FMCSA Advances HOS Pilots for 14-Hour Pauses and Flexible Sleeper Splits

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is moving two hours-of-service research programs closer to launch. TheTrucker.com reported October 7 that companion Federal Register notices published October 6 and 7 seek public comment on the data collections for a split-duty-period study and a flexible sleeper-berth study. These are limited pilot programs, not an immediate change to the HOS rules for all drivers.

The split-duty study would let participating property-carrying drivers extend the 14-hour driving window with one pause of 30 minutes to three hours. The pause could be off duty, in the sleeper berth or on duty but not driving, and it must occur at a cargo pickup or delivery location. FMCSA plans to enroll approximately 256 drivers and compare fatigue and driving performance under normal rules with performance while the exemption is used.

A separate study would evaluate more-flexible sleeper-berth combinations, including 6/4 and 5/5 splits, rather than requiring one qualifying period of at least seven consecutive hours. Approximately 256 drivers would provide data during a one-month baseline period and a three-month exemption period. Both drivers and their employing carriers must meet eligibility requirements, and the agency will collect records needed to evaluate safety and alertness.

Drivers should not use either option unless they are formally accepted into the applicable pilot and operating under its exemption. Fleets interested in participating should review the official notices, assess eligibility and understand the required electronic logs, safety records and study monitoring before applying. Everyone else must continue following the current 14-hour window and sleeper-berth rules. The research could shape later rulemaking, but any industrywide change would require additional federal action.