Making the Most of the Split Sleeper Berth Rule

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)’s Hours of Service (HOS) regulations include a provision called the "split sleeper berth rule." This rule is designed to provide flexibility for drivers in managing their rest and driving times. Thanks to the introduction of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), adherence to this rule has become more precise and easier to track.​

However, many drivers find it challenging to understand and use this provision effectively. In this article, we'll explain the split sleeper berth rule, how it can be used with ELDs, provide examples, and discuss the pros and cons of its use.

Understanding the Split Sleeper Berth Rule​

The split sleeper berth rule allows a driver to split the required 10 hours off-duty into two periods, provided one off-duty period (whether in the sleeper berth or not) is at least 2 hours long and the other involves at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth. Neither period counts against the driver's 14-hour driving window.

Using Split Sleeper Berth with an ELD​

An ELD automatically records a driver's RODS (Record of Duty Status), including off-duty and driving times. When a driver uses the split sleeper berth provision, the ELD records the periods spent in the sleeper berth separately, allowing the driver to extend their workday by the length of the shorter break.

Let's look at an example:

• A driver starts his day at 7 a.m. and drives for 5 hours until noon.
• He then takes a 3-hour break in the sleeper berth, which the ELD records.
• The driver then drives for another 5 hours, followed by a 7-hour period in the sleeper berth.
• By using the split sleeper berth rule, the driver is compliant with HOS regulations, and the ELD accurately reflects this.

This flexibility in managing rest and driving times can be very beneficial in certain situations. However, it's crucial to understand that both periods collectively should be 10 hours. If the total is less, it's a violation of the HOS regulations.

Pros and Cons of Using the Split Sleeper Berth​

Pros​

1. Flexibility: The primary advantage of the split sleeper berth rule is the flexibility it affords. It allows drivers to adjust their rest and driving periods to match their natural sleep cycles, road conditions, or load schedules.
2. Avoiding Rush Hours: Splitting off-duty time can help drivers avoid heavy traffic periods, thus maximizing driving efficiency.
3. Better Time Management: By properly using this rule, drivers can potentially extend their workday and make better use of their time.

Cons​

1. Complexity: The split sleeper berth rule can be confusing, especially for new drivers. Misunderstanding this rule can lead to unintentional violations.
2. Impact on Health: If not used wisely, this rule can disrupt the driver's natural sleep cycle. Regular and uninterrupted sleep is essential for a driver's health and alertness.
3. Reduced Driving Time: Depending on the split, drivers may experience reduced driving time. For instance, with an 8/2 split, the 2-hour off-duty period will reduce the available 11 hours of driving time.

To conclude, while the split sleeper berth rule can be a useful tool for drivers, it must be used thoughtfully and in compliance with the HOS regulations. ELDs play a vital role in making this process more manageable, ensuring precise tracking and adherence to rules. Understanding the pros and cons of this rule can help drivers make informed decisions to maximize their efficiency while staying safe on the roads.

 

[Electric Chicken]

Too confusing. Won't do it. Probably mess it up.

 

[389 Hood]

No sleeper either.

 

[Rigjockey]

One of the good things about E-logs are they will tell you when you are ok to drive using the split sleeper and not be in volitation.
I have had to use it maybe like twice. Once was when the truck had a break down and I needed to be in Chicago ASAP. I split the sleeper berth.
Getting back was not as important as getting to the delivery and the return pick up.

 

[Hillbilly Canuck]

No split sleeper rule up here and no sleeper on my truck. We have sleeper trucks but they'll never get me in one. My theory (fact) is if I've got one they'll expect me to use it.

 

[Electric Chicken]

No split sleeper rule up here and no sleeper on my truck. We have sleeper trucks but they'll never get me in one. My theory (fact) is if I've got one they'll expect me to use it.

Agreed. If I get one for myself I expect to use it.

 

[Uncle Birchy]

Too confusing. Won't do it. Probably mess it up.

While "Split Sleeper" provisions been in place 4 "decades" many "Safety Managers" Carrier Orientation Class said it's "Too Vague" we don't do that here ..

Under the "Trump" Administration & COVID "Supply Shortages"..

Made that rule "Solid" even on Elogs and "Quick" Adaptation across entire Trucking Industry

 

[Uncle Birchy]

While "Split Sleeper" provisions been in place 4 "decades" many "Safety Managers" Carrier Orientation Class said it's "Too Vague" we don't do that here ..

Under the "Trump" Administration & COVID "Supply Shortages"..

Made that rule "Solid" even on Elogs and "Quick" Adaptation across entire Trucking Industry

If ya want "True Facts" consult the @mndriver he has read that "Green Book" cover 2 cover like it's a "Bible" ..

Now he will also tell ya better have your "Buisness" STRAIGHT Too if ya wanna go "Arguing" with Highway Patrol about it..

I was generally keep my "mouth" SHUT see if they could get something more than a "Flat-Spotted" Tandem & a busted inner door handle on a "FreightShaker"..

Ya when I hadda roll down the window reach outside open the door threw up a "Red Flag" too..

Up in Madison Wisconsin FreightShaker Dealership charged my company $200 bucks replacement that Plastic Door Handle I "elbowed" sitting at Truckstop..

Cops said what if there was a "Fire" hadda get outta your truck..

Same cops who also took my "Hammer" outta the side pound tandem pins thinking I might use that as a "Weapon" against em too

 

[Uncle Birchy]

If ya want "True Facts" consult the @mndriver he has read that "Green Book" cover 2 cover like it's a "Bible" ..

Now he will also tell ya better have your "Buisness" STRAIGHT Too if ya wanna go "Arguing" with Highway Patrol about it..

I was generally keep my "mouth" SHUT see if they could get something more than a "Flat-Spotted" Tandem & a busted inner door handle on a "FreightShaker"..

Ya when I hadda roll down the window reach outside open the door threw up a "Red Flag" too..

Up in Madison Wisconsin FreightShaker Dealership charged my company $200 bucks replacement that Plastic Door Handle I "elbowed" sitting at Truckstop..

Cops said what if there was a "Fire" hadda get outta your truck..

Same cops who also took my "Hammer" outta the side pound tires or stuck tandem pins thinking I might use that as a "Weapon" against em too

Few years later another Trucking Job my "Hammer"..

 

[Uncle Birchy]

Believe me if my truck was burning down Idve smashed out the windshield crawled out some how..

Or maybe just tried my "Passenger" door..

The FreightShaker Crapcadia doesn't have "Sleeper Doors" although a KW Model 680 has a False Sleeping door release just remember put it back snap it shut if ya smoking in your sleeper

 

[Rigjockey]

Back on paper logs most drivers would mess up the split sleeper.
E-logs made it easier to understand when you were good to go and when you need to shut down.
I used it when I was on my way to Chicago and the truck broke down. The split let me make my delivery on time and the backhaul was ok because I had more time to make the run.
I don't recommend using it often.

 

[Uncle Birchy]

Back on paper logs most drivers would mess up the split sleeper.
E-logs made it easier to understand when you were good to go and when you need to shut down.
I used it when I was on my way to Chicago and the truck broke down. The split let me make my delivery on time and the backhaul was ok because I had more time to make the run.
I don't recommend using it often.

So that's why "Safety Managers" in Ordination Class we run "Standard" 14 hours don't do "Split -Shifts" around here..

Ya @Rigjockey I can see that the "One" & perhaps"Only" thing ELOGS maybe"officially " "Clarification "..

Before "Elogs" ya Mr "Crafty" Logbook got into a "Wreck" that company was "Bankrupt"..

Todays Computer Logs count everything"Down 2 Minutes " and with the "Exception" of Kutzler Express in Kenosha since "Elogs" practically all "OTR" Carriers have "Adopted" both Megas & Small outfits run "Split Sleeper" on Elogs..

Kutzler Express was "Elogs" too just the Owners were "Old" missed the COVID 2020 "exemption" and "Officially" for ALL now but don't "Stretch It"

 

[Uncle Birchy]

Too confusing. Won't do it. Probably mess it up.

Sounds like a "Carrier" Safety Department Director..

And yes "Technically" ya pull the Line or a wreck they get "$ued" Big Time..

Currently Days it like a Computer or "ELOGS"..

Really hate say this too one thingy that "Omni-Tracs" or "formerly" QUALCOMM does "Know" is that "Split-Sleeper"..

That said in "Orientation Class " that Safety Manager gonna say we don't do that here and ya log it like drive hour by hour & minute by minute too

 

[389 Hood]

There was so much abuse of the PC mode, that our company had it removed from the ELD. Some of these guys want to work 20 hours a day.

I don't even want to unlock the door.

 

[Uncle Birchy]

There was so much abuse of the PC mode, that our company had it removed from the ELD. Some of these guys want to work 20 hours a day.

I don't even want to unlock the door.

Heck give me "Part Time" I've managed my $$$ enough just need some "Front Door Ca$h " keeping up "Appearances" with a "Regular Job"..

Welp they so "Short Handed" run ya into the ground uh "Eh thought ya said this was "Part Time" extra Cash ..

Nope they "Grooming Ya" and before ya know it ya "Full Time" a complete part of the "Operation" too