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In 1979 when I first started working for my Dad, he wanted me to learn every part of the business including logbook rules. When he started using phrases like recapping 60-hours in 7 days and 70-hours in 8 days, I thought to myself, “man I really should have paid more attention during Mr. Wood’s high school math classes.”

A couple of years ago, my Regulatory Manager came back to the office all excited from a big meeting in Washington, DC, on a new concept called CSA 2010. He used terms such as methodology and measurement system analysis. I understood the concept, but again I thought to myself, “man I really should have paid more attention during Mr. Wood’s high school math classes.”

This past December after waiting an entire additional year, the FMCSA published the new truck driver’s hours of service (log) rules in the Federal Register. Terms like 34-hour restart providing two periods of 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. during a 168-hour period were used. I know the current rules, and although the new rule is at least similar in nature to the current rule, I again thought to myself, “man I really should have paid more attention during Mr. Wood’s high school math classes.”

The “new” rules and procedures for making drivers and highways safer may be having a negative impact. Is it the intent of the rule makers to make these rules so confusing that only those that paid attention in math class can be a driver or run a trucking company? I have a real concern that our transportation network will break down, as more and more drivers get frustrated with the complexity and double speak of the hours of service rules . . . especially when they find out that violations add up in their “CSA score” resulting in fines to them rather than (or in addition to) the carrier! And what about the carriers? Our nation is made up of small companies. I already see many of our customers struggling because of the tough economy, and I fear many, many more will cease operating as the regulations become more stringent and require more and more daily monitoring by carrier personnel.

I know of several carriers that were issued “the letter” from the feds. Along with a heavy fine, they were told to submit confirming documentation of compliance of regulatory deficiencies found during a recent audit. These folks are good people . . . good employers . . . and good business people. We helped them meet the demands of the feds and I am proud to say they are still operating because they came to us for help. Customers trust Trans Products and Tran Services because of the strong abilities we have in reading and simplifying the rules. And, based on the number of animated meetings we have around here regarding CSA and the new HOS rules, you can trust us for our know-how on these newer rules as well.