When the pretrip starts, a 14 hour clock begins. All driving must be done within that timeframe before a 10 hour break becomes mandatory. A total of 11 hours of driving is permitted between 10 hour breaks. The driver can work as long as they want or need to, but they must take a ten hour break after either 11 hours of driving or once the 14 hour clock is up before they can drive again. Additionally, a CDL driver may not drive if the total number of hours worked for the previous eight days is in excess of 70 hours.
By the way, this applies to all CDL classes - A, B, and C.
Some states have a special set of HOS laws for certain fields, such as oilfield workers.
They can work up to 70 hours in a seven day period.
They can work as many hours a day as they wish.. they just can't drive for more than 11, they can't drive after the 14 hour clock is up, etc.
Like all jobs, being a CDL truck driver has its risks. There are many hours on the road and a small pay for each mile can, at times, create an unfortunate situation for the driver.
The benefits all depend on who or where you work. If you work for a national company you might be able to see the country for free. CDL benefits can be good or bad. If you want to be a truck driver, get a cdl.
The HOS is the same as for any other CDL driver. The 14 hour clock starts when you do your pre-trip inspection. From that point, you can drive up to 11 hours within that 14 hour time period. Once that 14 hour period is up, or you've driven your 11 hours, you must take 10 consecutive hours off duty before you can drive again.
In order to work as a CDL driver, one must be at least 21, and have a commercial motor vehicle drivers licence (after having completed and been issued a certificate of drivers road test). In addition, many jurisdictions insist that one is fluent in English.
It's the same throughout the United States. 11 hours, then a mandatory 10 hour break.
If you hold a CDL (Commercial Driver's License) you can spend no more than 10 hours behind the wheel in any 24 hour period. If you hold a regular-class driver's license, there is no restirction on time.
Find a new line of work to get into. Your career as a CDL driver is over at that point.
It is a misconception that many people have to pay to become a truck driver. There are many opportunities to be paid for CDL training. Look at http://www.truckdriving-cdltraining.com/ for locations and opportunities that may work for you.
Depends on which Class of CDL. A driver with a Class C CDL is not licensed on that vehicle. A driver with a Class B CDL can drive that combination only if the GVW of the trailer is less than 10,000 lbs. A driver with a Class A CDL can drive it.
The first step to becoming a truck driver is to get your CDL; you can do this at a trucking school. Many companies will help you get your license if you agree to work for them.