Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act

Bill Number

H.R. 1962

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Labor and Employment

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-06: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2026-04-10T08:05:48Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The "Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act" (H.R. 1962) aims to ensure that certain employees, particularly truck drivers working for motor carriers, receive overtime pay for hours worked beyond the standard limit, by eliminating a long-standing exemption in federal labor law.

Key Provisions

• Amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938: The bill specifically targets Section 13(b) of the FLSA (codified at 29 U.S.C. 213(b)) and removes paragraph (1), which previously exempted employees of motor carriers (such as truck drivers and related roles) from overtime wage requirements.
• Scope: This change applies to employees whose duties involve interstate commerce via motor vehicles, ensuring they are covered under the FLSA's overtime rules (typically 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for hours over 40 in a workweek).
• Short Title: The Act is officially named the "Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act."

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Removal of Exemption: Prior to this bill, Section 13(b)(1) of the FLSA allowed motor carrier employers to avoid paying overtime to drivers and mechanics involved in interstate transport, based on safety regulations from the Department of Transportation. Striking this paragraph integrates these workers into the standard FLSA overtime protections, marking a major shift from decades of exemption dating back to 1938.
• No Other Alterations: The bill makes a targeted change without adding new definitions, enforcement mechanisms, or exceptions, relying on the existing FLSA framework.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens (Workers): Truck drivers and similar motor carrier employees could see increased earnings through mandatory overtime pay, potentially improving financial stability and work-life balance in an industry known for long hours.
• On Employers: Trucking companies and motor carriers may face higher labor costs, which could lead to adjustments in pricing, hiring practices, or operational efficiency to offset expenses.
• On Government Agencies: The Department of Labor would likely handle increased enforcement and oversight of overtime claims, while the Department of Transportation's safety rules remain unaffected but may intersect with wage disputes. No direct impacts on international relations are anticipated, as the bill focuses on domestic labor standards.
• Broader Economic Effects: Could raise overall wages in the logistics sector, influencing supply chain costs for goods transportation across the U.S.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Primary Beneficiaries: Truck drivers, mechanics, and other motor carrier employees engaged in interstate commerce, who gain access to overtime protections.
• Affected Entities: Trucking firms, logistics companies, and motor carriers, which must comply with new wage requirements.
• Other Interests: Labor unions (e.g., those representing drivers) may support enforcement; industry associations could advocate against cost increases.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: This amendment strengthens FLSA protections without altering other exemptions, potentially leading to a surge in wage-and-hour lawsuits or administrative claims as workers seek back pay. Courts may interpret the change in light of existing FLSA precedents on exemptions.
• Constitutional Considerations: Aligns with the Fair Labor Standards Act's foundation under the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which allows federal regulation of interstate commerce; no apparent conflicts with due process or equal protection principles.
• Political Implications: Introduced by bipartisan sponsors (Reps. Van Drew and Takano) and referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, the bill reflects ongoing debates over worker rights versus business costs in transportation policy, potentially influencing future labor reforms in essential industries.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-39], Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-06: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2025-03-06: Introduced in House
• 2025-03-06: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act — issued 2025-03-06 — PDF (2 pages)