Help Please - Bobtailing And Hours Of Service

I've been around here for a long time - longer than my join date

I updated your join date a while back. You didn't notice?

never been asked

Only because you have no actual trucking experience. That's the only reason.

And that's why I don't mind. It wasn't a "shot" at you, or the board in the least.

No - just noticed actually (on the join date). Thanks. Nice to be an "real old timer" around here. BTW - I talked to Trucker Mike yesterday, still had him in my contacts and gave him a shout. Haven't spoken to him in like 5 years - he says HI. Aside from you - I think I'm one of the only members from that far back - that's still posting.

A few people have commented to me offline - wondering why I wasn't a mod here. Told them just that - no real OTR experience.

I'm neither insulted nor offended. I'm flattered that folks think that - and also by the wide latitude I've been given here through the years. Thanks Brett.

I keep saying - "burnt out - no more computers - sell everything and go drive - this is the year I do it". I just can't juggle the logistics of 2,400 square feet of possessions, and the nut I'm carrying now. I sometimes wish I would come home - and the place would be a pile of smoking embers (ok - not really), because it would run me out of excuses.

Anyways - thanks again. Still waiting for that phone call. My "day gig" is such that I can take calls any time...

Rick

Curious about driving a truck and the hos rules.

Do the hours of service rules apply only if you are driving a truck while doing company business?

The reason I ask is because I've seen a few people who purchase class 8 trucks to pull their campers around. They don't fall under the hos rules do they? Or is it because those people buy those trucks and they are listed as for use as personal vehicle only, and our trucks are designated as commercially used vehicles?

So, if the former is correct, then buying a class 8 truck is not actually a commercial vehicle unless it is put in service as a vehicle used for commerce?

/hijack

Curious about driving a truck and the hos rules.

Do the hours of service rules apply only if you are driving a truck while doing company business?

The reason I ask is because I've seen a few people who purchase class 8 trucks to pull their campers around. They don't fall under the hos rules do they? Or is it because those people buy those trucks and they are listed as for use as personal vehicle only, and our trucks are designated as commercially used vehicles?

So, if the former is correct, then buying a class 8 truck is not actually a commercial vehicle unless it is put in service as a vehicle used for commerce?

/hijack

Correct.

HOS in a CMV (flying an MC# and Company) are subject to HOS regs. Personal Conveyance (Line5) are specific - even though their descriptions in the regs are kinda vague.

Motor Coaches that are setup as personal RV's and are not used in commerce (commerce, as in tour buses that are hired by artists - they are subject to HOS), and Class 8 trucks that are toy haulers for PERSONAL USE - are exempt from HOS Regs. Other instances - like say - Racing Teams, are technically engaged in commerce, and would be subject to HOS.

Most personal trucks will have a "Private Motorcoach - Not For Hire" sign on - no DOT numbers, and don't require apportioned tags (plain old vehicle plates), or IFTA stickers. How the vehicle is REGISTERED will dictate what regs it falls under.

Most states have exemptions for bus-type RV's and Class 8 trucks registered as RV's - and FMCSA regs apply ONLY TO VEHICLES BEING USED AS CMV's (and registered as such). Some states may still require a Class A/B - dependent solely on vehicle weight, despite the non-commercial registration of the vehicle - but for the most part they don't.

But when you REALLY THINK ABOUT IT - wouldn't you want someone operating a rig that big, to be properly trained, tested and licensed?

Most folks don't run though weigh stations - and again - "technically" - since it's not a CMV and HOS doesn't apply, neither do roadside inspections. I've heard of guys get chased for bypassing - and then getting sent on their way after DOT figures out it's really a personal conveyance and not an "Outlaw". Many hotshot/expedites, run Outlaw - no numbers, no logs - and when they get caught, the hammer comes down pretty hard.

Rick

👍 that's what I was thinking. Had wondered but never knee. I've also seen some people using trucks like the Ford F650 as a personal vehicle, only these are not just your plain work trucks, they are really nice, with some having ground effects and nice wheels and tires.

Thought that would be a pretty neat way to get aroun. Maybe have it modified so you can take the 5th wheel off and put an actual bed on it. That would be really nice.