“Over the course of six weeks, these drivers will help us make sure the study plans, training materials, and data collection tools are clear, practical, and ready for broader rollout,” FMCSA said.

About the Pilot Programs

This short pre-testing phase supports the development of the Flexible Sleeper Berth and Split Duty Period pilot programs. Both are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy’s Pro-Trucker Package.

The pilots aim to test alternatives to current HOS rules. The goal is to improve working conditions and flexibility for truck drivers while keeping safety levels equal to or higher than existing standards.

FMCSA is partnering with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) to design and conduct these pilot programs. Driver feedback during this pre-test will help identify any issues with training materials or data collection before the broader rollout.

Who FMCSA Needs

The Agency is seeking:

• Nine drivers currently using split sleeper berth schedules (“8/2” or “7/3”) who are willing to test new split options (“6/4” and “5/5”) for six weeks.
• Nine drivers who drive up to the end of their 14-hour on-duty window and are interested in testing a new option to “pause” that window for 30 minutes minimum and up to 3 hours maximum by taking an extra break either:
  • off-duty or in the sleeper berth at any location, or
  • on-duty (not driving) at a pickup or delivery location.

Apply to Participate

Drivers interested in the pre-test can complete the online screening forms here:

• Flexible Sleeper Berth Online Screening Questionnaire
• Split Duty Period Online Screening Questionnaire

This is a unique opportunity for professional truck drivers to provide input on HOS rules and help shape programs designed to make OTR trucking safer and more flexible.

Source: The Trucker

The post FMCSA Recruiting 18 Drivers for Hours-of-Service Pilot Testing appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation

What the Two Pilot Programs Will Test

1. Split Duty Period Pilot
   • Under this pilot, drivers will be able to pause their 14-hour on-duty (driving) window for a period between 30 minutes and three hours.
   • The idea is to find out if this kind of pause helps drivers rest well enough to avoid fatigue, while still preserving safety levels.
2. Flexible Sleeper Berth Pilot
   • This experiment will test new split-options for the required ten-hour off-duty rest period in the sleeper berth. Instead of the current “8/2” or “7/3” splits, FMCSA aims to explore whether drivers might split that rest into “6/4” or “5/5” configurations.
   • The study will assess how different split options affect fatigue, driver wellbeing, and overall safety.

Participation & Timeline

• More than 500 commercial drivers are expected to be part of the trials.
• Protocols and detailed study guidelines are scheduled to begin in early 2026.

Why This Matters

These pilots respond to longstanding concerns among drivers and driver organizations about rigid hours-of-service (HOS) rules. Many say current rules force them to drive or rest in ways that don’t match real fatigue cycles.

Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has pushed for flexibility, such as pausing the clock on the driving window and more options for sleeper berth splits. The pilots reflect those ideas.

What the Government Says

“Truck drivers are the backbone of our economy, and we owe it to them to explore smarter, data-driven policies that make their jobs safer and more enjoyable,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “These pilot programs will help identify real solutions for America’s drivers without compromising safety.”

What Drivers Can Watch For

If you’re a trucker, these pilots could mean potential changes in how you schedule rest periods and manage your driving windows in the future. Stay tuned for how the pilots are set up and whether you’re eligible. Knowing the rules ahead of time can help you plan your trips, rest, and compliance accordingly.

Sources: Truckers News

The post FMCSA Announces Pilot Trials for More Flexibility in Hours-of-Service appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.