How Long is 150 Air Miles? Understanding Short-Haul Exemptions and ELD Requirements

Key Takeaways

• Drivers operating within a 150 air mile radius may qualify for the short-haul exemption and avoid using ELDs.
• Air miles are measured in straight-line distance, not road miles, and equal roughly 172.6 driving miles.
• To qualify for the exemption, drivers must remain within the 150 air mile radius, return to the same location, and not exceed a 14-hour duty window.
• Traveling the 150 air mile boundary or failing to meet time limits activates ELD and HOS logging requirements.
• Using tools like 150 air mile radius maps and FMCSA-compliant platforms helps ensure accurate tracking and compliance.

Understanding Short-Haul Exemptions and ELD Requirements

The term 150 air miles is an essential concept in the trucking industry, especially regarding Short-Haul Exemption rules and ELD exemptions. It defines a specific operating capacity measured in nautical miles, not standard road miles, and is important in determining compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. Understanding the difference between air miles vs. driving miles is critical, as misinterpreting this distance can lead to violations or unnecessary use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs).

The 150 air mile radius is commonly used to identify drivers who qualify for certain regulatory breaks, such as being exempt from ELD usage. Drivers who operate within this range from their home terminal and meet other conditions fall under the Short-Haul Exemption, allowing them to simplify recordkeeping. Knowing how to calculate 150 air miles, referencing a 150 air mile radius map, and using proper ELD mileage tracking tools ensures drivers and carriers stay compliant while optimizing their daily driving distance.

What is 150 Air Miles?

150 air miles is a measurement used by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to define a specific operating area for certain trucking regulations. Unlike road miles, air miles are calculated as straight-line distances from a fixed point, often the driver’s home terminal. These are based on nautical miles, where one air mile equals approximately 1.1508 regular or statute miles. This means that 150 air miles equals about 172.6 road miles, depending on the exact route taken. This measurement is important when determining if a driver qualifies for the Short-Haul Exemption, which allows them to bypass some of the standard HOS regulations and avoid using an ELD in specific situations.

Knowing the difference between air miles vs. driving miles is required for both compliance and planning. Misunderstanding the distance can lead to violations, missed exemptions, or unnecessary tracking with an Electronic Logging Device. Carriers and drivers can use tools such as a 150 air mile radius map or GPS-based systems to measure accurate distances from their terminals. Learning how to calculate 150 air miles correctly ensures that operations remain within regulatory limits and that ELD mileage tracking is only used when required. This helps reduce paperwork, lower compliance risk, and improve daily route efficiency.

Understanding the Short-Haul Exemption

The Short-Haul Exemption is an essential part of the FMCSA’s regulations that affect how certain drivers manage HOS regulations and if they are required to use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). Drivers who operate within a 150 air mile radius from their starting location may be exempt from ELD usage and daily logbooks if they meet specific conditions. This exemption is designed to reduce the administrative burden on local and regional drivers who return to their home base daily and remain within a limited driving distance. For companies and independent drivers, properly understanding and applying this exemption can save time, reduce costs, and simplify compliance.

To qualify for the Short-Haul Exemption, drivers must meet the following criteria:

• Operate within a 150-air-mile radius (approximately 172.6 road miles) from their starting location.
• Return to the same work reporting location each day.
• Have at least 10 consecutive hours off-duty between shifts.
• Do not drive more than 11 hours in a 14-hour shift window.
• Do not exceed 14 consecutive hours on duty.
• Maintain time records showing the start time, end time, and total hours worked each day.
• Drive a vehicle that does not require a CDL if claiming the exemption under the 150 air mile non-CDL rule, or meet the specific CDL requirements for the CDL version of the exemption.

These requirements apply to both CDL and non-CDL drivers, though the conditions may differ slightly based on vehicle type and operational category. The essential point is staying within the 150 air mile range and keeping clear, accessible time records to prove compliance during inspections.

For drivers and fleet managers, applying the Short-Haul Exemption correctly is a practical way to simplify operations while remaining fully aligned with HOS regulations. It reduces the need for detailed logging and ELD mileage tracking, which can be especially helpful for local delivery routes, utility drivers, and agricultural transport. When used properly, this exemption supports easier documentation and gives drivers more flexibility in their daily operations without risking violations.

How the 150 Air Mile Radius Affects ELD Requirements

Understanding how the 150 air mile radius influences ELD requirements is essential for staying compliant with FMCSA rules. The use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) is generally required for most commercial drivers, but the Short-Haul Exemption allows qualified drivers to operate without one, as long as they remain within the allowed distance and meet all time-related conditions. Drivers who remain within this 150 air mile operating zone can avoid using ELDs entirely, but the moment they exceed the limit or violate time constraints, ELD use becomes mandatory. This makes accurate ELD mileage tracking and a solid understanding of driving distance required for day-to-day operations.

ELD usage is not required if all of the following conditions are met:

• The driver operates within a 150 air mile radius from the home terminal.
• The driver does not drive past the 14-hour duty window.
• The driver returns to the same starting location within the workday.
• The driver keeps accurate time records (instead of full HOS logs).
• The driver qualifies for and properly uses the Short-Haul Exemption.

ELD usage becomes required if any of the following occurs:

• The driver goes above the 150 air mile radius, even once.
• The driver does not return to the same reporting location.
• The driver operates past the 14-hour on-duty limit.
• The driver is required to complete logs on more than 8 days within any 30-day period.
• The driver fails to meet the Short-Haul Exemption criteria on any given day.

Drivers must also understand that exceeding the 150 air mile boundary, even unintentionally or once during a shift, removes the ELD exemption for that day. For this reason, some carriers choose to use ELDs voluntarily, even when exempt, to simplify tracking and avoid compliance issues. When operating near the border of the exemption zone, knowing how to calculate 150 air miles and using tools like a 150 air mile radius map becomes especially important.

How to Calculate a 150 Air Mile Radius

Calculating the 150 air mile radius accurately is important for drivers and fleet managers who wish to take advantage of the Short-Haul Exemption and avoid unnecessary ELD usage. Since air miles are different from driving miles, it is important to understand the method for calculating air miles in a way that aligns with FMCSA guidelines. Instead of using standard road maps or GPS devices that measure driving miles, air miles are calculated in a straight line from the driver’s home terminal or work reporting location. The 150 air mile radius ensures that drivers can stay within a designated area while meeting the requirements for ELD exemptions and avoiding HOS regulations.

Steps to calculate the 150 air mile radius accurately:

• Identify the home terminal – Begin by marking the driver’s base location, such as a company terminal or starting point for the day’s trip.
• Use a reliable air mile calculator or mapping tool – Utilize online tools, apps, or software that specifically calculate air miles, such as a 150 air mile radius map, rather than standard road miles.
• Measure the distance in a straight line – Calculate the straight-line distance from the terminal to the furthest point a driver may reach during their workday.
• Ensure it is within the 150 air mile limit – Verify that the calculated distance falls within the 150 air mile limit (approximately 172.6 road miles).
• Account for all stops and detours – Consider any route changes or detours when calculating the total distance, as the straight-line distance is the main factor in exemption eligibility.

Accurately calculating the 150 air mile radius is essential for drivers to stay within Short-Haul Exemption guidelines and avoid the need for ELD usage. By using tools like 150 air mile radius maps and online calculators, drivers can easily measure the straight-line distance from their home terminal, ensuring they remain within the allowable limit. Regularly verifying this distance helps prevent non-compliance with HOS regulations and ensures that ELD mileage tracking is only used when necessary. With the right tools and understanding of the calculation process, drivers can simplify their operations while remaining compliant.

Compliance Essentials for Operating Within the 150 air mile Radius

The 150 air mile radius plays a significant role in determining a driver’s eligibility for Short-Haul Exemptions and affects the need for ELD usage. Drivers operating within this radius, which equates to approximately 172.6 road miles, are exempt from using Electronic Logging Devices as long as they meet certain Hours of Service (HOS) regulations and time requirements. Understanding the difference between air miles vs. driving miles is essential for accurate compliance, as air miles are measured in a straight line rather than along the roadways. This distinction ensures that drivers stay within the limits for exemption and avoid unnecessary paperwork or logging.

Calculating the 150 air mile radius correctly is important for maintaining compliance and minimizing risks. Tools like 150 air mile radius maps and specialized calculators help drivers track their distance from the home terminal and ensure they qualify for the Short-Haul Exemption. Staying within this distance and accurately recording time worked prevents the need for ELD mileage tracking and makes it easier to follow HOS regulations. By understanding how to calculate the air miles and knowing when the exemption applies, drivers can optimize their routes, save time, and operate more efficiently while staying fully compliant with FMCSA rules.

Trusted Support for ELD Compliance and Short-Haul Operations

Geosavi makes it easy to remain compliant with ELD requirements while helping short-haul drivers confidently operate within the 150 air mile radius. As an FMCSA-approved ELD platform, Geosavi offers advanced, easy-to-use features that support accurate ELD mileage tracking, smooth HOS recordkeeping, and real-time visibility for fleet managers. Our system is designed to simplify the daily process for both drivers and operators, making Short-Haul Exemption management efficient and reliable. From calculating air miles to meeting every compliance requirement, Geosavi ensures your fleet remains within regulations without added stress.

Contact us today to see how Geosavi can help you remain FMCSA-compliant and manage your short-haul operations more easily.