Sleeper Berth: FMCSA Tests Different Options for Truckers

FMCSA Moves Ahead With Flexible Sleeper Berth Pilot

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is moving ahead with a pilot program that could give some truck drivers more choices for how they split sleeper berth time.

The study will test schedules such as 5/5 and 6/4 splits. These options are not allowed under the current rules for most property-carrying drivers. FMCSA wants to learn whether more flexible rest periods can improve working conditions while keeping safety at the same level or better. 2026-20524

The agency plans to include about 256 commercial motor vehicle drivers in the study. Each driver would take part for 16 weeks. The current nationwide Hours of Service rules have not changed, so drivers outside the pilot must still follow the existing sleeper berth rules.

How Sleeper Berth Rules Work Today

Property-carrying truck drivers must normally get at least 10 hours off duty before starting a new work period. That rest can be taken all at once, or some drivers can use the sleeper berth rule to divide it into two parts.

Under the current rule, one rest period must include at least seven straight hours in the sleeper berth. The other period must include at least two straight hours in the berth, off duty, or both. Together, the two periods must total at least 10 hours.

This allows common combinations such as 7/3 and 8/2. The new pilot would test whether the longer part of that split can safely be shorter.

Sleeper Berth Pilot Would Test 5/5 and 6/4 Splits

Drivers approved for the pilot would receive an exemption from part of the current sleeper berth rule. The exemption would lower the minimum length of the longer sleeper period from seven hours to five hours.

That would allow approved drivers to use a 5/5 split, a 6/4 split, or another split between those options. The two qualifying periods would still need to equal the required amount of rest.

For long-haul drivers, that could offer more control over when they rest. A driver might use added flexibility to sleep when tired or to plan around heavy traffic. FMCSA noted that drivers have asked for this type of flexibility in the past.

Why Sleeper Berth Flexibility Could Matter to Drivers

The biggest effect would be on OTR drivers who often use sleeper berths. A shorter minimum sleeper period could give them more choices when planning rest during a trip.

That does not mean drivers would receive more driving time. The pilot is about changing how required rest may be divided. FMCSA is trying to find out whether that added choice can work without increasing fatigue or safety risks.

The agency also points to earlier research on split sleep. That research found that sleep divided into more than one period can still be useful for rest and alertness in some cases. FMCSA also said the time of day may play an important role in driver fatigue.

FMCSA Will Track Driver Fatigue and Performance

FMCSA plans to collect several types of data from the drivers in the study. Researchers will not rely only on driver logs.

Participants will complete surveys and tests that measure alertness. They will also report how sleepy they feel. Drivers will wear an actigraphy device on the wrist to help researchers track sleep and activity.

The study will also use records of duty status and a non-intrusive telematics device. That information will help FMCSA compare driver schedules, fatigue, and driving performance.

FMCSA plans to compare the same drivers under both sets of conditions. Participants will operate under the current rules and also under the flexible sleeper berth exemption. This will allow researchers to study how each driver performs under both systems.

Carriers Must Meet Safety Requirements

Not every motor carrier will be able to join the pilot. FMCSA has set several safety and operating requirements.

Carriers must have the proper interstate authority and registration. They must also meet federal financial responsibility rules when those rules apply. A carrier cannot have an Unsatisfactory safety rating or be listed as a high- or moderate-risk carrier.

The carrier also cannot have had an FMCSA enforcement action during the past three years. Its driver and vehicle out-of-service rates must not be above the national averages. Unpaid civil penalties could also prevent a carrier from taking part.

Carriers that do participate must allow researchers to collect records of duty status from participating drivers. They must also allow approved drivers to operate under the pilot exemption.

Sleeper Berth Pilot Has Driver Eligibility Rules

Drivers will face their own requirements. They must have a valid CDL and a valid medical certificate while taking part in the study.

Participants must normally operate a truck with a sleeper berth and regularly use that sleeper berth. They must also operate the same commercial vehicle they use for their main job during the study. Owner-operators may qualify as well.

FMCSA also lists several reasons a driver could be excluded. A driver identified in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse would not qualify, even after completing the return-to-duty process. Certain recent license suspensions, revocations, cancellations, or disqualifying offenses could also make a driver ineligible.

Study Will Include 256 Drivers

FMCSA expects 256 drivers to take part in the pilot. The agency plans to use volunteers from carriers of different sizes that operate beyond a 100-mile radius.

FMCSA says this type of volunteer group may attract drivers who are more likely to use the exemption. That could help researchers gather enough data on the flexible sleeper berth options. However, it also means the study group may not match every type of driver in the industry.

Each participant is expected to spend about 16.68 hours on study-related tasks over 16 weeks. FMCSA estimates the total information collection burden at about 4,271 hours for all participants.

Current Sleeper Berth Rules Still Apply

The pilot does not give all truck drivers permission to begin using 5/5 or 6/4 splits. Those options would only apply to drivers who are accepted into the program and covered by the exemption.

For everyone else, the current Hours of Service and sleeper berth rules remain in place. Drivers should continue using the existing rules unless they are officially approved to take part in the pilot.

The larger issue is what FMCSA may learn from the study. If the agency finds that more flexible sleeper berth splits can maintain an equal or better level of safety, the results could help shape future policy.

For long-haul truck drivers, that makes the pilot worth watching. It could eventually lead to more choices for when required rest is taken while keeping the same basic limits on driving and rest.