The debate about driver training and hours-of-service rules raises a practical question for trucking businesses: what should you change in your operation today? An industry opinion or news headline does not itself change your compliance obligations. Check the applicable FMCSA rule and any specific exception before changing a driver’s schedule.
Update, September 22, 2026: This article originally linked to an industry-opinion report on September 7. We have replaced the incomplete excerpt with the practical guidance below. The original publication date and URL are retained.
What the current federal HOS summary says
For property-carrying drivers subject to the general federal rules, FMCSA’s hours-of-service summary describes:
- Up to 11 hours of driving after a qualifying 10-hour off-duty period.
- A 14-hour driving window after coming on duty; ordinary off-duty breaks do not automatically extend it.
- A qualifying 30-minute interruption after eight cumulative driving hours without one.
- Applicable 60-hour/seven-day or 70-hour/eight-day on-duty limits.
Exceptions and sleeper-berth arrangements have specific conditions. Passenger-carrier rules differ. Use the official summary and the FMCSA interstate truck driver’s guide to work through your operation’s circumstances.
A headline about old rules does not mean today’s rules are unchanged
FMCSA revised four HOS provisions in 2020, including short-haul, adverse-driving, rest-break and sleeper-berth provisions. Its HOS resource page also describes pilot programs. Participation rules and pilot exceptions should not be assumed to apply to every driver.
Three useful questions for your operation
- Which rule applies? Record whether the trip and driver fall under the general property-carrier rules or a documented exception.
- Is the plan realistic? Review dispatch, loading delays and available driving time before promising delivery times.
- Who checks changes? Make sure the person responsible for compliance verifies the official source, effective date and conditions before revising a procedure.
Preparing an insurance renewal
Keep accurate operating details and be ready to discuss relevant changes when requesting a quote. Ask your agent what information the insurer needs; this article does not establish a particular premium change or coverage outcome. Read our DOT violations and insurance-renewal guide, or request a conversation with Class.
Background: the original industry-opinion report linked by this article. Use the FMCSA references above for the regulatory guidance.
Original video
The video originally accompanied this article. The updated written guidance and official references appear above.
Published by Class Insurance Agency, an affiliated office of AIC Insurance. General information only; coverage depends on the actual policy and underwriting. For a question or correction, contact our team.