HOS Pilot Programs Launched That Could Give CDL Drivers More Flexibility
The Hours-of-Service rules could eventually see a reshaping that would allow truckers more options for their 14-hour on-duty clock. With the FMCSA launching two new pilot programs, the goal of the programs will be to see if they can offer more breathing room for truckers while still maintaining safety levels.
They were, in fact, first launched in 2025, but they will see the full launch in 2027. With these programs, the FMCSA will collect data, evaluate the procedures, and look at what the requirements would be before they open the program to more drivers.
At Trucker Social, we’re going to take a look at both programs to help you better understand what’s happening. What it could eventually mean for truckers everywhere. Let’s take a look.
Split Duty Period Pilot Program
Under this program, the FMCSA will evaluate if truckers can pause their 14-hour on duty window for between 30 minutes and 3 hours during a single-duty cycle.
When it comes to qualifying time, it could mean the following:
Time in the sleeper cabin
Spending time off-duty
Spending time at pickups and delivery locations on-duty
Under the new program, drivers could better manage their road conditions. This means they could rest instead of being forced to fight with traffic or bad weather. Truckers could also take a break and not need to worry that this will reduce their driving time window.
The FMCSA previously looked at this idea back in 2019, so this isn’t even the first time they’ve done it. Unfortunately, it didn’t make the final HOS rule that they published in 2020.
The pretest that they had planned ran from May 18, 2026, to July 17, 2026. The program had nine drivers and three carriers from the states of Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. For participation in the program, truckers received $600.
Flexible Sleeper Berth Pilot Program
The second program again grants truckers greater flexibility because it lets drivers match their road conditions. Under this pilot, truckers can split their time into two periods in whatever would be most favorable to them.
The only caveat here is that it must be a total of 10 hours. This would include spending five hours in the sleeper cabin at a time. The FMCSA would run its pretest from April 1, 2026 to June 11, 2026. Again, nine drivers and three motor carriers would be included. They would come from the states of Virginia, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Truckers included were to participate in the program for six weeks, and they would receive $600 for participating in the program.
The Full Pilot Launch in 2027
Since the pretests were run, the FMCSA continues to look at its results and keep refining it. In 2027, we will see the full launch of this program. Both pilot programs in 2027 are planned to have 256 drivers, and anyone who participates in the program will do so for four months. When finished, they will be given $1,600 for completion of the program.
If you’d like to participate in this program, contact [email protected], and you will receive updates.
What are Your Thoughts?
Most truckers view their HOS with stress and frustration because there’s no flexibility when it comes to the system currently. The FMCSA is trying to address this problem while still making the highways safer.
What do you think of this effort? Would you be willing to participate in the program? Let us know in the comments, and please share this article with other truckers.
