As night falls on the highway, massive cargo trucks thunder down the road like steel beasts, maintaining the vital supply chains between cities. Have you ever wondered how these long-haul drivers manage their schedules? How do they ensure timely deliveries while maintaining safety and health? Under new regulations, how should we interpret the "two-day operation" rule in long-haul trucking? This article provides an in-depth analysis of the two-day operation regulations, examines their impact on drivers' working hours, and offers strategies for compliance.

Before examining the new regulations, we must first understand the concept of "two-day operation." Simply put, it refers to a complete transport mission (known as "one operation") that requires two days to complete. To better grasp this concept, let's define "one operation."

A "one operation" cycle begins when a truck driver departs from their base location, completes loading and unloading tasks, transports goods, and ultimately returns to the same starting point. This cycle might involve multiple delivery points, different cargo types, or even cross-city journeys, but as long as the driver returns to the origin, it counts as the same operation.

Thus, "two-day operation" means the driver needs two full days to complete a round trip from origin to destination and back. For example, if a driver leaves location A on Monday morning, completes loading, transportation, and unloading, and returns to A by Tuesday night, this constitutes a two-day operation.

Notably, even if the driver stops at other locations for transfers or supplies during the journey, as long as they ultimately return to the original starting point, it still counts as the same operation.

The two-day operation system aims to limit continuous driving time, preventing fatigue-related safety hazards. Without such regulations, drivers might extend working hours excessively to maximize earnings, increasing accident risks. Therefore, this rule serves as crucial protection for drivers' rights and road safety.

Regulations stipulate that one operation must not exceed 144 hours (six days) total. This includes all driving, loading/unloading, and rest periods between departure and return. Importantly, this limit isn't extended by rest breaks or days off during the trip.

Since one operation requires returning to the origin, planners must account for round-trip time. With a six-day maximum, the outward journey cannot exceed three days, otherwise the driver couldn't return compliantly.

When ferries are used, time spent aboard (when not driving) may be excluded from the 144-hour calculation. For instance, if a 150-hour operation includes 10 ferry hours, the adjusted 140-hour total complies with regulations.

Other exceptions are strictly limited—split rest periods, team driving, or intermittent work don't justify exceeding time limits.

Revised regulations effective April 2024 introduced stricter rules about driving time, rest periods, and work intensity to better protect drivers.

Normally, drivers' total daily "constrained time" (including driving, loading/unloading, and breaks) shouldn't exceed 13 hours. However, exceptional circumstances like traffic delays may extend this to 16 hours, provided:

• The week's shipments all involve long-haul trips exceeding 450km (280 miles) one-way
• All rest periods during the operation occur away from home
• No more than two such extensions occur weekly

Drivers must average ≤9 hours daily driving over any two consecutive days, with ≤44 hours weekly averaged over two weeks. Flexibility exists—for example, 10 hours one day and 8 the next meets the requirement.

After daily work, drivers must have ≥11 consecutive rest hours. Exceptions allow ≥8 hours twice weekly for long-haul drivers resting away from home. After completing one operation, ≥12 continuous rest hours are mandatory.

Rest may be split (minimum 3-hour segments) if daily totals reach 10+ hours (two segments) or 12+ hours (three segments), though continuous rest is preferable.

Monthly, drivers must take days off lasting ≥30 continuous hours (combining daily rest and 24+ additional hours).

To adapt to these regulations, companies and drivers can:

1. Optimize routes: Consider traffic, road conditions, and weather using logistics management systems.
2. Utilize ferries: Reduce driving time where possible.
3. Negotiate with shippers: Minimize loading/unloading wait times.
4. Collaborate: Implement shared distribution to improve efficiency.
5. Improve conditions: Enhance cab comfort, provide training, and ensure adequate facilities.

Long-haul truckers form the backbone of logistics networks. Protecting their well-being through sensible regulations and operational practices ensures both their safety and the reliability of supply chains.