Great News From FMCSA On PC

They've just substantially liberalized the use of PC mode. It may take awhile for carriers to implement (for those who allow it at all). In any case, we may now legally travel from shipper/receiver to safe parking in PC mode, and also may drive home in PC mode so long as it isn't toward a dispatch. Also, laden/unladen no longer matters, at least in the aforementioned instances....I haven't digested all of it yet. Finally, if an LEO requests that we move while we're on break, we can maintain the break by moving in PC mode. I'm mighty pleased with this. Now, if they'd just get rid of the dang 30 minute break nonsense...

They've just substantially liberalized the use of PC mode. It may take awhile for carriers to implement (for those who allow it at all). In any case, we may now legally travel from shipper/receiver to safe parking in PC mode, and also may drive home in PC mode so long as it isn't toward a dispatch. Also, laden/unladen no longer matters, at least in the aforementioned instances....I haven't digested all of it yet. Finally, if an LEO requests that we move while we're on break, we can maintain the break by moving in PC mode. I'm mighty pleased with this. Now, if they'd just get rid of the dang 30 minute break nonsense...

My company already allows that 🙂

I just used the PC line to drive to a Walmart to park for the night while my trailer is being fixed.

Personal conveyance regs updated

Interesting, thanks for the info and links to reading material!

Thanks for that info. CFI gives us 50 miles of PC. We may not use it to further a load. However, with this clarification, we would be able to use it to get to a place to sleep.

Interesting that #3 is allowed Time spent traveling to a nearby, reasonable, safe location to obtain required rest after loading or unloading.

but you can't use that to rest at a terminal if you want due to #7 in prohibited. (I'm assuming it's in the same city)

Been doing it for years.

Now if only Swift offers PC on their QC for company drivers

I haven't read the "Guidance" page before today, but I think this line really clears up another issue discussed here:

4. Moving a CMV at the request of a safety official during the driver’s off-duty time

So if the guard says you need to go, then you can leave on PC, even if you are laden:

The CMV may be used for personal conveyance even if it is laden, since the load is not being transported for the commercial benefit of the carrier at that time.

(note: This may be limited/prohibited by your company, though.)

Also, Yuuyo quotes item #3, but left out a limitation:

3. Time spent traveling to a nearby, reasonable, safe location to obtain required rest after loading or unloading.

... and the resting location must be the first such location reasonably available.

Meaning you can't pass the Pothole Truck Stop to get to a TA.

As for Swift, you might need to talk to Safety about the necessary move.

As for Swift, you might need to talk to Safety about the necessary move.

Not just Swift, all persons need to consult with their Motor Carriers before making any Personal Conveyance move and you must ensure you are relieved of duty by the Motor Carrier before attempting to apply the Personal Conveyance. Please find below a copy/paste from 2nd sentence of the FMCSA guidance link as supplied by Turtle;

"A driver may record time operating a CMV for personal conveyance as off-duty only when the driver is relieved from work and all responsibility for performing work by the motor carrier".

I am being somewhat direct about this as I have spent my day speaking with the "Truck Stop Lawyers division" of our Fleet who seemed to have skipped over that important point and I am fairly confident they are not the only ones who missed it. Further to this there seems to be tone in the Guidance provided (although not clearly stated as such) that the Motor Carrier is to be the one making the choice of where that first safe location is and direct the driver to that location. I have already queried the great minds at FMCSA on the last comment and will try to remember to update here when/if I get a response.....

Regards, Slowpoke