Short-Haul Excemption What Is It and Do You Qualify for it?

As a trucker, you know that keeping accurate records of your hours-of-service (HOS) is essential for staying compliant with federal regulations. There is a special rule that applies to drivers who operate within a 150-air-mile radius of their work reporting location? In this post, we'll take a closer look at the 150-mile record of duty status and what you need to know to stay compliant with the regulations.

The 150-mile radius rule is a special provision that applies to drivers who operate within a 150-air-mile radius of their work reporting location. This includes drivers who return to the same location each day, such as those who work for a distribution center or a local delivery service.

Under this rule, drivers are allowed to use a simplified record of duty status (RODS) known as the "short-haul exception." This exception allows drivers to operate without keeping detailed logs of their driving time, as long as they meet certain requirements.

To use the short-haul exception, drivers must meet the following requirements:

• The driver operates within a 150-air-mile radius of their work reporting location.

• The driver starts and ends their workday at the same location.

• The driver does not exceed 12 hours of duty time in a day.

• The driver keeps records of their driving time and the time they come on and off duty, but is not required to keep a detailed logbook.

If you are using the short-haul exception, you must still document your driving time and the time you come on and off duty. This information can be recorded on a timecard or a log sheet, but it does not need to be as detailed as a regular logbook.

The record must include the following information:

• The time the driver reports for duty each day.

• The time the driver is released from duty each day.

• The total number of hours the driver is on duty each day.

• The total number of miles driven each day.

It's important to note that drivers who use the short-haul exception must still comply with the other HOS regulations, such as the 30-minute break requirement and the 10-hour off-duty requirement.

How does the Shorthaul Exemption benefit drivers and carriers?

The Shorthaul Exemption provides several benefits to drivers and carriers by exempting drivers from certain FMCSR regulations, it can reduce paperwork and administrative burdens, which can save time and money. It can also make it easier for drivers to comply with regulations, which can improve safety and reduce the risk of violations.

For carriers, the Shorthaul Exemption can improve efficiency by allowing drivers to operate within a 150 air-mile radius without the need for an ELD or RODS. This can save time and money on equipment, training, and administrative costs.

What are the limitations of the Shorthaul Exemption?

While the Shorthaul Exemption can provide many benefits, there are some limitations to consider. For example, drivers who exceed the 150 air-mile radius or the 14-hour duty period are no longer exempt and must comply with all FMCSR regulations.

Carriers must also ensure that drivers who use the Shorthaul Exemption comply with all other applicable regulations, such as those related to driver qualifications, drug and alcohol testing, and vehicle maintenance.

The 150-mile radius rule and the short-haul exception can make it easier for drivers to stay compliant with the HOS regulations, especially those who operate within a limited area. By understanding the requirements and keeping accurate records of their driving time and duty status, drivers can use the short-haul exception to their advantage and avoid potential penalties or fines.