Using the different driving exceptions to maximize driving time
Since ELD (Electronic Logging Device) regulations came into effect in the US and Canada, tracking drivers’ hours of service has become easier. These regulations aim to improve road safety by requiring drivers to log their hours electronically, replacing paper logs. While this enhances transparency in the logging of service hours, it also requires a good understanding of the rules to help drivers manage their driving hours efficiently.
Certain exceptions offer flexibility and help drivers keep their allotted driving hours for when they’re truly on duty. Here are the Personal Conveyance and Yard Move exceptions explained.
What is personal conveyance?
Personal conveyance (named Personal use in Canada) is personal driving that involves the movement of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for a driver’s own use while off work duty.
This means a driver may record driving time as personal driving only when relieved from work-related functions by the motor carrier.
In both Canada and the US, a truck movement can be considered personal driving if the driver is not on duty and if the movement is not intended for the carrier, shipper, or consignee.
The rules and guidance around the movement of a commercial vehicle for personal driving differ in Canada and the US.
Personal use rules in Canada
The Canadian Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations list the following conditions for driving to be authorized for personal use in Canada.
- the vehicle is not used in the course of the business of the motor carrier,
- the vehicle has been unloaded,
- any trailers have been unhitched,
- the distance traveled does not exceed 75 km in a day,
- the driver has recorded in the record of duty status the odometer reading at the beginning and at the end of the personal use,
- the driver is not the subject of an out-of-service declaration under section 91 of the Canadian Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations.
Personal conveyance rules in the US
The personal driving rules in the US are similar to the Canadian rules, but there are some differences to keep in mind.
- No distance limit: There is no specific limit for the distance traveled in a day.
- Loaded vehicle: The truck can be used for personal use even if it’s loaded, as long as the load isn’t being moved for the carrier’s commercial benefit.
Examples of appropriate uses of a CMV while off duty for personal conveyance can be found on the FMCSA’s webpage for personal conveyance.
Benefits of leveraging the personal driving exception
- Flexibility for the driver: Drivers can use their truck for personal trips (like going to eat or to a hotel) without impacting driving and work time.
- Reduced stress: Drivers can better manage their driving time and travel outside of work hours for leisure, contributing to their well-being.
- Safety: In the US, the guidance allows drivers to move while off duty to a nearby safe location to obtain the required rest after loading or unloading or move at the request of a safety official during an off-duty period. (Note: This is not possible in Canada.)
What is a yard move?
Yard moves are part of the special driving categories introduced with the ELD mandate.
A yard move allows truck drivers to log time spent moving a commercial vehicle in a yard using a status of “On-duty, Not driving”. This applies when moving the truck within a confined area on private property or at an intermodal facility.
Examples of a yard include:
- An intermodal yard or port
- A carrier’s private property
- A private parking lot of a shipper or receiver
Yard move regulations – Canada vs. the US
The functional specifications of ELDs differ in the US and Canada.
When ELDs were introduced in Canada, the ELD standard included a condition for yard moves, requiring the ELD to automatically switch to driving status when the CMV exceeds a speed of 32 km/h.
There is no speed threshold in the US. Fleets are encouraged to set safety policies around the safe speed of movement in a yard.
Having an ELD partner that provides speed threshold configuration can help you achieve this goal.
Benefits of leveraging the yard move exception
- Reduced time management pressure: Since yard moves don’t count toward driving hours, drivers can manage their day better without fearing they’ll exhaust their authorized driving time while moving a truck in a yard.
- Safety and compliance: By distinguishing yard moves from on-road driving, carriers can better comply with regulations while ensuring safety during yard moves. Drivers are more likely to adhere to speed limits in the yard, if they know this time does not affect their on-road driving time.
If a carrier allows drivers to use the yard move exception, they should have an ELD that can be configured to allow drivers to move the truck in a yard while being in the “On-duty, Not driving” status.
Personal driving and yard moves – key takeaways
While HOS regulations impose strict constraints on managing driving hours, driving exceptions like personal driving and yard moves provide flexibility for drivers and fleets.
When used correctly:
- Personal driving gives drivers a way to move their truck for personal use when relieved from duty.
- Yard moves allow drivers to move a truck within a yard without counting that time as driving.
Allowing drivers to use these driving exceptions requires added monitoring from carriers, as they must ensure every truck move identified as such adheres to US and Canadian regulations.
Having a reliable ELD provider that helps manage these exceptions goes a long way in mitigating the risk of their misuse and helps carriers remain compliant at all times.