Congress Proposes Requiring Overtime Pay for Millions of Truck Drivers
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Small trucking companies and owner-operators who employ drivers would face higher labor costs if forced to pay overtime for hours over 40 per week. Many small freight carriers operate on thin margins, and the added expense could squeeze profits or force them to restructure schedules. On the other hand, better-compensated drivers may reduce turnover, which is extremely costly in the trucking industry — potentially offsetting some of the increased wage expense over time.
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Reps. Jeff Van Drew and Mark Takano reintroduced the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act on March 6, 2025. The bill seeks to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to remove the motor carrier exemption, ensuring drivers receive time-and-a-half pay for hours worked beyond 40 per week.
Lawmakers have introduced legislation to nix the 1938 clause exempting motor carriers from providing overtime pay. While labor groups like the Teamsters and OOIDA embrace the bill as a safety and fairness measure, the American Trucking Associations warns it could boost inflation and reduce pay.
Following the signing of President Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' tax cuts, the OOIDA is urging Congress to pass the GOT Truckers Act. Without it, drivers remain ineligible for the new federal tax exemption on overtime wages because they are currently exempt from receiving overtime pay.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act
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