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FMCSA Advances HOS Pilot Programs

Aug 27
1 min read

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced progress on two pilot programs that will test whether giving truck drivers more flexibility in managing their schedules can maintain or improve safety. The agency completed small-scale pre-tests in 2026 and is preparing for a larger rollout in 2027.


Flexible Sleeper Berth Pilot Program

This pilot will allow participating drivers to split their required 10 hours of off-duty time into two periods in any combination, as long as:

  • Total off-duty time equals at least 10 hours.

  • One period includes at least 5 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth.

The goal is to give drivers more flexibility to align rest periods with real-world schedules and conditions. A pre-test involving 9 drivers from carriers in Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin ran from April to June 2026.


Split Duty Period Pilot Program

This pilot will test allowing drivers to pause their 14-hour driving window for up to 3 hours per day while in a qualifying non-driving status, such as:

  • Off-duty time

  • Sleeper berth time

  • Time spent waiting at pickup or delivery locations

FMCSA believes this may help drivers better deal with traffic, weather delays, detention time, and needed breaks. FMCSA stated it will monitor shippers to ensure the added flexibility does not increase driver detention or exploitation. A pre-test involving 9 drivers from carriers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ohio ran from May to July 2026.


Next Steps

  • FMCSA is reviewing the pre-test results and refining both programs.

  • Full pilot launch is planned for 2027.

  • Each pilot is expected to include 256 drivers (512 total participants).

  • Drivers will participate for four months and may receive up to $1,600 for completing study requirements.

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