HOS (Hours of Service)
Hours of Service (HOS) refers to the federal safety rules that control how long commercial truck drivers can work and drive. These rules were created to prevent driver fatigue and make roads safer. They specify how many hours a driver can be behind the wheel, when they must take breaks, and how long their rest periods need to be. Every truck driver must track their HOS using special electronic devices called ELDs (Electronic Logging Devices), which replaced the old paper logbooks. Understanding HOS is crucial because breaking these rules can result in serious penalties for both drivers and companies.
Examples in Resumes
Maintained 100% compliance with HOS regulations while delivering cross-country loads
Trained new drivers on Hours of Service requirements and electronic logging procedures
Managed fleet of 20 drivers ensuring HOS compliance and proper log maintenance
Typical job title: "Truck Drivers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Truck Drivers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Experienced Driver Questions
Q: How do you manage your time to ensure HOS compliance on long routes?
Expected Answer: An experienced driver should explain planning routes with legal rest breaks, anticipating traffic and weather delays, and using ELD systems effectively to track hours.
Q: What are the main exceptions to HOS rules and when do they apply?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of adverse weather conditions exception, emergency situations, and personal conveyance rules, showing understanding of when these can be legally used.
Mid-Level Driver Questions
Q: What are the basic HOS limits for property-carrying drivers?
Expected Answer: Should know the 11-hour driving limit, 14-hour work window, required 30-minute breaks, and 70-hour/8-day limit rules.
Q: How do you use your ELD to record different duty statuses?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to properly log driving time, on-duty not driving, off-duty, and sleeper berth time in the electronic system.
Entry-Level Driver Questions
Q: Why are Hours of Service rules important?
Expected Answer: Should understand these rules prevent driver fatigue and increase road safety, explaining the basic concept of work hours limits and rest requirements.
Q: What is the difference between on-duty and driving time?
Expected Answer: Should explain that driving time is when actually operating the truck, while on-duty includes loading, unloading, maintenance, and paperwork.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic understanding of HOS rules
- ELD operation basics
- Daily log maintenance
- Basic trip planning
Mid (1-3 years)
- Advanced HOS compliance
- Efficient route planning
- Understanding of exemptions
- Quick log analysis
Senior (3+ years)
- Complex multi-day trip planning
- Training other drivers
- Managing team operations
- Advanced compliance knowledge
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain basic HOS limits
- History of HOS violations
- Difficulty using ELD systems
- Poor understanding of break requirements
- Resistance to following HOS regulations
Related Terms
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