On Friday, U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Edward Markey (D-MA) joined U.S. Reps. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) and Mark Takano (D-CA) in introducing legislation ensuring truckers are compensated fairly for their work, including overtime.
The legislation, the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act, would repeal the motor carrier provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 that excludes truckers from overtime protections.
“America’s truck drivers are on the frontlines of our economy, enduring long hours away from home, and all too often, unpaid wait time at congested ports and warehouses. That’s because for decades, truck drivers have been excluded from overtime pay protections,” Padilla said. “If truckers are forced to wait while on the job, they should be paid. This is not just a matter of fairness; it’s a matter of public safety. Experienced truckers are safer truckers, and better compensation will help more of them stay in the profession. It’s time we guarantee overtime for truckers.”
The new legislation is an effort to address supply chain labor force issues. In response to an executive order issued by President Joe Biden in February of 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) evaluated the freight and logistics supply chain. In its 2022 report, the DOT highlighted high turnover rates and compensation issues in the trucking industry. One of the recommendations to address the issues was to repeal the Fair Labor Standards Act motor carrier provision.
“From the food we eat to the medical supplies we use in our daily lives, truck drivers make sure consumer goods and commodities reach their destination on time,” Markey said. “However, for almost a hundred years, obsolete labor regulations have denied truck drivers their rightful pay, leading to high turnover and supply chain disruptions. Senator Padilla and I are reintroducing our Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act to fix this injustice and ensure that these vital workers receive their hard-earned overtime pay.”
The legislation is supported by several trucking and supply chain organizations as well as hundreds of thousands of drivers across the country.
“The FLSA Motor Carrier Exemption needlessly puts the lives of truck drivers and all roadway users at grave risk,” ,” said Tami Friedrich, Truck Safety Coalition President. “The notion that it is acceptable for innocent people to die to avoid paying truck drivers for all their time is un-American. I am grateful to my home state Senator, Senator Padilla for taking action to eliminate this lethal loophole. The GOT Truckers Act will undoubtedly save lives and improve roadway safety for all.”