FMCSA advances pilot programs for truck driver scheduling flexibility

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is advancing two hours-of-service pilot programs aimed at increasing scheduling flexibility for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders. These initiatives, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pro-Trucker package, seek to study the safety impacts of more flexible workdays and could lead to future industry-wide rulemaking.

The two programs include:

1. The Flexible Sleeper Berth Pilot Program: This allows drivers to split the required 10-hour off-duty period into two separate periods, provided the total equals at least 10 hours and one period includes at least five consecutive hours in the sleeper berth.

2. The Split Duty Period Pilot Program: This enables drivers to pause their 14-hour driving window for up to three hours daily while in a qualifying non-driving status, such as off-duty, sleeper berth, or on-duty time spent at pickups or deliveries.

Following successful pre-testing with a small group of drivers, the FMCSA plans to expand the programs in 2027. The next phase is expected to include 512 total participants, with 256 drivers in each program. Participating drivers will be eligible for up to $1,600 for completing all study tasks during the four-month period.