Updated Feb 2026

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Driver Resource Center

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HOS regs, IFTA filing, CDL endorsements, ELD troubleshooting — organized the way you actually think about problems: by what just went wrong.

200+FAQs

6Categories

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HOS · 38 answers

Hours of Service

You're 11 hours into a run, dispatcher is calling for one more pickup, and your ELD just flashed amber — here's exactly what the reg says and what you can do.

How many hours can I drive before I must take a 30-minute break?

8 cumulative hours after coming on duty — you must take a 30-consecutive-minute break before driving further. The break can be off-duty or sleeper berth time. 49 CFR §395.3(a)(3)(ii) It does not need to be taken all at once, but the full 30 minutes must be consecutive.

💡The break resets the 8-hour clock — it does NOT reset your 11-hour driving window or 14-hour on-duty window.

What is the 60/70-hour rule and how do I calculate it?

The 60-hour/7-day rule applies to carriers operating fewer than 7 days per week. The 70-hour/8-day rule applies to carriers operating every day. You may not drive after accumulating 60 (or 70) hours on-duty in the last 7 (or 8) consecutive days. To calculate: add your on-duty hours for each of the past 7 or 8 days — any total at or above the limit means you must rest. 49 CFR §395.3(b)

💡A 34-hour restart resets your 60/70-hour clock. It must include two consecutive periods of 1 a.m.–5 a.m. home terminal time.

Can I use the sleeper berth split to extend my 14-hour window?

Yes. The split sleeper berth provision allows you to split your required 10-hour off-duty period into two segments: one period of at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, and a separate period of at least 2 consecutive hours (in the sleeper or off-duty). 49 CFR §395.1(g)(1)(ii) Neither period counts against your 14-hour window. The 11-hour driving limit is also calculated against a "modified" on-duty period that excludes the shorter rest segment.

💡The 7-hour segment must come first for the split to work cleanly on most ELDs. Check your device documentation.

What's the short-haul exemption and do I qualify?

If you operate within a 150 air-mile radius of your normal work reporting location and return to that location within 14 consecutive hours, you qualify for the short-haul exemption. Qualifying drivers are not required to use an ELD — a paper timecard is sufficient. 49 CFR §395.1(e)(1) You still must comply with the 11-hour driving limit and 14-hour on-duty window; you just don't need the 30-minute break or ELD.

💡You can't use the short-haul exemption on the same day you claim the adverse driving conditions exemption.

What counts as "on-duty not driving" time?

On-duty not driving includes:

All time at a shipper/receiver waiting for, or assisting with, loading/unloading
All time inspecting, servicing, or conditioning a vehicle
All time in attendance at a vehicle
All driving time
All time performing any other work for a carrier

49 CFR §395.2 Fuel stops, scaling, pre-trip and post-trip inspections all count as on-duty.

💡Personal conveyance (driving home in the truck for personal reasons, not under load or dispatch) is off-duty time — but document it clearly in your ELD remarks.

IFTA · 27 answers

IFTA & Fuel Tax

Your quarterly IFTA return is due in 4 days, you've got fuel receipts from 9 states in your glovebox, and your fuel mileage spreadsheet is a disaster — let's fix this right now.

Which vehicles are required to file IFTA?

IFTA applies to qualified motor vehicles — vehicles used in interstate commerce that: (1) have two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered GVW exceeding 26,000 lbs, OR (2) have three or more axles regardless of weight, OR (3) are used in combination with a weight exceeding 26,000 lbs GVW. Recreational vehicles are generally exempt. IFTA Articles of Agreement R105

💡If you run exclusively intrastate (within one state only) you use that state's fuel tax system, not IFTA.

What records do I need to keep for IFTA compliance?

You must retain records for 4 years from the filing due date. Required records include:

Fuel purchase receipts showing date, seller, number of gallons, fuel type, price per gallon, and vehicle unit number
Miles traveled per jurisdiction (total and taxable)
Odometer or hub odometer readings
GPS or trip records supporting mileage claims

IFTA Articles of Agreement R1020

💡Keep digital copies. A wet bag of paper receipts from a leaky glovebox is not an acceptable excuse during an audit.

How do I calculate my IFTA tax if I owe in some states and have a credit in others?

IFTA works on a net calculation. For each jurisdiction: calculate the fuel tax owed based on miles traveled in that state × that state's tax rate per gallon. Then subtract the fuel tax you actually paid when purchasing fuel in that state. If you bought more fuel than you "consumed" in a state, you get a credit. Sum all debits and credits across all jurisdictions — the net amount is what you owe (or your refund). IFTA Articles of Agreement R920

💡Most states charge a penalty of 10% of the tax due (minimum $50) plus interest for late filing. File even if you have zero miles.

When are IFTA quarterly returns due?

IFTA returns are due quarterly: Q1 (Jan–Mar) due April 30 · Q2 (Apr–Jun) due July 31 · Q3 (Jul–Sep) due October 31 · Q4 (Oct–Dec) due January 31. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the return is due the next business day. IFTA Articles of Agreement R1010

💡Even if you ran zero miles in a quarter, you must file a return showing zero — failure to file triggers automatic penalties.

CDL · 34 answers

CDL Endorsements

Your Monday CDL test is 72 hours away, you've got the manual but none of it is sticking — here are the exact endorsement requirements, broken down the way examiners actually test them.

What's the difference between a CDL-A, CDL-B, and CDL-C?

CDL-A: Combination vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001+ lbs, where the vehicle being towed exceeds 10,000 lbs. Required for most semi-trucks.

CDL-B: Single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001+ lbs (or such a vehicle towing a vehicle not over 10,000 lbs). Includes straight trucks, dump trucks, large buses.

CDL-C: Vehicles under 26,001 lbs that transport 16+ passengers or hazardous materials requiring placards. 49 CFR §383.91

💡A CDL-A holder may operate CDL-B and CDL-C vehicles. CDL-B holders may operate CDL-C vehicles. Not the other way around.

What endorsements are required to haul hazardous materials?

The H endorsement (Hazardous Materials) is required to transport any HazMat quantity that requires placarding under 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart F. To obtain the H endorsement: (1) Pass the HazMat knowledge test at your state DMV, (2) Complete a TSA security threat assessment (fingerprinting), and (3) Pass a background check. 49 CFR §383.93(b)(1) The H endorsement must be renewed every 5 years with a new TSA check.

💡An X endorsement = H + T combined (HazMat in a tank vehicle). If you haul tankers with placardable HazMat, you need the X, not just H or T separately.

Do I need a separate endorsement to drive a double or triple trailer?

Yes. The T endorsement (Doubles/Triples) is required to pull double or triple trailers. It requires passing a knowledge test. There is no skills test required — knowledge test only. 49 CFR §383.93(b)(5) Note: Triple trailers are only legal in certain states — having the endorsement doesn't mean you can legally operate them everywhere.

💡Not all states permit triple trailers. Check the specific state regulations before accepting a load configured as triples.

What is the P endorsement and when do I need it?

The P endorsement (Passenger) is required to operate a vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver). It requires both a knowledge test AND a skills test in a passenger vehicle. 49 CFR §383.93(b)(3) School bus drivers need the P endorsement plus the S endorsement (School Bus), which requires an additional knowledge test and skills test in a school bus.

💡Charter bus, transit bus, airport shuttle (if 16+ seats) — all require the P endorsement, even if you have a CDL-A.

Take it with you

Download the printable Quick-Ref Card — condensed HOS rules, IFTA deadlines, and inspection checklists formatted to fit your visor clip.

ELD · 29 answers

ELD Troubleshooting

You're at a weigh station at 11 PM, your ELD just threw an unidentified driver event, and the officer wants your logs — here's how to handle it without getting a violation.

My ELD malfunctioned on the road. What am I required to do?

When an ELD malfunctions: (1) Note the malfunction in writing (date, time, nature of malfunction). (2) Notify your motor carrier within 24 hours. (3) Switch to paper logs immediately — reconstruct your current-day logs from memory/receipts and carry them. (4) You have 8 days to repair or replace the ELD before you must go out of service. 49 CFR §395.34(a) Keep the malfunction notification with your paper logs.

💡Always keep blank paper log sheets in the cab — FMCSA requires it. Download them from fmcsa.dot.gov or keep a pad from a truck stop.

What's an 'unidentified driver' event and how do I claim it?

An unidentified driver event is driving time recorded by the ELD when no driver is logged in — typically when a vehicle moves without an authenticated driver session. You must review and either accept or reject these events. To claim it: log in to your ELD, navigate to unidentified driver records, and accept the time that belongs to you. 49 CFR §395.30(f)(1) If you don't claim it within 8 days, it remains unidentified and could trigger a carrier audit.

💡At a roadside inspection, show the officer you are in the process of reviewing the event. Most officers will note it as "pending review" rather than issuing a violation.

How do I transfer my ELD data to a DOT officer during an inspection?

ELDs must support two transfer methods: (1) Telematics — wireless transmission directly to FMCSA systems (the officer provides a code or initiates remotely). (2) Local — via USB 2.0 or Bluetooth to a government-issued device. 49 CFR §395.26(b) You must provide access within the first 30 minutes of a roadside inspection. If transfer fails, show the officer the visual display and provide a paper printout.

💡Know which transfer method your specific ELD uses before you get to a scale. Practice it once so you're not fumbling at 2 AM.

Can a dispatcher or carrier edit my ELD logs?

Carriers and co-drivers can propose edits to your logs, but only the driver can accept or reject changes. The ELD must retain an uneditable record of the original data and all proposed/accepted edits. 49 CFR §395.30(d) A carrier editing your logs without your knowledge or approval is a federal violation — document any coercion attempts and report to FMCSA at 1-800-DOT-SAFT.

💡Review your logs daily. Unapproved edits you don't catch become your responsibility at a roadside inspection.

Broker · 22 answers

Broker & Load Board

The broker is holding your TONU payment, the receiver is claiming a lumper fee they never mentioned in the rate con, and you need to know exactly what leverage you have right now.

What is a TONU and when am I legally entitled to one?

TONU (Truck Order Not Used) is compensation paid when a carrier is dispatched and then canceled after a reasonable preparation has occurred — typically after the truck is en route or at the facility. Entitlement depends on your rate confirmation language. Most rate cons specify a TONU amount (often $100–$250) if cancellation occurs after a defined trigger (e.g., "within 2 hours of pickup appointment"). If no amount is specified, you can negotiate but have no guaranteed legal minimum under federal law.

💡Always get the TONU amount written into the rate con before accepting a load. Verbal agreements are unenforceable with most brokers.

A lumper fee wasn't on the rate con. Do I have to pay it?

No — you are not required to pay lumper fees out of pocket unless your rate confirmation explicitly states you are responsible. Standard practice: the broker or shipper arranges and pays the lumper service. If the receiver demands a lumper fee not on the rate con, call your broker immediately and have them issue a Quick Pay authorization code to the lumper service. Document the call. If the broker refuses, you have grounds to place the shipment under a freight claim and file a complaint with FMCSA.

💡Never pay a lumper in cash without getting a signed receipt with their company name, amount, and your BOL number. That receipt is your reimbursement documentation.

How long does a broker have to pay me after delivery?

Federal regulations require brokers to pay carriers within 30 days of delivery and receipt of required paperwork (POD, invoice, etc.). 49 CFR §371.3(c) Your rate confirmation may specify a shorter window (Net 15, Net 21 are common). If the broker misses the contractual deadline, you can: (1) Charge the agreed late payment fee if specified in the rate con, (2) File a complaint with FMCSA, or (3) Place a bond claim against the broker's surety bond.

💡Every licensed broker must maintain a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund. If they don't pay, that bond is your backstop — look up their bond on FMCSA's SAFER system.

What is double brokering and how do I spot it?

Double brokering occurs when a broker re-brokers your load to another carrier without the shipper's knowledge or consent — it's illegal under 49 USC §13901 and a federal crime. Red flags: rate confirmation uses a different company name than the broker you contacted; the "broker" can't provide their MC number quickly; payment terms are unusually long (Net 60+); the contact calls from a different area code than their listed address.

💡Before accepting a load, verify the broker's MC number on FMCSA SAFER. If they're registered as a carrier, not a broker, walk away.

Inspections · 31 answers

Roadside Inspections

You're at a scale house and the officer says your logbook has a form-and-manner violation — before you sign anything, here's exactly what that means and how it affects your CSA score.

What are the different levels of DOT roadside inspections?

There are 7 inspection levels:

Level I (Full): Most comprehensive — driver documents, HOS, vehicle systems. Most common at fixed scales.
Level II (Walk-Around): Driver and vehicle inspection without going under the vehicle.
Level III (Driver-Only): Driver documents, credentials, and HOS only.
Level IV (Special Studies): One-time study of a specific element.
Level V (Vehicle-Only): Vehicle without driver present.
Level VI (Enhanced NAS): For radioactive shipments.
Level VII (California BIT): California-specific.

💡A Level I inspection with no violations earns a "clean inspection" that positively affects your CSA score for 24 months.

What is a form-and-manner violation and does it go on my CSA record?

A form-and-manner violation (violation code 395.8(a)) is issued when a logbook or ELD record is technically present but has administrative errors — missing entries, illegible writing, incorrect format. It is a less severe violation than a false log violation. Yes, it goes on your CSA record under the HOS BASIC and carries a severity weight of 1 point (vs. 10 points for false logs). 49 CFR §395.8(a)

💡Don't argue about form-and-manner violations at the scale. Sign the inspection report (signing means you received it, not that you agree), then contest it through DataQs if the violation is incorrect.

What documents must I have in the cab during a roadside inspection?

Required documents:

Valid CDL (must be in physical possession)
Medical examiner's certificate (or long-form if CDL not yet updated)
Current registration and cab card
Current and previous 7 days of ELD records (or paper logs)
ELD instruction sheet (manufacturer-provided)
ELD malfunction documentation (if applicable)
Shipping papers / BOL
Hazmat documentation if applicable (ERG, shipping papers)
Annual vehicle inspection report

49 CFR §390.21, §395.8, §396.11

💡Keep a laminated "inspection checklist" on your visor. Officers notice when drivers are organized — it sets a professional tone from the start.

I received an out-of-service order. What are my rights?

An OOS order means you cannot operate the vehicle until the violation is corrected and the order is lifted by an authorized official. Your rights: (1) You may request a copy of the inspection report. (2) You may have a mechanic come to your location to make repairs. (3) You may contest the OOS order through the CVSA DataQs system within 60 days. (4) If you believe the order is issued in error, you may request a supervisory review at the scene — ask calmly and professionally. 49 CFR §396.9(c)

💡Driving under an OOS order is a federal criminal offense with fines up to $16,000 per violation. Do not move the truck. Call your carrier first, then arrange repairs.

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