Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act

S. 893 would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to remove an exemption that currently prevents truck drivers from receiving overtime pay. Under existing law, truck drivers are excluded from overtime protections that apply to most other workers, meaning they are not guaranteed time-and-a-half pay for hours worked beyond 40 per week. This bill would eliminate that exemption, potentially requiring motor carriers to pay drivers overtime compensation for extended work hours caused by traffic, weather delays, or time spent waiting at loading docks.

Proponents argue the change would provide fairer compensation for truckers who often work 70-hour weeks and are frequently paid only for miles driven rather than all hours worked. Supporters also contend that guaranteed overtime pay could improve road safety by reducing pressure on drivers to work faster and longer to compensate for unpaid waiting time. The bill is currently under committee consideration in the Senate and has not yet been voted on by the full chamber.