FMCSA Plans Sleeper Berth Pilot Program
The life of a truck driver requires a lot of flexibility, something that regulations can, while intentions are good, get in the way of and make things more difficult for all. To that end, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced through the “Pro Trucker Package” two new pilot programs where they will test the effects of new regulations on a small subset of truckers, and, if the data looks good, implement it on the general populace to make trucker life easier to manage.
Details
The two programs currently going through testing are:
- Truckers splitting their 10-hour off-duty period into more flexible combinations, including 6/4 and 5/5 splits.
- Truckers pausing the 14-hour on-duty period for a period of no less than 30 minutes and no more than 3 hours.
The second one provides an interesting potential change in the trucking industry were it allowed to become implemented: three hours is enough time to get a decent charge on an electric truck to help the vehicle go some extra distance before the driver plugs it in and clocks out for the night. Considering the extra time it can usually take to stop and recharge when traveling across the country, this strategy may just pay off.
The plan for these changes was met with warm reception from industry stakeholders, including David Heller of the Truckload Carriers Association. In his own words (of which we are sure many a trucker will agree):
“In the professional driver’s world, no two days are ever the same. The challenges of traffic, weather, and detention are just a few examples of situations that present themselves daily. In other words, a driver must adapt to the conditions that arise, aware that a ticking clock is the battle they fight to remain compliant. As an industry, we cannot advocate noncompliance. We can, however, argue that our drivers need the wherewithal to adjust their day, and that is what these two pilot programs will seek to do. Studying the ramifications of a 6/4 or 5/5 split to the sleeper berth portion of the 10 hours off-duty can be paramount to increasing the productivity that our nation needs. Faced with traveling in an urban area during the height of rush hour? Split your sleeper berth into a more reasonable option to avoid it altogether. Our nation’s infrastructure challenges almost require a driver to do that.”
Conclusion
This is not the first time that a Trump Administration considered changing hours-of-service regulations: the first Trump Administration considered it near the very end of his first term, but it was quickly turned around by the change to the Biden Administration. Now, starting the process in 2025, the second Trump Administration has a little over three years to collect data and make a decision.
Other Trucking Articles You May Like
- Supreme Court to Hear Trump Tariff Case
- FMCSA Revokes Three More ELDs
- Trump Administration Vs. Trucking Regulations
- Man Bribes Massachusetts State Troopers with Candy
- DOT Considers Fentanyl Testing
- USA to Halt Work Visas for Truckers
- FMCSA Extends Paper Medical Waiver
- EPA to Roll Back Diesel Exhaust Fluid Regulations
- Four Truck Manufacturers Go on Offensive Against CARB
- Mid-Year Fuel Tax Changes
ABOUT TOPMARK FUNDING
TopMark Funding is a top-rated semi-truck financing and trailer financing company located in Roseville, CA. We specialize in commercial trucking and heavy equipment. Our mission is to become your long-term financial partner by helping you grow your trucking business and fleet.
We’re not here for the short term; we’re on the long haul with you!
We have financing options for trailers, semi-trucks, commercial trucks, and small businesses. We have great rates, low down payments, and flexible monthly payments regardless of credit history.
Learn more about Trailer Financing.
Fill out the contact form or give us a call at (866) 627-6644. One of our truck financing specialists will contact you as soon as possible to go over your truck lease needs and learn more about you and your business financing goals.
