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Truck Drivers and Overtime Pay
Truck Drivers that are NOT Eligible for Overtime Pay
Many truck drivers are exempt from the overtime law which means they are not entitled to overtime pay. Under the Motor Carrier Act exemption, drivers, driver’s helpers, loaders, or mechanics whose duties affect the safety of operation of motor vehicles in interstate commerce are not required to be paid overtime wages.
This exemption applies to over-the-road drivers since they transport goods across state lines. However, this exemption can also apply to local truck drivers if what they are transporting is moving in interstate commerce. If the goods that are being transported by a local driver are part of an interstate shipment, the local driver will also be exempt under the Motor Carrier Act exemption and, therefore, will not be entitled to overtime pay.
Truck Drivers that ARE Eligible for Overtime Pay
Drivers of vehicles that have a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 10,000 pounds or less are not covered by this exemption so they would be entitled to overtime pay. However, this exemption can cover other types of workers who travel out of state for work if they drive vehicles that have a GVWR over 10,000 pounds.
Any trailer that a driver hauls would also be included in the total weight of the vehicle. This means that even though someone is not a truck driver by trade, they may still be covered by this exemption (and therefore, not entitled to overtime pay) if they are required to drive out of state for work and the vehicle they drive has a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds.
Vehicle > 10,000 Pounds GVWR = Not Eligible
Vehicle + Trailer > 10,000 Pounds GVWR = Not Eligible
Vehicle < or = 10,000 Pounds GVWR = Eligible
Do You Need Help Knowing if You are Eligible for Overtime Pay?
If you are a truck driver or have to drive out of state for work and you would like to know if you are entitled to overtime pay, please submit your information using our convenient Case Evaluation form or call our office at 866-559-0400 for a free and confidential review of your particular situation.
