The Impact of Hours of Service (HOS)

Regulations on Truck Drivers and the Broader Economy

The Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), aim to prevent driver fatigue by limiting the number of hours commercial truck drivers can operate. While these rules are designed to enhance road safety, they have also introduced challenges affecting driver productivity, health, and the efficiency of the supply chain. In some cases, these challenges have led to the falsification of federal records, further complicating the industry's dynamics.

Understanding HOS Regulations

HOS regulations stipulate that property-carrying drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Additionally, drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty. These rules are intended to ensure drivers have adequate rest, thereby reducing fatigue-related accidents. They did the opposite.

Since deregulating the industry in the 1980s, bad business practices were left unchecked and abuse of power from Trucking companies to their Drivers were permitted to thrive. Bad Business Practices in Trucking didn't just tear apart the American Trucker, it played a direct role in tearing apart the American Dream.

In 2013, FMCSA introduced changes requiring drivers to take a 30-minute break during the first eight hours of a shift and limiting the maximum average workweek to 70 hours, down from 82 hours. These adjustments aimed to improve safety and driver health. They did the opposite. Because of the enforcement of HOS, combined with letting Bad Business Practices going left unchecked, the "intended" health and safety measures sited in these proposals were removed, not enforced. Data shows the increase of accidents, deaths, and Driver's being removed from the trade, have all increased at an exponential rate.

Impact on Driver Productivity and Health

Productivity Constraints

The strict limitations on driving hours can hinder drivers' ability to meet tight delivery schedules, especially when unforeseen delays occur. A study by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) found that over 80% of motor carriers experienced productivity losses due to the new HOS rules, with nearly half requiring more drivers to haul the same amount of freight

Furthermore, 67% of drivers reported decreases in pay since the rules took effect, and the impacts on driver wages for all over-the-road drivers totaled between $1.6 billion to $3.9 billion in annualized loss

Health Implications

While the intent of HOS regulations is to promote rest, the rigid structure and the demands of business disrupt natural sleep patterns. Drivers are forced to rest during times when they are not naturally inclined to sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and increased fatigue. Creating the fatigue the rules were promised to correct.

Over time, this can contribute to chronic health issues such as sleep disorders, obesity, and cardiovascular problems.

Falsification of Federal Records

Prevalence and Methods

Despite the implementation of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to monitor compliance, some drivers and companies find ways to falsify records. Common methods include misusing personal conveyance allowances, altering or removing ELDs, and manually editing logs to appear compliant.

Motivations

The primary motivations for falsifying logs include financial incentives and pressure from employers to meet delivery deadlines. Drivers may be compelled to exceed legal driving hours by their employers or in an effort to collect a fair wage. A common Bad Business Practice is for employers to hire members of vulnerable communities in order to make impossible deadlines.

Consequences

Falsifying HOS records is illegal and can lead to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Moreover, it increases the risk of accidents due to driver fatigue, endangering not only the drivers but also other road users. However, the primary violators of these federal guidelines are commonly looked over, and the punitive repercussions are faced by the Driver, and the Driver alone. While a person my lose their job in an effort to meet their employer demands of the job, the Bad Businesses behind these unfair and unsafe acts remain free to push the next person into a dangerous and life-threatening situation.

Contribution to Inflation and Supply Chain Issues

Supply Chain Disruptions

HOS regulations can exacerbate supply chain disruptions by limiting the flexibility of delivery schedules. When drivers are unable to adjust their hours to accommodate delays, it can lead to missed deadlines and increased costs for shippers and receivers

A study published in the Journal of Transportation Management highlighted that the new HOS regulations could lead to substantial cost increases for the trucking industry, which in turn hurt shippers and ultimately customers. These costs will hit customers, if not first, second, so businesses can make up their losses as quickly as possible.

The reduced efficiency in the transportation sector due to HOS constraints are direct contributors to inflation. Delays and increased costs in moving goods can lead to higher prices for consumers. The Federal Reserve has noted that supply chain constraints, including those in transportation, have played a significant role in recent inflationary trends.

Conclusion

While HOS regulations were intended to promote road safety, it actually created more challenges that impact driver productivity, health, and the broader economy. The resulting pressures can lead to the falsification of records and contribute to supply chain inefficiencies and inflation. A balanced approach that considers both safety and operational flexibility is crucial for the well-being of drivers and the efficiency of the transportation industry.

References

U.S. Department of Transportation. (2013). New Hours-of-Service Safety Regulations to Reduce Truck Driver Fatigue Begin Today. Retrieved from https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/new-hours-service-safety-regulations-reduce-truck-driver-fatigue-begin-today
American Transportation Research Institute. (2013). Study: New HOS Rules Result in Productivity Losses. Retrieved from https://www.truckinginfo.com/114943/study-new-hos-rules-result-in-productivity-losses
Hege, A., Lemke, M. K., Apostolopoulos, Y., & Sönmez, S. (2006). Truck driver hours of service regulations: the collision of policy and public health. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16443982/
Min, H. (2009). The impact of hours-of-service regulations on transportation productivity and safety: A summary of findings from the literature. Journal of Transportation Management, 21(2), 49-63. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/jotm/vol21