Virginia Tech Pays Drivers $600 to Test Flexible Sleeper Berth Rules

Key Details Virginia Tech Transportation Institute is recruiting truck drivers for an FMCSA pilot program offering $600 compensation. The Flexible Sleeper Berth study allows participants to meet the 10-hour consecutive off-duty requirement using split schedules: either 5/5 or 8/2 combinations. What's Involved Participants commit to a 6-week study period consisting of two weeks under standard HOS regulations and four weeks operating under the Flexible Sleeper Berth Exemption. Drivers must meet with a VTTI researcher for initial paperwork and equipment distribution before the study begins. Payment Breakdown Compensation is distributed across the study timeline via reloadable MasterCard: $100 upon signup, $150 after week two, $150 after week three, and $200 after final completion. The final $200 payment requires submission of the post-study questionnaire and return of all study materials in the provided envelope. Why It Matters This pilot program could reshape how drivers manage rest requirements and potentially improve flexibility in scheduling. Data collected will help regulators and safety officials determine if split-rest options maintain safety standards while offering operational benefits to the trucking industry.