








Trucker Spotlight - Vicki Simons <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different people in the trucking industry to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path's solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.</em>
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Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Vicki</strong>.
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<strong>Introduction</strong>
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My name is Vicki Simons.
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While living in our first company-issued truck full-time in the early 1990s, my husband Mike and I learned quickly that some of the products that are marketed and sold to truckers are what we concluded to be cheaply made but expensive to buy trucker junk.
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In those days, technology was not as advanced as it is now, so the only options open to us -- to cook food in our truck -- were 12-volt appliances.
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One appliance that we felt would serve us well was a 12-volt "hot pot."
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Because these units were constructed with no temperature control, the units were either "all on" or "all off."
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So, they burned out quickly.
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The warranty -- if there was one at all -- was usually either 30 or 90 days.
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Because there were no other cooking solutions that we knew of at the time, we ended up going through eight -- yes, eight! -- of those units.
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I was very upset and I kept thinking, "You know, someone ought to do something about this."
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Oh, sure, there were occasional articles in trucking magazines that were geared toward helping truckers save money, but after searching for a long time, I found no resources that focused on this topic.
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I kept feeling the Lord directing me toward being a "trucker consumer advocate" to help keep truckers from being stung financially.
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So with Mike's consent, I spearheaded a website that we envisioned being a clearinghouse of how professional truck drivers from around the world save money -- in order to help each other save money.
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That website is:
<a href="https://www.Truck-Drivers-Money-Saving-Tips.com/">Truck-Drivers-Money-Saving-Tips.com.</a>
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I have been a professional truck driver and Mike's home support team member, both in-truck as a passenger and at home while he's been on the road as a solo trucker.
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With nearly 20 years of professional truck driving experience between us -- and my insatiable appetite to research and write in such a way that helps others -- our website has grown to well over a thousand pages.
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Every week since 2010, I have written multiple tips and inquiries in order to help truckers save money.
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And every week since 2017, I have written a weekly trucking commentary entitled TDMST Weekly Round-Up.
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<h3><strong>Tell us a short story about you. Any trivia? </strong></h3>
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My husband Mike and I had both earned college degrees before we became a professional truck driving team.
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After graduating from truck driver training school, we began orientation at a large trucking company.
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On the very first day of orientation, there were 5 prospective truck drivers in the class.
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We were told by the "Orientation Director" that in 45 days, 3 of the 5 of us would not be with the company!
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Ouch!
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I determined that with all of the time and money we had spent to get to that point, Mike and I were going to be the two who would succeed!
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And we did!
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<h3><strong>In the years that you have been driving, what are the significant changes that you've
noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3>
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The most significant changes I've noticed in the trucking industry since the 1990s have been:
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<li>increasing regulations;</li>
<li>more advanced technology; </li>
<li>a desire among some cheapskates to want to replace human truckers with machines (so that they don't have to pay people to move freight); and</li>
<li>some truckers relying too much upon GPS units not geared for commercial motor vehicles -- and as a result, being involved in many completely preventable accidents, including:
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<ul>
<li>hitting low clearances,</li>
<li>collapsing bridges on non-truck routes, and</li>
<li>getting stuck in places where big trucks are not supposed to travel.</li>
</li>
</ul>
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker before?</strong></h3>
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Originally, we thought that Mike would be the only trucker in our family.
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When we visited with a truck driver training school recruiter, he asked Mike if I was going to drive, too.
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The thought of me driving a big rig surprised me greatly, but the option was made available.
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With a great deal of prayer and consideration, it made sense to us that if we were going to be together on the road, both of us should know how to drive a truck.
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<h3><strong>Tell us a story about you and your husband and how you tackle the trucking industry?</strong></h3>
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The way that I have tackled the trucking industry is by publishing -- so that others can learn from -- the true accounts that:
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<li>we have had on the road and </li>
<li>which we have learned from others (including Mike's co-workers).</li>
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I ask a lot of questions, including on our website and through my TDMST Weekly Round-Up trucking commentaries.
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From my unique perspective, I've also written numerous comments to the FMCSA about various types of proposed trucking regulations
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<h3><strong>What are your trucking pet peeves?</strong></h3>
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I have a number of trucking "pet peeves," including:
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<li>people who make decisions affecting truckers who have never spent a day in their lives as truckers;</li>
<li>regulations that treat people like robots; </li>
<li>the push toward self-driving, driverless, and autonomous trucks; </li>
<li>truckers who haul illegal drugs and smuggle illegal aliens;</li>
<li>truckers who set themselves up for failure, such as by engaging in distracted driving and/or not maintaining proper following distance; and</li>
<li>truckers who blindly follow GPS units -- especially those that are not designed for commercial motor vehicles -- and end up in completely preventable accidents.</li>
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<h3><strong>What made you go into blogging?</strong></h3>
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I began <a href="https://www.Truck-Drivers-Money-Saving-Tips.com/">Truck-Drivers-Money-Saving-Tips.com</a> as a rant against cheaply made but expensive to buy trucker junk, the first of which was a series of 12-volt "hot pots."
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Because these units were constructed with no temperature control, the units were either "all on" or "all off."
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So, they burned out quickly.
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The warranty -- if there was one at all -- was usually either 30 or 90 days.
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Because there were no other cooking solutions that we knew of when we started in trucking in the early 1990s, we ended up going through eight -- yes, eight! -- of those units.
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Since we started our website, we have grown it to well over a thousand pages, including:
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<li>a huge number of pages filled with information and truck drivers money saving tips, </li>
<li>lots of reviews, and </li>
<li>contributions from our readers. </li>
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<h3><strong>Do you have a favorite truck model/brand?</strong></h3>
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The only brand of truck I've ever driven professionally has been Freightliner.
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Therefore, I have no other brand with which to compare the Freightliners I have driven or lived in.
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In general terms, I believe that trucks driven by regional or long-haul truckers should be equipped with enough space and conveniences so that each trucker can work, sleep, and live comfortably on the road.
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Concerning tractors with sleeper berths, I consider the following options to be critical for trucker well-being:
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<li>a minimum of 1500 watts AC (alternating current) interior power (to let truckers operate cooking appliances and use other electronic devices);</li>
<li>reliable, non-battery-dependent climate control for both cooling and heating (to let truckers rest and sleep comfortably); and</li>
<li>an in-truck toilet (whether portable or not).</li>
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<h3><strong>Could you identify the current pain points in the trucking industry? And maybe some suggestions on how to fix them?</strong></h3>
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As of late 2020, these are the current pain points I see in the trucking industry:
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<li>Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs);</li>
<li>the Hours of Service regulations; </li>
<li>problems with broker transparency; and</li>
<li>the fact that the U.S. federal agencies that are supposedly devoted to motor carrier "safety" and the "transportation" of goods in our country do not seem to be standing up for truckers as they face problems on the road.</li>
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Because the FMCSA is influenced by many people who have never spent a day in their lives as truckers, I believe a lot would change for the better if every agency employee was required -- every year -- to spend a minimum of one week with an experienced trucker, so that they can understand life from a trucker's perspective.
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<h3><strong>What keeps you busy nowadays? </strong></h3>
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As of late 2020, I have in the works two books:
<li>one for aspiring truck drivers and</li>
<li>one for those who are already professional truckers.</li>
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<h3><strong>Did it ever cross your mind to be a CDL instructor?</strong></h3>
Yes, and to a certain extent, I consider that I am a CDL instructor because of the information that I provide on our website.
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<h3><strong>Do you have a favorite truck stop? Also truck stop meal?</strong></h3>
Based on changes at both the corporate and management levels over the years, I will not name a specific truck stop as my favorite.
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Whether at a truck stop or other restaurant, Mike and I always enjoy a perfectly flavored and cooked steak, together with all of the side dishes.
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<h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers? Also some tips and things to look out for based on your recent experiences.</strong></h3>
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I will go into a lot more detail about tips for aspiring truckers in one of my upcoming books.
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However, the one big overview tip that I will give to prospective truckers -- because trucking is different from every other kind of job out there -- is to make absolutely sure you're cut out for the trucking lifestyle before you start down that path.
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For example, regional and long haul truckers are required to sleep away from home, usually in the truck they drive, wherever they park, during their sleeper berth break.
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<h4>Vicki Simons</h4>
<a href="https://www.Truck-Drivers-Money-Saving-Tips.com/">http://Truck-Drivers-Money-Saving-Tips.com</a>
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Trucker Spotlight - Cindy Moore <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different truck drivers to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path's solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.</em>
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/cm6.jpeg" alt=""]
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Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Cindy</strong>, who's been driving for around 12 years. She's also called The Flatbed Chick on Youtube where she shares her trucking adventures. Let's get to know more about Cindy and how it's like being on the road.
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3>
I became a truck driver out of necessity. I was going through a divorce and needed a steady stream of income and a job that paid enough to support myself without any help and I kept reading about how there was no gender gap in trucking they said a woman could make just as much money as a man. I decided to try it for a couple of years until I could find something better at home and as you can see I never found anything, I’ve been here for almost 12 years.
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<h3><strong>What were some challenges that you faced when you started out trucking? </strong></h3>
The hardest part for me was getting used to public showers. I know it sounds crazy but it was almost traumatizing to think that every time I needed a shower I would have to use a public space. The other big thing was getting used to backing that 53’ foot trailer, it was very intimidating.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/cm5.jpeg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>In the years that you've been driving, what are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3>
The biggest thing I’ve noticed is a lot more traffic on the road and it seems like instead of creating more parking for trucks they are closing rest areas and making it harder to find parking. Don’t even get me started on hours of service, they don’t want to ever leave that alone and I’m sure they will continue to change in the future searching for perfection, but we as drivers are a very diverse group and we will never have the same needs. They will never come up with rules that will fit everybody, you may need five hours of sleep and I may need 10.
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<h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3>
Being on the road for weeks at a time by yourself does get very lonely at times but I have friends to talk to and a few years ago I got a dog to ride with me. She's great companion and brought a lot of joy to my life.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/cm2.jpeg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What made you start a Youtube Channel?</strong></h3>
I started my channel because I absolutely fell in love with this beautiful country we live in and none of my family or friends seem to be as interested in it as I was, so I thought there has to be people out there like me who would love to see the country. Before I became a truck driver I had only seen about three other surrounding states and I had no idea how much I had missed all those years.
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<h3><strong>What keeps you busy nowadays? How did the current Covid-19 situation affect your trucking life?</strong></h3>
I’m currently pulling a dry van and trying to stay busy. I still love the flatbed and plan on going back in the future but I’m gonna be trying some other things for now. Covid-19 made it difficult to find a job after the contract ended early in Alaska. A lot of the places I called were either not hiring because of Covid-19 or trying to figure out how to do orientation and putting it off for a few weeks.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/cm3.jpeg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What are your trucking pet peeves?</strong></h3>
My biggest pet peeve is rude and aggressive drivers who seem to not value the lives of other people. For example, cars that pass me on the right after I’ve gotten into the left lane because there’s a tow truck on the right shoulder.
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<h3><strong>What are your future career plans? Would you continue to be a trucker? Any plans on being an instructor?</strong></h3>
My dream for the past several years has been to get an RV and become a travel blogger or full-time RVer, LOL! I still love seeing the country that is the best part of my job and when I retire from trucking I can’t imagine sitting still. I would still want to travel so I think that would be the perfect place for me. I’ve had people suggest that I become a trainer or an instructor at a CDL school but I’m really not sure I would enjoy that because that means I wouldn’t be able to travel anymore.
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<h3><strong>What is your favorite feature of the Trucker Path app?</strong></h3>
My favorite feature on <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> is truck-stop reporting I really love knowing what the truck-stop is gonna look like when I get there and if it’s usually full at a certain time then I know that I need a back up plan.
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<h3><strong> Favorite Truck-stop? Truck-stop Food?</strong></h3>
My favorite truck-stops are the ones that are usually off the beaten path and I love discovering new places to park and new places to eat.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/cm4.jpeg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What are your must haves or the things that you bring with you when on the road</strong></h3>
I guess a very popular favorite among truck drivers is also one of my favorites which is baby wipes. I also make sure I have bottled water, soap, and towels just in case. I wouldn’t ever want to be in the truck without my truckers Atlas and a CB either.
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<h3><strong>What's your favorite scenic route?</strong></h3>
I’m not sure if I really have a favorite scenic route but Highway 20 through Oregon is at the top of my list. I also love Highway 89 and 191 going down through Utah south into Colorado and there are so many beautiful places out there I can’t even think of all of them off the top of my head. Maybe I should start making a list.
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<h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring women truckers?</strong></h3>
I guess the biggest advice I would have for women that are thinking about getting into this industry is don’t be intimidated by it, if it’s what you truly want to do then follow your heart.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/cm7.jpeg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3>
They can view my videos on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGcsdVwlU5mfMXRl7bQXaeQ">Youtube Channel,The Flatbed Chick.</a>
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i752gJOJAN8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<em>Got a cool story to share? Send us message at community@truckerpath.com to be featured!</em>
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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FMCSA Updated Hours of Service (HOS) Rules
[p]The FMCSA has changed some of the rules within the <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-of-service">Hours of Service (HOS) regulations</a> which took effect yesterday, September 29, 2020.
[/p]
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<blockquote>“FMCSA wants drivers and all CMV stakeholders to share their thoughts and opinions on the proposed changes to hours of service rules that we are putting forward today,” said FMCSA Administrator Raymond P. Martinez, who spoke with reporters on a conference call Wednesday morning. “We listened directly to the concerns of drivers for rules that are safer and have more flexibility—and we have acted. We encourage everyone to review and comment on this proposal.”</blockquote>
[p]FMCSA’s newly proposed HOS rule offers a couple of revisions to the existing HOS rules, which Martinez said are based on extensive public comments shared with the agency since last year. [/p]
[p][b]Here are the key changes which are important to note:[/b][/p]
<ul>
<li>Increase in short-haul radius to 150 air-miles no matter the size of the vehicle</li>
<li>Short-haul drive time has been extended from 12 to 14 hours. </li>
<li>Extension of the driving window by up to 2 hours for adverse conditions</li>
<li>30-minute break can be taken in “On Duty, Not Driving” status</li>
<li>30 consecutive minute break must be taken after driving eight hours</li>
<li>Split sleeper can now be taken within a minimum of 7 hours in sleeper berth. The remainder of the 10 hours can be taken in “Off Duty” status and must be consecutive in nature. Neither period will count against the 14-hour driving window when utilized properly.</li>
</ul>
[p]In line with the above, an update to <a href="http://eld.truckerpath.com/">Trucker Path's ELD Pro</a> has also been rolled out. We urge all Trucker Path ELD Pro users to update their application in either <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.truckerpatheld&hl=en">Google Play Store</a> or the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trucker-path-eld-pro/id1488420043">Apple App Store</a> to take advantage of the new rules. [/p]
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/hos2.jpeg" alt=""]
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[p][b]By Trucker Path[/b][/p]