Fines and Penalties for HOS and ELD Violations
Definition
Truck carriers and drivers face substantial fines from FMCSA for Hours of Service (HOS) violations and ELD non-compliance, ranging from $300 to $16,000 per violation depending on severity. In 2011 alone, the industry paid over $30.7 million in fines for FMCSR non-compliance, with an average fine of $5,050 per case. These penalties are recurring due to ongoing enforcement through roadside inspections, audits, and investigations.
Key Findings
- Financial Impact: $30.7M industry-wide annually
- Frequency: Ongoing - recurring violations across carriers
- Root Cause: Failure to adhere to HOS limits (e.g., 11-hour driving, 14-hour duty) and ELD mandates, often due to inadequate monitoring or falsified records
Why This Matters
This pain point represents a significant opportunity for B2B solutions targeting Truck Transportation.
Affected Stakeholders
truck drivers, fleet managers, compliance officers
Deep Analysis (Premium)
Financial Impact
$1,000-$10,000 per violation × seasonal driver volume; estimated $40,000-$150,000 annually for mid-to-large agricultural logistics operations managing 50+ seasonal drivers • $1,000-$13,000 per violation; estimated $80,000-$300,000 annually for large food/beverage distributors with 50-150 active delivery vehicles • $1,000-$16,000 per violation × high seasonal driver volume (500+ hires); estimated $150,000-$500,000 annually for large 3PLs moving 500+ shipments daily during peaks
Current Workarounds
Batch training sessions with minimal hands-on ELD practice; spreadsheet-based compliance tracking; no real-time violation alerts during ramp-up; drivers deployed before verification • Calls drivers day-of to ask HOS status; uses WhatsApp/text for informal tracking; paper worksheets with manual calculations • Construction firms assume experienced drivers know HOS rules; minimal ELD/HOS training documentation; manual trip logs or incomplete ELD configuration at assignment
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Methodology & Sources
Data collected via OSINT from regulatory filings, industry audits, and verified case studies.
Related Business Risks
Lost Revenue from Out-of-Service Orders Due to HOS Violations
Excessive Recurring Settlement Deductions
Inaccurate Settlements from Manual Processing Errors
Over- or Underpayment Risks in Complex Settlements
Recurring FMCSA fines and out‑of‑service orders from failed vehicle inspections
Truck downtime and lost miles from out‑of‑service inspection results
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