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The 150 air-mile short-haul exception for dedicated routes

Helm PartnersUpdated Oct 30, 2026Sources checked Oct 30, 2026

This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.

Short answer

A dedicated driver who stays within 150 air miles of the normal work reporting location, returns and is released within 14 hours, and gets 10 hours off between shifts does not keep a log under 49 CFR 395.8. The carrier must keep 6 months of time records: start time, total hours, release time and, for new or intermittent drivers, the prior 7 days.

In this guide
  • The four conditions
  • Records the carrier keeps
  • What it does not change
  • FAQ

The four conditions

  • The driver operates within 150 air miles (172.6 statute miles) of the normal work reporting location (49 CFR 395.1(e)(1)).
  • The driver returns and is released within 14 consecutive hours.
  • Property-carrying drivers have at least 10 consecutive hours off between each 14 hours on duty.
  • The carrier keeps accurate time records for 6 months.

Records the carrier keeps

  • Time the driver reports for duty each day.
  • Total hours on duty each day.
  • Time the driver is released each day.
  • For drivers used for the first time or intermittently, total time for the preceding 7 days.

What it does not change

The exception lifts the record of duty status and supporting document rules (395.8 and 395.11). The driving limits in 395.3 still apply.

Related: insurance terms in dedicated contract carriage, a dedicated contract renewal checklist, a COI request checklist for dedicated accounts, dedicated contract carriage in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.

FAQ

How far is 150 air miles?

The rule states 150 air miles equals 172.6 statute miles, measured from the normal work reporting location.

What if the driver goes past 14 hours one day?

The driver does not meet the exception that day, so the normal record of duty status rules apply.

Does the driver still follow driving limits?

Yes. The exception covers 395.8 and 395.11 only. The limits in 395.3 still apply.

How long must time records be kept?

6 months.

Why does this matter for a dedicated account?

Many dedicated routes run out and back from one yard. Good time records show the account and your file that drivers stay within the rules.

This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.

Sources