Understanding the Split Sleeper Berth Rule in Trucking
Truck driving is not an ordinary job, and with it comes irregular hours when trying to meet consignee deadlines. However, drivers still must take full advantage of their breaks to eat, sleep, shower, and relax. These two goals can sometimes conflict when adhering to the standard 14 hours on, 10 hours off outlined by the FMSCA. This is why drivers may use the split sleeper berth rule to make the most of their breaks. In this blog, we discuss what this rule is, how to properly manage your hours, and when you should and shouldn’t use it.
What Is the Split Sleeper Berth Rule?
The split sleeper berth rule can help drivers extend their day by splitting their mandatory 10-hour break into two segments that equal 10 hours. Drivers have a choice of utilizing one of these time spits:
• 8/2 Split: One break must be at least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, and the 2-hour break can be taken either in the sleeper berth or off-duty.
• 7/3 Split: One break must be at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, with a 3-hour break that can be taken off-duty or in the sleeper berth.
These breaks can be taken in either order, but drivers must spend their longer break in the sleeper berth to get enough rest to safely operate their truck and stay legal. The 14-hour clock is paused when taking these breaks, allowing drivers to resume driving after the break.
To better understand how this would work, say a driver starts his day with two hours of non-driving work, starting his 14-hour window. He then drives for 4 hours of his 11-hour limit. He then takes an 8-hour break in the sleeper berth, pausing his 14-hour clock. Once he wakes up and starts driving again, he still has 7 hours of drive time and 8 hours on his 14-hour clock. He can drive for these 7 hours before taking his 2-hour break, which then resets his 14 hours since he had 10 hours off-duty. The 14-hour clock resets starting from the end of the first break.
Why Should You Utilize the Split Sleeper Berth Rule?
The main benefit of this rule is enhanced flexibility. If you need to adhere to certain delivery hours, this can be a way to adjust your hours so you don’t run out before you reach your destination. It can also allow you to drive at times when there are fewer people on the road, avoiding traffic and making your time spent on the road more efficient.
When Shouldn’t You Use the Split-Sleeper Berth Rule?
Depending on the person, it can be difficult for the body to split your rest time into two. If you start to feel drowsy behind the wheel after taking your split break, consider using your full ten hours in a single break. Driving when fatigued is extremely dangerous for yourself and others on the road.
Tips to Utilize the Split Sleeper Berth Rule Effectively
• Monitor Your Hours Closely: If you don’t correctly track your hours or miscalculate your breaks, it may result in an hours-of-service violation. Utilize electronic logging devices (ELD) when available to avoid any human error.
• Plan Ahead: Review your customer schedules and the route you’re planning on taking. If there’s going to be a lot of traffic at a certain time, try planning a break around it. If your customer is only open during certain times, you may have to take a break to ensure you arrive on time with hours left on your clock.
• Make the Most of Your Breaks: When utilizing shorter breaks, you’ll need to ensure the rest you get is quality to avoid fatigue. Do your best to seek quiet areas to sleep at, and use tools like earplugs and blackout curtains to get the most high-quality sleep possible.
The split sleeper berth rule can be a great tool for drivers to maximize productivity, but only when used correctly. Stay informed, use your rest periods wisely, and monitor your logs closely to avoid violations. If you want to learn more about managing your on- and off-duty hours, check out our blog about hours of service regulations.