Trucking CEO Says HOS Rules Are a Bigger Problem Than CDL Mills

A trucking company CEO says bad CDL schools are not the biggest problem facing the trucking industry. He believes outdated hours-of-service (HOS) rules are causing bigger problems for drivers and trucking companies.

Zach Meiborg, owner and CEO of Meiborg Companies, told The Center Square that closing CDL mills may help stop fraud. But he says the government should also look at the rules truck drivers must follow every day.

One major issue is hours-of-service regulations. These federal rules control how long truck drivers can work and drive before they must take a break.

Meiborg says trucking companies that follow the rules can be at a disadvantage when competing against companies that don't. A company that keeps its trucks moving longer can run more miles and may be able to offer customers lower rates.

He believes the current HOS system is too complicated and should be updated.

One idea he supports is a simpler system that would give drivers a 14-hour work period followed by 10 hours off, while still requiring important rest breaks.

Meiborg also says more flexibility could help with the truck parking shortage. Drivers often have to stop around the same time because of HOS limits. That can make it difficult to find a legal parking space at night.

Federal regulators are continuing efforts to fight CDL fraud and improve safety in the trucking industry.

But the debate raises a bigger question: Should the government focus only on stronger enforcement, or is it also time to update the rules truck drivers follow?