Duffy Rolls Out Trucker Quality of Life Initiatives

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy recently unveiled new policies and pilot programs aimed at improving the daily working conditions—and overall quality of life—for America’s truck drivers. These efforts are part of Duffy’s broader Pro-Trucker Package, supporting President Trump’s Executive Order on “Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers.”

Key Initiatives & Pilot Programs

1. Flexible Hours-of-Service Pilots

• Split Duty Period Pilot: Allows participating drivers to pause their 14-hour “on-duty window” for 30 minutes to 3 hours, with the goal of reducing fatigue without compromising safety.

• Flexible Sleeper-Berth Pilot: Tests new rest split options beyond the current “8/2” or “7/3” frameworks. Alternatives such as “6/4” or “5/5” splits will be evaluated to measure impacts on driver rest, fatigue, and safety outcomes.

These pilots are intended to gather data that could inform future regulatory changes.

2. Expanded Truck Parking & Infrastructure Support
A chronic lack of safe, accessible truck parking has long been a pain point for drivers. As part of the Pro-Trucker Package, over $275 million in grants will go toward expanding truck parking nationwide—helping increase rest opportunities and reduce safety risks for drivers.

3. Regulatory Relief & Modernization

• Removing one-size-fits-all mandates and reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens.

• Modernizing digital platforms such as driver resources and complaint systems to make them more user-friendly.

• Cracking down on harmful practices in the industry, such as unlawful double brokering.

What This Means for the Industry

• These pilot programs could lead to more flexible hours-of-service rules if data shows that safety can be maintained or improved.

• Expanded truck parking infrastructure may reduce stress and fatigue while improving safety for drivers on the road.

• Modernized digital services and streamlined regulations may help cut down on administrative burdens, especially for smaller carriers.

While these are still pilots and proposals, the outcomes could shape significant changes in the trucking industry.

Sources: FMCSA & DOT