Personal Conveyance for Truckers

You know that time on the road can be long and tiring. Sometimes, you just need to take a break or run some errands before getting back on the road. But did you know that you can use your commercial vehicle for personal use under certain circumstances? In this blog , we'll take a closer look at personal conveyance for truckers and what you need to know to stay compliant with the regulations.

What is personal conveyance?

Personal conveyance is the movement of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for personal use while the driver is off-duty. This can include things like driving to a hotel or restaurant after delivering a load, or driving to a nearby store to purchase personal items. Personal conveyance can only be used when the driver is off-duty and is not performing any work-related activities.

When can personal conveyance be used?

Personal conveyance can only be used under certain circumstances. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), personal conveyance can be used when:

• The driver is off-duty

• The movement of the CMV is for personal use only

• The driver is relieved from all work-related responsibilities

• The driver must comply with all other applicable regulations, including the hours-of-service (HOS) regulations.

It's important to note that personal conveyance cannot be used to get closer to the driver's next work assignment or to avoid logging off-duty time. It also cannot be used to move the CMV to a different location to perform work-related activities.

How to use personal conveyance properly?

To use personal conveyance properly, it's important to follow the rules and guidelines set forth by the FMCSA. Here are some tips for using personal conveyance properly:

1. Make sure you're off-duty: Personal conveyance can only be used when the driver is off-duty and is not performing any work-related activities.

2. Document your use of personal conveyance: If you use personal conveyance, you must document it in your logbook. You should note the date, time, and location of the personal conveyance use, as well as the reason for the use.

3. Use personal conveyance for personal reasons only: Personal conveyance can only be used for personal reasons, such as driving to a restaurant or hotel after delivering a load. It cannot be used to get closer to the driver's next work assignment or to avoid logging off-duty time.

4. Comply with all other applicable regulations: Even when using personal conveyance, drivers must still comply with all other applicable regulations, including the HOS regulations.

Personal conveyance can be a useful tool for truckers who need to use their commercial motor vehicle for personal reasons while off-duty. However, it's important to use personal conveyance properly and in accordance with the rules and guidelines set forth by the FMCSA. By following the rules and documenting your use of personal conveyance in your logbook, you can ensure that you stay compliant with the regulations and keep yourself and others on the road safe.