Everything You Need To Know About the FMCSA Ready-Mix Exemption

Drivers of ready-mix concrete trucks have specific FMCSA regulations that they need to understand to remain in compliance. The FMCSA ready-mix exemption can be confusing for some drivers and their fleets to manage. Our team at FMCA Filings will help you manage any specific regulatory rules that apply to your company.

Learn more about this FMCSA exemption for mixer truck drivers and how we can help.

Understanding the FMCSA Ready-Mix Exemption

At the request of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) approved the exemption. The rule change gave these drivers the ability to gain more flexibility when following hours of service (HOS) regulations. 

By easing some of the driving limits for ready-mix drivers, the FMCSA recognized the unique aspects of the job for concrete drivers compared to other truck drivers. With the exemption, these drivers began receiving some of the same flexibility as those transporting explosives.

In areas of the construction industry where ready-mix concrete is used, drivers often must wait to deliver the concrete. Drivers rarely have control over the amount of time this takes, which makes managing driving limits and hours of service a challenge.

Specific Requirements of the Exemption

The FMCSA ready-mix exemption features several specific items that drivers must follow to remain in compliance. These rules take into account that ready-mix drivers do not need to keep logs with the same level of detail as other drivers.

Flexibility in Managing Rest Breaks

The primary aspect of the exemption is allowing drivers to count the time they are waiting to make a delivery as a rest break. Under FMCSA regulations, drivers must take a 30-minute rest break during a shift. As long as the ready-mix driver is not doing any other work-related tasks while waiting, they can use the waiting time as a rest break.

No Need To Use ELDs

Many ready-mix drivers don’t need to install and use electronic logging devices (ELDs) under the exemption. Instead, they can use the short-haul exemption, which allows some truck and bus drivers to avoid requirements for logging of hours.

Drivers using the exemption can use a paper time card instead of an electronic one. The driver must simply track the total time worked and the number of hours driven within that work time. 

The short-haul exemption saves time for drivers who must complete multiple short trips within a day, usually for deliveries. The driver must mark the times they began and stopped working for the day, rather than tracking time out of the truck making the delivery. At FMCA Filings, we specialize in helping companies accurately track these hours to remain in compliance with the short-haul exemption.

Maintain a 100-Mile Radius

Drivers must remain within a 100-air-mile radius of the primary working location to qualify for the FMCSA ready-mix exemption. The FMCSA defines the 100-mile radius as 100 “air miles” and not necessarily 100 driving miles. Air miles are a straight-line distance from point to point, rather than the distance traveled on potentially winding roads. 

Concrete deliveries often occur at sites less than 100 miles from the main facility.

Work Shift of 14 Hours

Without the exemption, drivers would have to return to the primary work location within 12 hours of starting the shift. The ready-mix exemption gives drivers up to 14 hours to return to the primary work location. This aspect of the rule helps to account for the possibility of having to wait longer than expected to deliver a load of concrete at the construction site.

Off-Duty Period of 10 Hours

To remain in compliance with the regulations, the driver must be off work for at least 10 hours consecutively after the on-duty period of up to 14 hours. 

Maintaining Safety Ratings

Drivers and carriers with safety regulation violations might not be able to use the exemption. If the driver or carrier safety rating is labeled as "conditional" or "unsatisfactory," ready-mix concrete drivers must return to following normal operational rules.

Rely On FMCA Filings for Help With All Your Regulatory Needs

At FMCA Filings, we have a track record of success helping trucking company operators manage their FMCSA requirements. Whether you need help with understanding the FMCSA ready-mix exemption, submitting hours of service information, or managing DOT compliance reviews, our experts can help. We monitor changes to FMCSA regulations and help you remain in compliance.

To learn more about how FMCA Filings can help you, use our live chat feature to speak with our representatives.