Truckers Could Finally Get Overtime Pay — If Congress Stops Dragging Their Feet

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Intro – Wait, Truckers Don’t Get Overtime?

Yup. You read that right. Most truck drivers don’t get a single extra dime after 40 hours on the clock. Why? Because of a nearly 85-year-old loophole called the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) exemption for motor carriers.

Now the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is stepping back into the ring, demanding Congress put an end to this madness — once and for all. And this time? The momentum’s growing like a fully loaded Peterbilt on a downhill slope.

Key Points – The Overtime Exemption Explained

What is it? – The FLSA excludes truck drivers from guaranteed time-and-a-half pay for hours worked beyond 40 in a week.

Why does it exist? – Back in 1938, the logic was that truckers were covered by federal safety regs, not labor laws. Fast forward to 2025, and that logic’s about as outdated as paper logbooks.

Who’s affected? – Company drivers, especially those paid by the mile or load. They often work 60–70 hours a week without any extra pay.

What’s the push? – OOIDA wants to repeal the exemption entirely, putting trucking in line with most other industries.

Support is building – Several lawmakers are backing the fight, citing fairness, fatigue, and retention as key issues.

Why This Fight Hits Home for Drivers

Let’s get real — this ain’t about greedy truckers asking for handouts. This is about basic fairness.

You work more than full-time – Truckers regularly spend 11 hours a day driving, plus time waiting at docks, fueling, inspecting, paperwork… you name it.

You get paid for a fraction of it – That “by the mile” model? It only counts while the wheels are turning. You could be 12 hours deep and still “unpaid” for 3 of ‘em.

No other job gets away with that – Imagine a factory worker clocking 70 hours and getting nothing extra. They’d riot. But truckers? We get told to shut up and roll out.

Perspectives You Won’t

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Big carriers say: “We can’t afford it” – But they’re raking in billions. They rely on churn-and-burn labor, and overtime threatens their low-wage business model.

Shippers and brokers? Crickets – They benefit from unpaid wait times. Overtime rules would mean paying drivers fairly for detention, and they’re not lining up to support that.

Drivers are split – Some old-school hands fear more regs = less flexibility. But most younger and mid-career drivers say: “We just want to get paid for what we already do.”

Industry Reaction – Who’s Speaking Up?

OOIDA is fired up – Their leadership says, “This exemption is a slap in the face to every hard-working trucker.” They’re pushing hard on Capitol Hill with a renewed campaign.

Teamsters are watching – Although they focus more on union labor, they’ve expressed support for expanding overtime protections.

Carriers? Mostly silent – You can guess why. If this passes, they may finally have to adjust pay models that haven’t changed since cassette tapes were still a thing.

The Bottom Line – Time to Pay Up

This fight is about more than just a paycheck. It’s about respect, safety, and keeping good drivers in the industry. With turnover still through the roof and new driver recruitment falling flat, maybe it’s time we stop treating drivers like robots and start treating them like professionals.

Because you shouldn't have to work 70 hours just to make ends meet.

And if the government really wants to help with supply chain problems? Start by paying the folks who keep it running.

CTA – While They Debate Pay, You Can Build Plan B

Look — even if this overtime rule passes, it’s not gonna happen overnight.
Don’t wait around for Washington to decide your worth. Build a side hustle now so that when you’re ready to leave trucking, it’s on your terms.

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