FMCSA Prepares Hours of Service Pilot Programs for Expanded Driver Testing in 2027

FMCSA has completed pre-testing for two Hours of Service pilot programs that will expand in 2027 to study more flexible sleeper berth and duty period options for commercial drivers.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has completed the initial testing phase of two Hours of Service (HOS) pilot programs to examine whether additional scheduling flexibility can improve safety and working conditions for commercial drivers.

The agency conducted pre-tests between April and July 2026 using small groups of commercial drivers in Minnesota, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin. According to the FMCSA, the evaluations tested data collection methods, participation requirements, and study procedures before the programs expanded in 2027. Drivers who participated in the six-week pre-test received $600.

Flexible Sleeper Berth Pilot Program

One pilot program will evaluate an alternative approach to the required 10 hours of off-duty time. Under the Flexible Sleeper Berth Pilot Program, participating drivers will be allowed to divide their required 10 consecutive hours off duty into any two qualifying periods, provided the total equals at least 10 hours and one of those periods includes a minimum of five consecutive hours in the sleeper berth.

FMCSA will use the results to determine whether giving drivers greater flexibility in scheduling their rest periods can be done while maintaining highway safety.

Split Duty Period Pilot Program

The second pilot program focuses on the 14-hour driving window by allowing participating drivers to pause that clock for up to three hours each day during qualifying non-driving periods. Eligible time may include off-duty periods, sleeper berth time, or certain on-duty periods spent waiting at pickup or delivery locations.

According to FMCSA, the study will evaluate whether this added flexibility helps drivers better manage delays caused by traffic congestion, severe weather and detention at shipping and receiving facilities without reducing safety. The agency also said it will monitor shipper practices throughout the pilot to help ensure the additional flexibility does not lead to driver exploitation.

Full Pilot Program Scheduled for 2027

FMCSA is now reviewing information collected during the pre-test phase to refine study procedures before the full pilot programs begin next year. The expanded study will include 256 drivers in each pilot program, for a total of 512 participants, with selected drivers taking part for four months.

Drivers who complete all study requirements may earn up to $1,600, and commercial drivers and motor carriers interested in participating can submit their contact information to [email protected] for future consideration.

The results of both pilot programs are expected to provide FMCSA with additional data as it evaluates potential changes to future Hours of Service regulations.