey. It’s always congested, full of tolls, and full of aggressive drivers.
Grayson
Grayson
02.27.2023
I40 in Arkansas. It’s always under construction, full of potholes, and full of cops.
Mck
Mck
02.17.2023
+ If it's for rough rides, potholes and bridge-to-pavement transitions, then Indiana. Pick one.
Fleur
Fleur
02.15.2023
Anything In South Carolina. I-95 drops to a rough 2-lane. I-26 mountain pass is fun but annoying with switchback turns the entire way.
Max
Max
02.14.2023
I agree 100% I can not believe Indiana can't figure out how to join a bridge and road.
Justin
Justin
02.14.2023
I-40 through NM and AZ. Worst wind I’ve ever experienced. But for everyday, bread and butter driving, I-76 and I-95 through Philly. The road surface is horrible and the traffic is usually very heavy.
Roman
Roman
02.12.2023
I-40 from Memphis westward.
Rory
Rory
02.11.2023
I-78 Pennsylvania from Allentown and eastward! The lanes are narrow, there is always construction, nobody obeys the truck lane restriction in construction zones
Leroy
Leroy
02.11.2023
24 around Nashville is more like an artillery testing range than an actual road.
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Orpik Group marketing company for your business Commercial
Fleur
Whats up with rates?

Over the last couple of weeks, I've seen a dramatic drop in truckload rates... Im bleeding chips out here... anyone know what's going on?

3
Comments
Daniels
Daniels
06.07.2024
It’s a rollercoaster, alright
Mari
Mari
01.25.2024
Been hearing chatter about rates taking a dive. Seems like the market’s tighter than a lug nut right now
Grayson
Grayson
12.17.2023
Rates are as unpredictable as a summer storm
Denzel
Denzel
04.03.2023
Rates are dropping because of aliens. They’re abducting trucks and stealing freight. They’re also manipulating the market and driving down the rates. It’s a conspiracy out there. You better wear a tin foil hat and watch the skies 👽👾🛸
Josef
Josef
03.22.2023
The economy is slowing down and people are buying less stuff. Imports are also slowing down and there’s less freight to haul.
Barney
Barney
03.07.2023
The pandemic caused a huge surge in consumer spending and e-commerce, which boosted freight volumes and rates.
Aidan
Aidan
02.28.2023
Rates are dropping because demand is slowing down and capacity is increasing.
Magnus
Magnus
02.26.2023
The truckload market goes through inflationary and deflationary phases every few years, depending on supply and demand conditions. We’re currently in a deflationary phase, which means rates are falling from their record highs last year.
Epic
Epic
02.16.2023
It’s been this way since last spring/summer.
GGG
GGG
02.15.2023
What equipment? Flatbed, dry van, reefer? Each has their own market cycles and peak/off seasons
Moon
Moon
02.15.2023
It's called a recession.
Roman
Roman
02.14.2023
no one wants to spend money, seen today new applications for home development is down 88% from last year.
Mike
Mike
02.10.2023
Economy go boom! And not in a good way.
Rony
Rony
02.09.2023
Less loads for more trucks means less pay.
Thomas D.
Thomas D.
02.05.2023
+ People are broke. They can barely afford groceries and gas.
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Warehouse Service Commercial
Magnus
Trucker Shortage.

How is everyone saying there is a shortage right now, but 3 separate companies I've talked to are all in hiring freezes.

7
Comments
Haroon
Haroon
04.05.2024
New drivers can’t get a foot in the door without a couple years under the belt
Fred
Fred
12.11.2023
The way I see it, it’s a mix-up between needing more wheels on the road and keeping the costs down.
Elias
Elias
11.30.2023
They want seasoned pros, not greenhorns
Seamus
Seamus
02.28.2023
There is a shortage of qualified and experienced drivers, not just any drivers. Some companies are in hiring freezes because they can’t find enough drivers who meet their standards and requirements. They don’t want to hire rookies or drivers with bad records or low ratings. They also don’t want to pay more or offer better benefits to attract or retain drivers.
Xander
Xander
02.14.2023
Not sure if it's still this way, but years ago Florida was a no-hire zone for a lot of companies.
Aidan
Aidan
02.13.2023
+ There's not a driver shortage. The companies that have a shortage are the megas
Roman
Roman
02.13.2023
The shortage you hear about it actually the advertising campaign
Rory
Rory
02.11.2023
There's a shortage of cheap labor. Saturate the market and keep labor cost low.
Hello
Hello
02.07.2023
Anyone who says there is a driver shortage has ulterior motives.
Grayson
Grayson
02.02.2023
They been saying that since I started in 2008.
Krueger
Krueger
02.02.2023
Driver shortage is a myth! However there's a shortage of companies willing to pay
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MAKE THE DREAM OF BECOMING AN OWNER/OPERATOR A REALITY Commercial
Rory
Nashville and the most chaotic traffic

I went local about a year ago, but I’ve always wondered if it was just my perception/stress or if Nashville really did always have the most insane drivers in traffic. That’s it, that’s the question.

6
Comments
Eddie
Eddie
05.20.2024
You ain’t just seeing things
Leon
Leon
02.17.2024
I tell ya, driving through Nashville is like navigating a dance floor 🤣
Fred
Fred
09.13.2023
Gotta keep your head on a swivel in that mess
Josef
Josef
03.10.2023
Disagree with you. Nashville is not that bad compared to some other places I’ve driven through. Sure, there are some crazy drivers in traffic, but there are also some good ones who follow the rules and respect other drivers. It’s all about being alert and defensive. I don’t mind driving through Nashville and I enjoy the scenery and the music.
GGG
GGG
02.27.2023
Nashville has some of the most insane drivers in traffic I’ve ever seen. They are always speeding, weaving, cutting off, tailgating and honking. It’s like they have no regard for safety or courtesy. I hate driving through Nashville and I avoid it whenever I can.
Mike
Mike
02.11.2023
It is rough as shit for it size. Its no atlanta or houston but it is bad.
Leroy
Leroy
02.10.2023
Have you been thru Atlanta??
Joe
Joe
02.10.2023
Personally I always find DC and the DMV in general the worst
Mulder
Mulder
02.05.2023
+ There’s a reason they call Nashville: Crashville
Magnus
Magnus
02.05.2023
Crashville baby
RoadMan
RoadMan
02.05.2023
Definitely not as bad as Atlanta or Houston but lived about 80 miles from Nashville for 20+ years and it can be crazy with people
Mck
Mck
02.02.2023
I agree. I was in Nashville for the first time yesterday and I will be intentionally avoiding that city in the future
Thomas D.
Thomas D.
02.01.2023
Fuckin hate crashville
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The Best Freight Broker Commercial
Magnus
Reefer drivers

Do you actually use load locks anymore? I stopped using them after about 4 months. I figured out if I don’t drive like an idiot everything stays in place just fine.

6
Comments
Artur Ishch
Artur Ishch
03.17.2024
It’s like wearing a seatbelt, you don’t need it until you really need it
Strickland
Strickland
07.09.2023
I stick with the load locks too
Josie
Josie
05.02.2023
More like peace of mind. I still use ‘em. Better safe than sorry
Orlando
Orlando
04.01.2023
I always use load locks. They’re a lifesaver. I’ve seen too many accidents and spills caused by loose loads. You don’t want to be that guy who causes a mess or a delay. Load locks are cheap and easy to use.
Daniels
Daniels
03.19.2023
They’re not just for securing the load, they’re also for exercising. You know how hard it is to stay fit on the road. Load locks are like dumbbells. You can lift them, curl them, swing them, etc.
Seamus
Seamus
03.07.2023
I always use load locks when I haul reefer loads. You never know when you might have to make a sudden stop or turn, and you don’t want your load to shift or fall over.
Magnus
Magnus
02.27.2023
Most reefer loads are palletized and shrink-wrapped, so they don’t move much anyway. As long as you drive carefully and check your load periodically, you should be fine without them.
Grayson
Grayson
02.10.2023
I always used them. Now that I do dry van I always put a strap or few on the load no matter the size or shape.
Aidan
Aidan
02.09.2023
+ I always use load bars, unless the load is all the way to the doors and there isn't any room.
Keanu
Keanu
02.09.2023
You will automatically be blamed for tipped over freight by your company for not using them.
Eddie
Eddie
02.04.2023
If your company says to use load locks on all of your loads and you don't and the load gets f***** up when you're backing into the dock if the receiver sees it guess who's responsible for that load?
Barney
Barney
02.04.2023
Just wait until you get the DOT officer that wants to inspect your load securment.
Krueger
Krueger
02.03.2023
And you're just assuming nobody else is going to drive like an idiot. Lazy truckers these days.
Levi
Levi
02.01.2023
Spend the 5 minutes and secure your load.
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Warehouse Service Commercial
Johnathan
Trucking with 2 or 3 people

Is this common in the US? Me and 2 best friends are looking into changing professions to truck driver. 3 people 1 truck! Is this possible ?

7
Comments
Keanu
Keanu
02.11.2024
Sounds like a sitcom waiting to happen 🤣
Artur Ishch
Artur Ishch
10.22.2023
Three amigos in one rig? Sick
HFUER
HFUER
06.13.2023
That’s a full-blown party!
Eva Johnson / Customer Support
Eva Johnson / Customer Support
04.12.2023

The question of whether several people can drive one load is very common. You probably want to buy one truck and start a family or friendly business. But is it possible? Let's figure it out.

Quite often, such a decision is due to the desire to earn more money and distribute the load among several people. This is some variant of team truck driving. The main condition here is that all members of the “team” have a driving license. Under this condition, they can take turns driving a truck or semi-trailer.

There are really more benefits here - more money, the opportunity to travel more, as well as pleasant company on the trip. However, do not forget that the registration device records the time traveled not by each of the drivers but not by each driver individually. So you still have to make stops according to the schedule.

If you are guided by the atmosphere while driving and pleasant conversations, then pay attention to the choice of a driving partner. If it's just your friend or colleague, then think about it many times. Trips can be long, and your driving style and behavior on the road may vary.

Elias
Elias
04.02.2023
The third person has to ride in the trailer. And trust me, you don’t want to ride in the trailer. It’s dark, cold, and noisy 😨
Orlando
Orlando
03.29.2023
Sure, it’s possible. But it’s also a recipe for disaster. Three people in one truck means three times the drama, three times the mess, and three times the smell. You’ll be begging for some alone time after a week.
Josef
Josef
03.04.2023
You need to find a truck that has enough room for everyone, and you need to get along well with your friends. Trucking can be stressful and tiring, so you need to have good communication and patience.
Denzel
Denzel
02.26.2023
Driving with your friends might sound fun, but it can also be frustrating and uncomfortable.
Benito
Benito
02.09.2023
I could never be in the same truck with another stank ass dude let alone 2. Don’t do it
Milo
Milo
02.09.2023
Not enough money to share between the three of you
Marni
Marni
02.08.2023
As a rotation sure. Could help with burn out and not getting sick of the road with 3 people.
Levi
Levi
02.05.2023
I trained with another guy and our trainer. We got hotels every night thankfully.
Krueger
Krueger
02.05.2023
CR England: Boy have I got a deal for you!
Grayson
Grayson
02.03.2023
If you want to end up murdering each other. Go for it
Eddie
Eddie
02.03.2023
I’ve seen 3 people in box trucks before. Usually involves heavy lifting and low pay. Never heard of it for semi-trucks.
Barney
Barney
02.03.2023
It wouldn't be bad as a scheduled rotation. Not as a team.
Aidan
Aidan
02.01.2023
+ No it’s not common and frankly it makes zero sense to have three drivers in one truck.
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NewJob4You Ads Commercial
Osian
Pre trip/ inspection

What is something generally overlooked that you think is very important to check during a pre trip/ inspection?

6
Comments
Clayton
Clayton
01.10.2024
Also, check your lights
Haroon
Haroon
09.25.2023
I always give a good look at the brake lines and hoses
Orlando
Orlando
09.03.2023
Don’t skip checkin’ your fifth wheel
Josef
Josef
04.02.2023
I think the tires are often overlooked. You should always check the tire pressure, tread depth, and condition of the tires. A blowout can be very dangerous and costly. You should also check for any nails, cuts, or bulges in the tires.
Elias
Elias
03.28.2023
I once overlooked the windshield wipers during a pre trip inspection. I thought they were fine, but I was wrong. It started raining hard on the highway and I turned them on. They made a horrible screeching noise and left streaks on the glass. I couldn’t see anything and almost crashed into another truck. I had to pull over and wait for the rain to stop. It was a nightmare. Now I always check the windshield wipers before I hit the road 🤷‍♂️
Denzel
Denzel
03.04.2023
I think one thing that is often overlooked is the fifth wheel and the kingpin. You should always make sure they are properly greased, locked, and secured. You should also check for any cracks, bends, or damage. A loose or broken fifth wheel or kingpin can cause a trailer separation and a serious accident.
Lepe
Lepe
02.28.2023
tires and the wheels. You should always check the tire pressure, tread depth, and wear patterns.
Leroy
Leroy
02.07.2023
Tire pressure on the steers at the minimum, steer blowouts are extremely dangerous to everyone around you.
Xander
Xander
02.07.2023
Take a proper shit.
RoadMan
RoadMan
02.04.2023
When you first pick up a trailer, peep in the bill box, make sure your trailer’s registration is both there and legible
Rony
Rony
02.04.2023
The engine. Most of these lazy ducks never open their hood
Fleur
Fleur
02.04.2023
Ice on top of your trailer; shit sucks when it flies and nails your truck.
Jordan
Jordan
02.03.2023
+ ourself. Are you in good operating condition? Safe to drive? Presentable?
Keanu
Keanu
01.28.2023
Hub oil
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Orpik Inc Truck Driver Leads generation Commercial
Fleur
Best and Worst states to drive in?

Just curious to see why you guys think are some of the easiest states to drive through as opposed to the absolute worst lol

7
Comments
Daniels
Daniels
05.26.2024
Give me those Texas highways any day
Fred
Fred
11.21.2023
Montana. It’s got views that’ll make your heart race faster than your engine
Josef
Josef
04.12.2023
I’d tip my hat to Arizona
Lepe
Lepe
03.04.2023
Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Georgia. I think the worst states to drive through are the ones that have low rates, high fuel prices, hard parking, and strict regulations.
Denzel
Denzel
02.27.2023
I think the best states to drive through are the ones that have good roads, low traffic, friendly people, and scenic views. Some examples are Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and Oregon. I think the worst states to drive through are the ones that have bad roads, high traffic, rude people, and boring views. Some examples are New York, New Jersey, California, Illinois, and Florida.
Grayson
Grayson
02.07.2023
Wyoming. I cringe every time I get a load through there. It's the most dramatic state for sure.
Aidan
Aidan
02.07.2023
Worst is California by far.
Thomas D.
Thomas D.
02.06.2023
Any Midwest states during the winter here it's now February and I'm n Ohio at the moment no snow
Seamus
Seamus
02.05.2023
+ every time I go through OKC It's white knuckle and I feel like I will die.
Krueger
Krueger
02.01.2023
Worst state to drive through: Wyoming (When bad weather hits the fan)
Eddie
Eddie
01.30.2023
If we’re talking conditions of the roads, the worst for me are Indiana, Michigan and Louisiana
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Orpik Group marketing company for your business Commercial
Rory
DOT question

Stuck in traffic behind an accident. They're taking their sweet time clearing the scene. Yard move? Can you go off duty? What would a seasoned driver do? No tickets please.

4
Comments
Duke
Duke
05.22.2024
I’d sit tight and log it as on-duty
Declan
Declan
03.14.2024
A seasoned pro would stay on-duty
Daniels
Daniels
08.09.2023
I’d log it as on-duty, not driving
Fred
Fred
03.06.2023
Go off duty and log it as personal conveyance. As long as you are not advancing the load or going to a shipper or receiver, you can use personal conveyance to move the vehicle for personal reasons
Seamus
Seamus
02.24.2023
I would stay on duty and log it as driving time. Even if I’m not moving, I’m still behind the wheel and in control of the vehicle. I don’t want to risk getting a violation for falsifying my logs or using yard move improperly. I would also contact my dispatcher and let them know about the delay and how it affects my hours of service.
Grayson
Grayson
02.07.2023
Had that happen once on the FL turnpike. 30 mins or so left on my 14, just 1 mile from the service plaza I was going to stop at, and an accident happens between me and the service plaza. Both lanes blocked.
Aidan
Aidan
02.06.2023
+ Adverse Driving Conditions. You can get up to two extra hours. Adverse driving conditions means snow, ice, sleet, fog, or other adverse weather conditions or unusual road or traffic conditions that were not known, or could not reasonably be known, to a driver immediately prior to beginning the duty day or immediately before beginning driving after a qualifying rest break or sleeper berth period, or to a motor carrier immediately prior to dispatching the driver.
Barney
Barney
02.06.2023
You just have to ride it out.
RoadMan
RoadMan
02.05.2023
As a seasoned driver, I usually always went off duty.
Eddie
Eddie
02.04.2023
Off duty...30 min break
Thomas D.
Thomas D.
02.04.2023
Go to off duty, just make sure you put it in neutral first.
More Comments
NewJob4You Ads Commercial
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