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Typical Load Split of a Commercial Driver

Being a commercial truck driver often means extended hours on the road. In this regard, federal law requires the driver to observe strict time regulations, thus ensuring proper rest for that driver and safety for both the driver as well as other vehicle operators.

  1. Identification

    • A "load split" refers to the balance a driver must maintain between time on and time off, while on the job and time spent in the sleeper berth of their truck. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issues related laws in its Hours-of-Service regulations (49 CFR Part 395). These apply to commercial truck drivers as well as all those who operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). According to the FMCSA, a CMV is "a vehicle that is used as part of a business and is involved in interstate commerce and fits any of these descriptions:

      -- Weighs 10,001 pounds or more

      -- Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more

      -- Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation

      -- Is designed or used to transport 9 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation

      -- Is involved in Interstate or intrastate commerce and is transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards"

    Features

    • FMCSA regulations apply to active driving as well as all time considered on duty. You cannot drive for more than 11 hours without resting. An on-duty shift -- which includes driving, fueling, maintenance and cargo handling -- cannot exceed 14 hours. Before returning to work, you must spend 10 consecutive hours off duty. Within any seven- to eight-day period, you cannot work more than 70 hours. You must rest for 34 consecutive hours before beginning a new workweek.

    Sleeper Berth Split

    • You have the option to divide time spent in the sleeping berth. For commercial truck drivers, one period has to be eight hours to qualify, while the other can be no less than two hours. If you opt to spend time in the berth during a 14-hour shift, then those hours of rest do not count as on duty, and you may still work them.

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