Trucking news and briefs for Monday, March 2, 2026:
- Already using split-sleeper flexibility? Use your full 14-hour clock? FMCSA requests your assistance.
- More HOS relief for heating fuel haulers.
- Iowa rest area reopens, for now.
- Fleet extends sponsorship of NASCAR team.
FMCSA wants 18 drivers to participate in testing for HOS flexibility pilots
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is looking for 18 drivers to help the agency “test and fine-tune” two previously-announced upcoming hours-of-service pilot programs.
Over the course of six weeks, these drivers will help the agency make sure the study plans, training materials, and data collection tools are clear, practical, and ready for broader rollout.
The short, pre-testing phase is an important step in developing the Flexible Sleeper Berth and Split Duty Period pilot programs, the agency said.
The goal of these programs is to test alternatives to the current HOS requirements, which have the potential to improve the lives and working conditions of American truck drivers through greater flexibility, while simultaneously maintaining equal or greater levels of safety, FMCSA added.
[Related: Sleeper berth: Will truckers be able to split as they see fit?]
FMCSA is working with researchers at Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) to develop and carry out the pilot programs. To vet the research designs and identify any issues with data collection tools, FMCSA needs drivers to sign up for the six-week pre-tests with VTTI.
The agency is seeking nine drivers who currently use split sleeper berth options (either 8/2 or 7/3) and, most importantly, who want to test regularly using one or both of the proposed new split options (6/4 and 5/5) for six weeks.
FMCSA also needs nine drivers whose schedules currently and regularly require them to drive up to the end of their 14-hour driving window and would also like to test the option to pause the window for between 30 minutes minimum and up to 3 hours maximum by taking an extra break either:
- Off-duty or in the sleeper berth in any location, or
- On-duty (not driving) at the location of a pickup or delivery of cargo
Drivers who would like to apply to participate in the limited pre-testing can visit FMCSA’s HOS webpage here.
According to VTTI, for each program, participants will receive up to $600 for completing all study tasks. Payments will be made through a reloadable MasterCard. Participants will receive $100 after signup; $150 after week 2; $150 after week 4; and $200 after week 6 (end of study).
[Related: FMCSA offers details on proposed HOS-flexibility pilot programs]
Winter emergency declaration for heating fuel haulers extended in 15 states
Truck drivers and motor carriers hauling heating fuel providing direct assistance to winter storms in 15 states can continue operating with an hours-of-service exemption that has been in place since Dec. 12.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration extended its regional emergency declaration for 15 of 21 states, previously set to expire Feb. 28, through March 14. States covered by the extension include: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
FMCSA first declared the regional emergency Dec. 12 as a result of winter storms, cold weather and a power outage at the Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, refinery. It gave relief from the maximum driving time regulations in 49 CFR 395.3 for drivers transporting heating fuel including propane, natural gas, and heating oil. The agency has since issued four extensions.
By extending the declaration, motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to the emergency transporting heating fuel, including propane, natural gas, and heating oil are granted relief from 395.3.
Relief granted by the declaration applies regardless of the origin of the trip, so long as the carrier or driver is providing direct assistance to the emergency in the affected states. Direct assistance does not include transportation related to long-term rehabilitation of damaged physical infrastructure after the initial threat to life and property has passed, nor does it include routine commercial deliveries, including mixed loads with a nominal quantity of qualifying emergency relief added to obtain the benefits of the declaration, FMCSA noted.
[Related: HOS waivers for heating fuel haulers extended in 21 states]
I-80 rest area reopens in Iowa
The rest area located at the westbound I-80 milemarker 208 near Victor, Iowa, has reopened following reconstruction, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation.
In October, crews closed the former rest area building and parking lots for demolition and construction of a new building with modern restrooms and vending for travelers. The rest area’s theme, “Modernization of America,” displays murals that celebrate the nation’s new industrialization that followed World War II.
The rest area currently offers 19 truck parking spaces, a pet recreation area, a picnic area, vending, indoor Wi-Fi and more.
The Victor rest area’s reopening reflects the first phase of a two-phase project. The rest area is planned to close again later this summer for reconstruction of the car and truck parking lots. This second phase will expand truck parking lot spaces to 36 from the current 19, while the car stalls will increase from 75 to 130.
[Related: Truckers' 2025 Highway Report Card: Worst roads, states, parking]
Saia extends sponsorship of NASCAR race team
Saia will be the primary sponsor on the No. 54 car driven by Ty Gibbs for seven races this season.NASCAR
Saia Inc. has announced the continuation of its partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.
As part of the partnership, Saia will serve as a primary sponsor for Ty Gibbs and the No. 54 Toyota Camry XSE in seven races this season. The carrier will also serve as a sponsor for Christopher Bell and the No. 20 car in an additional race. The partnership builds on the strong alignment between Saia and JGR, rooted in performance and a shared commitment to excellence.
“Continuing our relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing allows us to build on the momentum we’ve created together,” said Saia Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Ray Ramu. “Their focus on execution and teamwork closely mirrors how we serve our customers daily. Through this partnership, we elevate brand awareness of Saia’s nationwide LTL direct coverage – reinforcing our reach, reliability, and commitment to performance on a national level.”
The first race for Saia as the primary sponsor was Feb. 22 at EchoPark Speedway, formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway, followed by the Circuit of the Americas race on March 1. Other races will be Talladega Superspeedway (April 26), Sonoma Raceway (June 28), Indianapolis Motor Speedway (July 26), Kansas Speedway (Sept. 27), and Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Oct. 4).
“We’re excited to have Saia back with us for 2026. In our sport, performance and execution make the difference, and Saia operates with that same focus every day," said Joe Gibbs, owner and founder of JGR. "Having partners like Saia committed to pushing the standard higher gives our team even more confidence as we compete for victories this season."
