The Most Misunderstood Rule in Trucking

Personal Conveyance (PC) allows you to drive your commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for personal use while off-duty. However, it is frequently misused, leading to Hours of Service (HOS) violations and IFTA complications.

The Golden Rule of PC

PC must not advance the commercial purpose of the trip.

• Allowed: Driving from a motel to a restaurant. Driving to a "safe haven" for rest. Commuting home after dropping a load.
• Not Allowed: Driving to a maintenance shop. Driving towards your next pickup. Repositioning the truck for operational convenience.

The "Empty Trailer" Myth

Many drivers believe you cannot use PC if you are pulling a trailer. This is false. You can use PC with a laden or unladen trailer, provided the movement is purely personal (e.g., driving the rig to a movie theater because it's your only transportation).

US vs. Canada: A Critical Difference

If you cross the border, be careful.

• USA: No specific distance limit. The standard is "reasonableness."
• Canada: Strict limit of 75km (approx 46 miles) per day for personal use. Exceeding this puts you back on the clock.

Reporting PC on IFTA

Here is the catch: PC miles are taxable for IFTA. Even though you are off-duty for HOS purposes, the fuel you burn still incurs tax. You must report these miles on your quarterly return as part of your total distance, which affects your overall fleet MPG.

Log It Right: With FastIFTA, you can tag specific trips or segments as "Personal Conveyance." This ensures they are categorized correctly—keeping your logbook legal while ensuring your tax calculations remain accurate.