Question about split sleeper berth

FMCSA
Sleeper Berth Provision
Drivers may split their required 10-hour off-duty period, as long as one off-duty period (whether in or out of the sleeper berth) is at least 2 hours long and the other involves at least 7 consecutive hours spent in the sleeper berth. All sleeper berth pairings MUST add up to at least 10 hours. When used together, neither time period counts against the maximum 14- hour driving window.

 

Nope. The minimum off duty time is 2 hours. The sleeper berth time can be 8.5 hours though, just has to be a minimum of 8 in the berth.

 

They're allowing 3/7 with the new provisions.

 

I'm aware. Just stating the 8 is no longer the minimum sleeper portion, as long as your other break is 3 hours. Also both brakes when doing the split now pause your 14, where it used to only be the sleeper portion which did so.

 

Yes, and if the first portion is 2 hours, the second portion has to be a minimum of 8 in the berth.
The op asked about if taking a 1.5 hour break was enough. 2 is the closest so that leaves 8 as a minimum.

 

Also of interest. I've found the new split provisions give me much more flexibility with load appointment schedules. Being able to pause the 14 hour clock by taking at least 2 hours of off duty, but not HAVING to take a full 10 hours makes it much easier to get to appointments.
If you do extend your 14 hour clock by taking an off duty break of at least 2 hours, but instead of later just taking the 7 or 8 hours of sleeper berth and getting back on duty, you take a full 10 hour break, be advised you still have to show the 7 or 8 hour in Sleeper Berth, even though it is a part of your 10.
Seems to me if you take a full 10, the sleeper berth requirement is a mute point. But, I did this once and our safety folks fussed at me about it saying it was an HOS violation.
Now then, unsure if that is just my company's interpretation of the rule, or if FMCSA also thinks it is that way.

 

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