With the passing of the electronic logging device rule, a rule that has had many detractors in the industry, truckers are now faced with a new problem: working around delays at the locations of shipping and delivery. These delays can cause massive headaches for drivers as they are unable to work around the obstructions in any meaningful way, hampering their day and stifling their ability to have any flexibility during the workday. While attempts to lengthen the workday are currently happening, utilization of current rules through the 8/2 split sleeper rule is a more stop-gap solution.
The 8/2 split sleeper rule allows drivers to have more flexibility when it comes to how they are were using their off-time/on-time hours. As explained by BigRoad:
“To take advantage of this provision, a driver must spend at least 8 consecutive hours (but less than 10) in their sleeper berth. This rest period will not count as part of their 14 on-duty hours. The driver can then take a second, separate rest period of at least 2 consecutive hours (but less than 10). This period of time can be spent in the sleeper berth, off duty, or sleeper berth and off duty combined. This second break does count as part of the driver’s 14 on-duty hours.
“It doesn’t matter which rest period the driver takes first – the longer one or the shorter one. After the driver completes their second rest period, their 14 on-duty hours are calculated (starting from 0) from the end of the first break.”
The sleeper rule is allowing for drivers to have a semblance of flexibility in their daily schedule which means the brunt of the problems from the ELD isn’t felt as hard. As it currently stands, only splits of 9/1 or 8/2 are allowed under regulations, but an FMCSA pilot program would allow for the ability to split it into 3/7, 4/6, or even 5/5.
RigPark is committed to working with the industry to ensure that when truckers take a break, they have the best available options for safe, predictable, and readily available parking.
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