HR1962-119

What This Bill Does

The Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act is a one-line but significant labor change. It strikes section 13(b)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, the motor-carrier exemption that has excluded many drivers, loaders, mechanics, and helpers whose work affects motor-carrier safety from FLSA overtime pay. Removing that exemption would make affected truck drivers and related motor-carrier employees eligible for overtime when they work more than 40 hours in a workweek, subject to the rest of FLSA coverage rules. The cost shifts from workers absorbing long unpaid overtime hours to trucking companies and shippers that rely on extended driver schedules.

Who Benefits and How

Truck drivers benefit because FLSA overtime protections would apply when they work more than 40 hours in a week. Motor-carrier employees such as loaders, mechanics, and helpers benefit if they were excluded by the same exemption. Driver safety advocates benefit if overtime pay reduces incentives for excessive uncompensated hours. Households of truck drivers benefit from higher compensation for long workweeks.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Trucking companies must pay overtime or redesign schedules for drivers and covered motor-carrier employees. Shippers and brokers may face higher freight costs if carriers pass through increased labor expense. Department of Labor wage-hour staff must enforce overtime coverage after repeal of the exemption. Small motor carriers may face payroll and compliance pressure from newly covered overtime hours.

Key Provisions

• Repeals the FLSA section 13(b)(1) motor-carrier overtime exemption.
• Expands federal overtime eligibility for affected truck drivers and motor-carrier employees.
• Requires trucking employers to pay overtime or change scheduling practices.
• Protects workers from uncompensated long workweeks in covered motor-carrier jobs.