Minneapolis, Minnesota — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced today that it has finished the initial testing phase of two Hours of Service pilot programs designed to evaluate whether more flexible scheduling can improve safety and working conditions for commercial truck drivers.

Hours of Service (HOS) rules have long governed the amount of time drivers may spend on the road versus off duty. The current federal mandate requires a minimum of 10 consecutive hours off duty and limits drivers to a 14‑hour driving window before a mandatory rest period. The new pilots aim to determine if allowing drivers to split those hours or pause the 14‑hour clock can reduce fatigue without compromising safety.

Between April and July 2026, FMCSA tested the pilots with small groups of commercial drivers in Minnesota, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin. Participants received $600 for the six‑week pre‑test. The Flexible Sleeper Berth Pilot will let drivers divide the required 10 hours off duty into two periods that together total at least 10 hours, with one period requiring a minimum of five consecutive hours in a sleeper berth. The Split Duty Period Pilot permits pausing the 14‑hour driving window for up to three hours each day during qualifying non‑driving periods—off duty, sleeper berth, or certain on‑duty waiting times at pickup or delivery points. FMCSA will monitor shipper practices to prevent exploitation while collecting data on safety outcomes.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL‑A holders and owner‑operators, the Flexible Sleeper Berth option could mean more predictable rest patterns, allowing a driver to split a long overnight shift into a shorter early‑morning break and a later evening rest. The Split Duty Period Pilot offers OTR truck drivers the chance to pause the 14‑hour clock during heavy traffic, severe weather, or detention at a terminal, potentially extending their daily driving window by up to three hours without violating federal limits. Drivers who complete all study requirements could earn up to $1,600, a significant incentive for those who are willing to participate in the expanded 2027 pilot that will involve 512 drivers over four months.

Industry Reaction

Carriers across the country have expressed cautious optimism. Many fleet managers see the potential to reduce driver fatigue and improve on‑time performance, while some owner‑operators worry about the risk of over‑exposure to the road if the pilots are not tightly monitored. Trucking associations emphasize that any changes to FMCSA regulations must balance driver well‑being with highway safety, and they are calling for transparent data from the pilots before broader adoption.

Key Points

• Pre‑test phase ran from April to July 2026 with $600 compensation for participants.
• Flexible Sleeper Berth Pilot allows a 10‑hour off‑duty period split into two segments, one of at least five consecutive hours in a sleeper berth.
• Split Duty Period Pilot permits pausing the 14‑hour driving window for up to three hours daily during qualifying non‑driving periods.
• Full 2027 pilot will enroll 512 drivers, offering up to $1,600 for complete participation.

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