Description

This interactive Hours-of-Service (HOS) course provides a detailed, practical examination of the 11-hour driving rule, 14-hour duty window, 60/70-hour limits, and the 30-minute interruption of driving requirement under 49 CFR Part 395. The course is designed to move beyond basic rule familiarization and into real-world application through hands-on auditing of Records of Duty Status (RODS).

Instruction follows a structured, building-block approach-examining one rule at a time and progressively adding complexity to each scenario. Participants will follow along with the instructor as multiple sets of RODS are reviewed and audited in real time, learning how violations emerge as additional regulatory elements are introduced. This method reinforces a clear understanding of each rule individually before applying them together, mirroring how logs are evaluated during inspections and compliance reviews.

Significant emphasis is placed on advanced auditing skills, including in-depth coverage of the split sleeper berth provision and accurate calculation of 60/70-hour recaps. Participants will learn to recognize compounding violations, identify common log and ELD-related errors, and apply a repeatable, logical process for reviewing logs rather than relying solely on software flags.

The instructional perspective for this course is informed by the 40-hour training program developed by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance-the same framework used to train roadside inspectors and enforcement officers. This course provides participants with the opportunity to learn how to view RODS with the same level of scrutiny used by law enforcement, understand how violations are determined, and recognize when a violation may be incorrect or misapplied. The course also addresses when and how a DataQs challenge may be appropriate and defensible.

While the course explores intermediate and advanced concepts, it is intentionally designed to be accessible to all participants. Prior familiarity with Hours-of-Service regulations is helpful but not required. Those with experience will be challenged by deeper technical analysis, while those newer to HOS will gain valuable insight into how the rules function in practice and how enforcement evaluates compliance.

The format is highly interactive and discussion-driven, emphasizing real-world scenarios, problem-solving, and practical application rather than lecture. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of HOS rules, enhanced confidence in log auditing, and practical skills they can immediately apply to improve compliance and operational decision-making.

Participants are required to bring a current copy of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), commonly referred to as the “Green Book,” which will be used throughout the course during guided exercises and group discussion. Attendees are encouraged to bring their company’s Hours-of-Service and/or Personal Conveyance policy for practical application and discussion. Books may be purchased at the link below

 https://members.pmta.org/supplies/StoreItemDetails?StoreItemId=22941&quantity=0