What is Personal Conveyance in Trucking?

Personal conveyance, often referred to as “PC,” in trucking is a concept that has been around for a while, but has recently gained more importance. In 2018, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued new personal conveyance rules to specify when and how truckers can use their vehicle for personal use.

As you can imagine, PC can be beneficial for fleets but it’s also important to adhere to the FMCSA rules and regulations to avoid penalties and fines. Read on to learn more about how personal conveyance works and how you can keep your fleet compliant.

What is Personal Conveyance?

Personal conveyance refers to the use of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for personal purposes while off-duty. It allows truck drivers to operate their vehicles without being subject to certain federal motor carrier safety regulations. The primary purpose of PC is to enable drivers to find suitable accommodations, rest, or conduct personal errands while ensuring their safety and well-being.

In order to be qualified to use personal conveyance, drivers must meet specific criteria. First, they must be relieved of all work-related responsibilities and have their HOS time clearly classified as off-duty. The vehicle must be registered as a CMV and should not be utilized for any business-related activities. Furthermore, personal conveyance can only be used for short distances and should not exceed the distance required to reach the nearest suitable resting location.

While PC offers flexibility to drivers, it is crucial for fleet managers to understand the associated regulatory compliance. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides guidelines for the appropriate usage of personal conveyance. Fleet managers should ensure that their drivers adhere to these guidelines to avoid potential penalties or violations. It is advisable to educate drivers about the rules and regularly monitor their compliance to maintain regulatory conformity.

What is the difference between Yard Moves and Personal Conveyance? 

Yard Moves Explained:

Definition: Yard moves refer to the movement of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) within a defined area, typically a terminal, warehouse, or facility. It includes short-distance driving for tasks such as parking, fueling, or loading/unloading.

Purpose: Yard moves are intended to facilitate the efficient operation of the CMV within a specific location or facility. They are generally performed for business-related purposes, such as repositioning vehicles within a yard or completing necessary tasks within the premises.

Regulatory Considerations: According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), yard moves are considered on-duty, non-driving time and should be recorded as such in the driver’s logbook or electronic logging device (ELD). Yard moves are subject to the same regulations as on-duty driving time, including hours of service (HOS) rules.

Personal Conveyance Explained:

Definition: Personal conveyance refers to the use of a CMV for personal purposes while off-duty. It allows truck drivers to operate their vehicles without being subject to certain federal motor carrier safety regulations.

Purpose: PC is primarily used when drivers need to find suitable accommodations, rest, or conduct personal errands during their off-duty time. It provides flexibility for drivers to address personal needs while ensuring their safety and well-being.

Regulatory Considerations: Personal conveyance must meet specific criteria to be considered valid. The vehicle must be registered as a CMV, the driver must be relieved of all work-related responsibilities, and the distance traveled should be reasonable to reach the nearest suitable resting location. PC time is generally classified as off-duty and is not counted towards on-duty or driving time.

The key difference between yard moves and personal conveyance lies in their purpose, scope, and regulatory considerations. Yard moves involve short-distance movements within a defined location for business-related purposes and are considered on-duty time. On the other hand, personal conveyance allows drivers to use their vehicles for personal purposes while off-duty, providing flexibility and autonomy, and is subject to specific guidelines to maintain compliance with regulations.

Benefits of Personal Conveyance

Personal conveyance is a valuable concept in the trucking industry, offering drivers the flexibility to address personal needs while maintaining fleet safety. Fleet managers must have a solid understanding of personal conveyance guidelines to ensure regulatory compliance and optimize fleet operations. By striking the right balance, fleet managers can enhance driver satisfaction and overall operational efficiency.

Here are some ways in which PC benefits truck drivers:

• Flexibility and Rest Opportunities: Personal conveyance allows drivers to find suitable resting locations or accommodations during their off-duty hours. This flexibility enables them to rest in comfortable environments, which is crucial for combating driver fatigue and promoting overall safety on the road.

• Work-Life Balance: Truck drivers often spend extended periods away from their families and loved ones. Personal conveyance enables them to address personal matters, run errands, or spend quality time with their families, promoting a better work-life balance.

• Improved Job Satisfaction: By providing drivers with the opportunity to tend to personal needs and engage in activities outside of work, personal conveyance contributes to increased job satisfaction. Drivers who feel supported and have some control over their personal time are likely to be more content and motivated in their profession.

• Reduced Stress Levels: Personal conveyance allows drivers to have a sense of autonomy and control over their off-duty time. This can help alleviate stress and promote mental well-being, as drivers have the flexibility to engage in activities that help them relax and recharge.

• Enhanced Retention and Recruitment: The availability of personal conveyance as part of a motor carrier’s policies and practices can be an attractive feature for both existing and potential drivers. It demonstrates that the company values driver well-being and understands the importance of work-life balance, contributing to improved driver retention and recruitment efforts.

• Compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations: Personal conveyance, when used appropriately and within regulatory guidelines, can help drivers comply with Hours of Service regulations. By allowing drivers to find suitable resting locations without violating their off-duty time, PC supports adherence to HOS rules and reduces the risk of violations.

Overall, personal conveyance benefits truck drivers by providing them with the flexibility and opportunities to address personal needs, achieve a better work-life balance, reduce stress, and enhance their job satisfaction. By valuing the well-being of their drivers, companies can foster a positive work environment and contribute to a more efficient and engaged workforce.

Personal Conveyance FAQ: 

Can a loaded vehicle be used for personal conveyance?

According to the guidelines provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the use of a loaded commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for personal conveyance is generally permitted.

What can personal conveyance be used for?

The ELD exception of personal conveyance can be used for various purposes during a truck driver’s off-duty time such as rest breaks, meal and personal errands, finding lodging, and other personal time or appointments. 

How far can you drive on personal conveyance in the U.S.?

In the United States, there is no specific distance limit set for personal conveyance under the HOS regulations provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA guidelines state that personal conveyance should be of a reasonable distance.

The concept of reasonable distance implies that the distance traveled should be appropriate to reach the nearest suitable resting location or to fulfill personal needs without engaging in excessive detours or unnecessary travel. The intention is to allow drivers to use personal conveyance for short distances that are reasonably necessary.

Best practices for personal conveyance

Understanding personal conveyance is vital for fleet managers as it directly impacts operational efficiency. By allowing drivers to use PC effectively, fleet managers can optimize their routing and scheduling processes. It helps reduce unnecessary idling and enables drivers to find suitable rest locations, enhancing overall driver satisfaction and reducing fatigue-related incidents. However, fleet managers must strike a balance between promoting driver well-being and ensuring compliance with regulations to maintain a streamlined and efficient fleet operation and avoiding personal conveyance violations.

Learn more about personal conveyance with Konexial!