FMCSA Examines Greater Hours-of-Service Flexibility for Truck Drivers

Truck drivers could see more flexibility in how they manage their work schedules as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration evaluates pilot programs and additional changes to federal hours-of-service regulations. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association supports greater flexibility but says drivers, rather than motor carriers, must retain control over how the provisions are used.

OOIDA Calls for Driver-Controlled Flexibility

“For years, our members have told lawmakers and FMCSA that existing hours-of-service rules are not sensible for today’s trucking industry,” OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh said.

The organization has repeatedly petitioned FMCSA for changes to the regulations. OOIDA has also raised concerns that carriers and brokers could undermine driver flexibility by requiring waivers or imposing conditions that limit how drivers access or use available provisions.

OOIDA has argued that any changes should provide drivers with meaningful control rather than allowing motor carriers to dictate when flexibility may be used.

Pilot Programs Could Influence Future HOS Rules

The core hours-of-service requirements remained unchanged as of mid-2026. FMCSA, however, launched two pilot programs in September 2025 as part of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s Pro Trucker Package.

The pilots are intended to gather operating and safety data that could help determine whether additional flexibility should be incorporated into the regulations. Any permanent changes would depend on the results of the programs and subsequent agency action.

HOS regulations establish limits on driving time, on-duty time, required off-duty periods and cumulative weekly hours for commercial motor vehicle drivers. Under the current framework, a driver generally may be scheduled for a 14-hour workday, but may drive no more than 11 hours during that period.

FMCSA Also Reviewing Safety Oversight

FMCSA has indicated that it is also working on broader safety and compliance initiatives, including improvements to its safety measurement system. Agency officials have said the goal is to identify unsafe carriers more effectively and detect potential fraud before companies enter the industry.

The agency is also working on a rulemaking that could address driver training hours, according to FMCSA Chief Safety Officer Derek Barrs. The proposal would be separate from the HOS pilot programs but could affect how new drivers are prepared for commercial operations.

Changes Are Not Yet Final

Although trucking groups have sought HOS flexibility for years, the existing federal rules remain in effect while FMCSA evaluates the pilot programs and develops possible rulemakings. The agency’s findings will help determine whether any temporary provisions become permanent or lead to broader changes in how drivers and carriers manage hours-of-service compliance.