FMCSA is really trying to really push forward a new program. This one, in specific, has to do with saftey effects on several types of sleeper berth splits. That is to say that only certain trucks with 6/4 or 5/5 sized splits will be applicable to this.

It’s a proposed pilot program where drivers have the choice of splitting from 10-hour off-duty sleeper berth time into two periods. The two periods total up to about 10 hours. Any driver that participates, in case you didn’t know, are under expectations to split sleeper berth times into two periods so that each period couldn’t be less than four hours.

The FMCSA believes that it’s gotten too many comments on the hours of service rulemaking which went into effect earlier in September. This was therefore asking for further flexibility during sleeper spits within the 7/3 and 8/2 hours, time allowing. How tough is that.

Furthermore, the FMCSA has taken an understanding of the most recent HOS changes. Therefore, they asked for data, specifically on 6/4 and 5/5 splits. Yet, nothing came forward. The proposed pilot was to collect additional data, in hopes of determining the splits added to the HOS regulations.

FMCSA keeps on exploring ways in order to give the drivers flexibility.

Isn’t that something? I certainly believe it’s special. Heck, even the FMCSA’s own Deputy Administrator Wiley Deck has brought up interesting points to this conversation. “This proposed pilot program will provide needed data and feedback for the agency to use now and in the future.”

It’s all supposing that the driver criteria will allow them to participate among other things that come about as an employee of an approved carrier.

The drivers participating would also have to agree to a number of additionals. Such as procedures, and video-based, on-board monitoring systems and actigraphs, worn like a watch to measure activity through light and movement.