The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is confirming plans to study whether expanding use of split rest in sleeper berths can improve both safety and productivity, FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro said recently.
According to Fleet Owner, the agency is taking a closer look at the issue in response to a proposal by the American Trucking Assns.
Speaking during a panel discussion on federal regulation at a Fleet Forum held in conjunction with the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ferro said that it is working on getting the necessary approvals and that it hopes to award a contract for a split-rest study by the end of the year.
She said FMCSA is committed to continuing its review of its rules to “promote safety while preserving flexibility, she said. “Split sleep could be a better option for drivers operating overnights than what we have today.”