CSA Improvement Series: HOS Compliance BASIC

Monitoring and reducing driver fatigue is a major safety goal for the trucking industry, and a key driver behind the ELD mandate. The Hours-of-Service (HOS) Compliance BASIC addresses requirements such as driver fatigue in 49 CFR Parts 392 and 395. The regulations outlined in each part can have a substantial effect on your CSA scores. A better CSA score means you’ll hear less from DOT and have more opportunities with potential clients.

Breaking down the HOS Compliance BASIC

The Hours-of-Service Compliance BASIC is one of seven categories that the FMCSA use to rank carriers in terms of Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA). This BASIC looks at regulations and related violations associated with HOS rules and records of duty status (RODS). The four areas involved in the HOS BASIC include:

• HOS rule violations
• Form and manner violations
• Unidentified trips
• Issues with AOBRDs and ELDs

Each one of these areas is used to determine how compliant and safe a carrier is compared to other, similar carriers. While Form and Manner violations are the most common, Unidentified Trips and Data Transfer Issues are a more recent challenge. With ELDs still new on the scene, avoiding these violations may require additional and different driver training. This second video in our three-part series shows you how to address each of these areas and significantly improve your HOS Compliance BASIC. And don’t miss Session 1: Keeping your Unsafe Driving BASIC in Check.

Taking control of your HOS Compliance BASIC

Since HOS BASIC violations make up a large slice of the CSA points pie, your electronic logging device can be a huge asset to protect against systemic issues. With ELDs mandated, it’s better to have your solution working for you, rather than against you. A few quick tips for success:

• Look for a solution that is hard-wired to the vehicle. By using a tethered solution, you reduce the risk of spotty connectivity or mismanagement of hand-held devices.
• Take your HOS compliance monitoring to the next level with an active view of your driver’s remaining hours, recaps and HOS violation reporting. It’s easier to address worrisome habits when you have supporting data in front of you.
• And lastly, what is your ELD provider’s success rate when it comes to transferring logs at roadside? This one can’t be solved with driver training. Make sure to have a discussion with your provider about third-party testing and validation to ensure the highest level of success.

Take total control of your Hours-of-Service Compliance BASIC by watching the second installment of our CSA Improvement Webinar Series.

EROAD can help answer more specific questions about the HOS Compliance BASIC, FMCSA regulations and more. Please keep checking our blog and resource library to keep your CSA Scores low and your fleet safe!