The American Trucking Associations has published an easy-to-use, free tipsheet to help you help your drivers understand the new hours-of-service rules.

Here’s the Reader’s Digest version:

1. Start now: The new rules must be followed July 1 and the ATA warns that if caught unawares, the change “may cause significant disruption to your daily procedures.

If caught off guard, unaware drivers may be confused about the requirements and potentially incur violations that could generate fines and that will affect carrier CSA scores.”

2. Use a personal approach: Most find that drivers retain information better in a one-on-one or face-to-face classroom environment. If drivers can’t attend, make the information available as soon as you can and be ready for follow up questions. Train early and train a lot.

3. Use real-world examples: ATA recommends that you develop log-book examples based on a typical and/or exceptional driving week at your company.  If possible, select a small group of drivers to operate under the new restart and rest-break provisions for a week or two.   

4. Update route planning protocol: Update your route planning to meet the new HOS criteria. “With truck parking scarce, it may be challenging to find somewhere a driver can rest and it may have to come sooner, or later, than expected.”

5. Discuss efficiency: Drivers who use the current 34-hour restart may experience significant losses in productivity depending on what time of day they begin the new period.  “Educating them on the benefits of planning will undoubtedly pay significant dividends.”

6. Educate your entire organization and your customers: “It is important that all parts of your organization are fully aware of the potential changes and their consequences.  This is especially the case if your drivers use the current 34-hour restart.  Driver managers will need to alter their procedures and the sales staff will need to work hard to adjust shipper and broker expectations. Flexibility will need to be built into business relationships to ensure continued efficiency and productivity.”

 7. Do more research: For your own copy, with the new rules included, click here.