Understanding truck drivers’ schedules and how they impact the supply chain

What you need to know for a smoother supply chain  

In the world of logistics, one of the biggest challenges for freight forwarding companies is understanding and working around truck drivers’ schedules. This isn’t just about making sure that goods arrive on time—it’s also about ensuring compliance with international and local regulations that prioritize driver safety. Balancing these rules can directly impact the efficiency of the supply chain, and in turn, affect your business.

Whether you’re transporting fresh produce or frozen goods, knowing the key points of truck drivers’ schedules will help you avoid potential delays and better understand how logistics operations flow behind the scenes. In this post, we’ll dive into the driving and rest time regulations that impact every shipment. These aren’t just numbers on paper—they’re the rules that keep things running safely and smoothly.

🚚Why understanding driver schedules matters

Truck drivers’ schedules are governed by strict rules to ensure that they are well-rested and alert on the road. These regulations are critical not just for the safety of the drivers themselves, but also for the safe delivery of goods and compliance with legal standards. If these schedules aren’t properly managed, the ripple effects can include shipment delays, legal penalties, and in the worst-case scenario, accidents.

It’s also important to consider that these hours don’t include the time spent loading or unloading goods, waiting for assignments, or performing other tasks. All of these activities must be recorded, and any delays or scheduling adjustments need to be carefully planned to stay within the legal limits.

🚩Key driving time regulations you should know

Drivers are allowed to drive for a maximum of 9 hours per day, which can be extended to 10 hours twice a week. Over a week, they can work up to 56 hours, but biweekly limits cap their driving time at 90 hours over two weeks. If a driver works 30 hours one week, they can’t exceed 56 hours the following week. These limits are essential for preventing fatigue and ensuring that drivers remain alert.

🕛Breaks and rest periods

After driving for 4.5 hours, a driver must take a mandatory break of at least 45 minutes. This break can be split into two parts, with the second being the longer of the two. Drivers also need to take daily and weekly rest periods—9 to 11 hours daily, and two full days off every two weeks.

For drivers who travel long distances or work in teams, the rules get even more specific. For example, team drivers must take a 9-hour rest after every 30 hours of work. If they are accompanying the vehicle on a ferry or train, their rest period can be interrupted, but only for short periods and never exceeding one hour.

🎯Why this matters for your business

At DS Freight Forwarding, we ensure that our drivers’ schedules comply with these regulations, so you don’t have to worry about disruptions to your deliveries. We know that delays can affect your business, but keeping things running smoothly while staying compliant with the law is part of what we do best.

We meticulously plan our routes, taking into account driver schedules, loading times, and unforeseen delays. This level of precision is what helps us maintain our reputation for on-time deliveries. In the world of freight forwarding, it’s not just about moving goods from Point A to Point B—it’s about moving them safely, efficiently, and legally.

✨Working together for a smoother supply chain

Understanding the complexities of truck drivers’ schedules is essential to running an efficient logistics operation. When you partner with DS Freight Forwarding, you’re not just working with a company that moves goods—you’re working with a team that cares about safety, compliance, and ensuring your supply chain runs as smoothly as possible.

By collaborating with a freight forwarding partner that understands the challenges and nuances of truck drivers’ schedules, you’re investing in a reliable and responsible logistics solution that helps your business thrive.

DSFF team

🆕 2025 Update: What Changes with the New Tachograph and Driving Schedule

As of April 21, 2025, new requirements come into effect for all truck drivers involved in international transport within the EU and the United Kingdom. These changes are part of the implementation of the Smart Tachograph 2 and updates to Regulation (EC) No 561/2006.

🚛 What remains unchanged:

• Daily driving limit: 9 hours (can be extended to 10 hours twice per week)

• Weekly driving limit: 56 hours

• Fortnightly driving limit: 90 hours

• Break after 4.5 hours of driving: 45 minutes

🔄 What changes from April 2025:

1. 56-day data record
   Drivers must now retain and present driving data for the past 56 days (previously 28), either digitally (tachograph card) or through handwritten records.
2. Automatic country border recording
   The Smart Tacho 2 will automatically detect and log border crossings, without requiring manual input from the driver.
3. Manual entry for ferry/train use
   When using a ferry or train for transport, drivers must manually record the activity if they intend to use it as part of a split rest period (e.g. 15-minute break before boarding + 15 minutes during crossing = valid rest only with Smart Tacho 2 and proper entry).
4. Mandatory upgrade to Smart Tacho 2
   All vehicles involved in international transport must be equipped with a Smart Tachograph 2 by December 31, 2024, or by August 18, 2025 depending on vehicle registration.

🗓️ Sample 2-Week Driving Schedule (International Transport)

➡️ During the second week, the driver can follow a similar driving pattern and take a full 45-hour weekly rest by the weekend.

📌 Summary

With stricter digital controls and the mandatory use of Smart Tachograph 2, transport companies and drivers must plan routes more accurately, upgrade equipment in time, and ensure drivers are trained in the new procedures.

If you need assistance with compliance checks or tachograph upgrades, our team is here to support you.