Hours of Service (HOS): Hours of service (HOS) are federal rules that limit how long property-carrying drivers can drive and work, including an 11-hour driving limit within a 14-hour window and a 60 or 70-hour limit over 7 or 8 days.
Why it matters to owner operators
HOS violations bring fines and out-of-service orders and can hurt your safety record. Plan loads around your available hours, including time lost to detention and waiting.
Example
A driver who has used most of their 14-hour window stops for the day instead of taking one more load.
Related terms
Compliance & Safety: Getting set up and staying compliant keeps your truck earning. We help new carriers with broker setup packets and certificates of insurance. Talk to our dispatch team or browse the full trucking glossary.
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