Washington — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking truckers for the “pre-testing phase” of two pilot programs aimed at increasing flexibility for drivers who are required to comply with federal rest rules.
FMCSA is looking for 18 participants over a six-week pre-test period. Nine drivers are needed for each exercise.
The pilot programs amend hours-of-service requirements by:
- Splitting drivers’ 10-hour off-duty, sleeper berth period into combinations, including six/four and five/five.
- Pausing the 14-hour on-duty period for no less than 30 minutes and no more than three hours.
FMCSA says the pre-testing component will “help us make sure the study plans, training materials and data collection tools are clear, practical and ready for broader rollout.”
The agency is collaborating with researchers from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute on the pilot programs, for which FMCSA solicited comment in September.
Interested drivers must complete an online screening questionnaire.
