Overtime for Truckers: Crucial Step for America’s Truckers

Last week, a significant piece of legislation was reintroduced in the House and Senate, sparking a nationwide discussion about fair compensation for truckers. The Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act, a bipartisan effort, aims to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to ensure that truckers receive overtime compensation when they work more than 40 hours a week. With Senators Alex Padilla and Edward J. Markey introducing S3273 and Representatives Jeff Van Drew and Mark Takano introducing HR6359, this bill is now at the center of attention for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) and its 150,000 members who are rallying to support it.

The Historical Perspective

Ironically, the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act initially included an exemption to discourage truck drivers from working beyond 40 hours. However, times have changed, and today’s truck drivers often work up to 70 hours a week without receiving adequate compensation. Most truckers are paid by the mile, so they are not paid for the time they spend waiting at shipping and receiving facilities or dealing with delays.

The OOIDA Perspective

OOIDA firmly believes that the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act is a vital first step towards valuing a truck driver’s time and effort properly. Truckers play a crucial role in keeping our nation’s economy moving, and without their dedication, the supply chain would grind to a halt. Unfortunately, the trucking industry is one of the few professions in America that does not guarantee overtime pay. This legislation seeks to rectify that injustice by compensating truckers for every work hour.

The Challenges Faced by Truckers

One of the primary challenges truckers face is the lack of compensation for delays or wait times at facilities. Carriers typically pay drivers based on their miles, which means drivers do not receive payment for the hours they spend waiting to be loaded or unloaded. This practice has led many truckers to work well beyond a 40-hour workweek, sometimes even reaching 60, 70, or 80 hours. The Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act aims to end this issue by ensuring that all of a driver’s working hours are appropriately valued.

What the Bill Does Not Do

It’s important to clarify what the bill does not do. The GOT Truckers Act does not establish any specific rate or method of pay, nor does it restrict the U.S. Department of Transportation’s ability to regulate a driver’s working hours or set limits on the hours a driver can work. Additionally, it does not implement any overtime requirements for independent contractors, addressing some concerns about potential negative consequences for owner-operators.

The American Trucking Associations’ Opposition

The American Trucking Associations (ATA), representing large fleets, opposes the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act, claiming that it would primarily benefit trial attorneys. ATA President Chris Spear argues that the bill would reduce drivers’ paychecks and harm the trucking industry by disrupting the existing pay models that have been in place for 85 years. ATA asserts that truck drivers already earn an average salary of nearly $70,000. At the same time, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the 2022 median pay for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers at $49,920.

OOIDA’s Response

OOIDA has rebuffed ATA’s claims, labeling them “laughable.” According to OOIDA, the real issue lies in various actors throughout the supply chain, including shippers, receivers, and carriers, not wanting to pay drivers for all their working hours. They have pointed to industry experts who recognize the need for change. Avery Vise, Vice President of Trucking for transportation consultancy FTR, has stated that drivers should be paid for a substantial amount of time that they are not compensated for. This change would be necessary and sustainable.

The Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act is a crucial piece of legislation addressing the longstanding issue of inadequate trucker compensation. In an industry where drivers work long hours to keep our economy moving, it is essential to ensure they are fairly compensated for their time and effort. As the debate over this bill continues, it remains a pivotal step towards recognizing and valuing the sacrifices made by truckers every day and ultimately improving safety on our nation’s roads for all users.