Double manning – how to count driver working time?

What is double manning?

Double manning is a work model in which at least two drivers operate a vehicle together on one route, sharing the driving and resting responsibilities. In practice, this means that while one driver is driving, the other is resting in the cabin. Thanks to this, the driving time can be extended as compared to working in a single crew, thereby increasing transport efficiency on long distances.

This system is particularly useful in international transport, where quick delivery of goods is crucial and regulations limit the time that one driver can spend behind the wheel. However, working in a double crew requires precise planning and compliance with detailed legal regulations to ensure the safety of drivers and other road users.

What are the working hours for a double crew?

The rules governing the working time of double crew drivers are clearly defined in Regulation (EC) No 561/2006. In this model, the daily work period can be extended to 30 hours, provided that both drivers alternate between driving and resting. Each of them can drive a maximum of 9 hours a day (or 10 hours twice a week).

Within 4.5 hours of continuous driving, one driver must take a break of at least 45 minutes during which the other driver takes over driving. In practice, the second driver’s availability in the cabin is treated as his break, which allows the total driving time of the vehicle to be extended to a maximum of 18 hours a day. This approach enables long distances to be covered faster, but requires strict compliance with applicable standards to avoid violations of the law.

Is the driver’s working time applicable in a double crew?

Yes, the same regulations regarding driver working time apply to a single crew as to a double crew, but with some exceptions resulting from the specific nature of this work model. Here are the key rules governing double crew work time:

1. Both drivers are present in the cabin
   Both drivers must be in the vehicle during the entire driving period, except for the first hour. If the second driver leaves the vehicle, the route is treated as single-crew.

2. Driving time
   Each driver can drive for a maximum of 4.5 hours without a break and then must rest for 45 minutes while the other driver takes over driving.

3. Maximum daily work time
   When working in a double crew, a daily shift may last up to 30 hours, of which 9 hours must be spent on rest.

4. Weekly work limits
   The driver’s total driving time cannot exceed 56 hours per week and 90 hours in a two-week period.

What are the breaks for a double crew?

The organization of breaks in a double crew is different from a single crew, because the time of one driver’s availability is treated as a break for the other. The key rules regarding breaks in this work system are:

• Driving time: A maximum of 4.5 hours of continuous driving, after which the driver must take a 45-minute break. At this time, the other driver takes over.
• Daily rest: Each driver must receive at least 9 hours of daily rest during a 30-hour work cycle.
• Weekly rest: After a maximum of 6 days of work, drivers must take at least 45 hours of regular weekly rest or 24 hours of reduced rest with appropriate compensation.

Examples:

• Driver A drives for 4.5 hours while Driver B rests.
• After 4.5 hours, the drivers switch roles, i.e. driver B drives for 4.5 hours and driver A rests.
• After two such changes, both drivers take their daily rest.

Thanks to this rotation, breaks are fully compliant with regulations, which allows the vehicle’s driving time to be maximized without exceeding permitted limits.

Benefits and challenges of working in a double crew

Working in a double crew brings a number of benefits, but with it also come some challenges. The key aspects of this model can be divided into advantages and difficulties that are worth considering when planning transport.

Benefits of the double crew

1. Faster transport: possibility to extend driving time to 18-20 hours a day means long routes can be covered more efficiently.
2. Greater safety: the presence of two drivers in the cabin means they can monitor each other’s condition and respond to unforeseen situations.
3. Optimization of work time: the availability of one driver treated as a break for another allows for more efficient use of resources.
4. Training new drivers: experienced drivers can teach younger colleagues hands-on, thus transferring knowledge and skills.
5. Better cargo security: the constant presence of two people in the cabin improves protection of transport against theft and other threats.

Challenges of the double crew

1. Fatigue and limited comfort: resting in the cabin while driving is less effective than taking a regular break when not driving.
2. Higher costs: employing two drivers means increased expenses for salaries.
3. Difficulties in synchronization: good work organization and harmonious cooperation between drivers are required, which is not always feasible.
4. Limited space: long-term sharing of a small cabin can lead to tension and reduced work comfort.

Consequences of violating working time regulations in a double crew

Failure to comply with the regulations on double crew working time may lead to serious consequences for both drivers and their employers. Here are the main consequences of these violations:

• Drivers may receive tickets for exceeding driving time limits or failing to take adequate breaks.
• Transport companies face high fines for failing to comply with regulations. In some EU countries, fines can be up to several thousand euros.
• Repeated violations may result in the carrier’s license being revoked.
• Registration in transport surveillance systems (e.g. IMI in the EU) as an entity violating regulations, may limit the possibilities of cooperation with international clients.
• Excessive working hours increase the risk of driver fatigue, which is one of the main causes of road accidents.
• In the event of an accident resulting from a violation of the regulations, the driver and the company may face criminal liability.
• Violations of regulations can negatively affect the transport company’s image, thereby weakening customer trust.

To avoid these consequences, transport companies should ensure regular driver training, appropriate route planning and the use of monitoring systems such as tachographs.

Summary: double crew = double benefits

Working in a double crew is an effective solution in road transport that allows you to cover long routes faster while maintaining compliance with regulations on driver working time. However, the proper organization of driving time, rest periods and the correct use of tachographs are of key importance.

Although the double crew involves higher costs and requires the cooperation of two drivers, its advantages, such as increased safety, optimization of working hours and the capacity to deliver loads faster, make it an invaluable work model in the logistics industry.