Trucking companies have a lot of regulations that they must comply with. One of these that should be taken very seriously involves the federal hours of service regulations. These regulations limit how long truckers can operate their vehicles before they must take a rest break.
Enforcing hours of service regulations can benefit the trucking company in three primary ways. First, it can protect the company from having to pay fines and deal with regulatory compliance issues. Second, it can keep the truckers in good condition to transport loads safely. Third, it can play a role in personal injury claims that may be made against the business if a company rig is involved in a crash.
How can companies boost compliance among truckers?
Having company policies that make it as easy as possible for truckers to comply with the regulations is one of the best ways to boost compliance. While it’s understandable that companies may want to promise the fastest service possible for hauls, that’s not always possible. Truckers should be empowered to drive safely, including being able to stop when they’re fatigued or when the weather isn’t safe.
The use of electronic logs makes it easier for trucking companies to ensure compliance. Many of these logging programs provide real-time information, so companies can keep an eye on how long truckers are driving each shift. If the company is ever sued for a crash, there’s a chance that the logs to show the driver was in compliance with this particular regulation can be beneficial.