Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act

Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act, which I introduced today.

America's truckdrivers are on the frontlines of keeping goods and our economy moving. More than 70 percent of goods across the United States are shipped by truck.

Unfortunately, longstanding challenges persist for truckers, including long hours away from home and time spent waiting--often unpaid--to load and unload at congested ports, warehouses, and distribution centers.

Our Nation has made historic investments in our port and supply chain infrastructure through the bipartisan infrastructure law, but we should also improve wages and working conditions for critical workers and ensure they are paid for all of the hours they work.

However, for more than 80 years, Federal law has denied truckers guaranteed overtime pay benefits that are afforded to nearly all other professions. This means that if a truckdriver experiences delays due to congestion or weather, they are often not paid even though they are working. Requiring overtime will create an incentive for the shippers, receivers, and carriers to get cargo loaded and unloaded, keeping truckers and our supply chain moving.

The motor carrier exemption exacerbates trucking workforce challenges. In fact, a February 2022 freight and logistics supply chain assessment by the U.S. Department of Transportation urged Congress to repeal this exemption. Additionally, research suggests that when truck labor rates are fair, there is less driver fatigue, fewer regulatory violations, and lower crash rates.

That is why I am proud to introduce this bill to repeal the overtime exemption for motor carriers.

I want to thank Senator Markey for coleading this bill with me, and I hope our colleagues will join us to ensure that trucker compensation reflects the fact that these jobs are essential.

Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act, which I introduced today.

America's truckdrivers are on the frontlines of keeping goods and our economy moving. More than 70 percent of goods across the United States are shipped by truck.

Unfortunately, longstanding challenges persist for truckers, including long hours away from home and time spent waiting--often unpaid--to load and unload at congested ports, warehouses, and distribution centers.

Our Nation has made historic investments in our port and supply chain infrastructure through the bipartisan infrastructure law, but we should also improve wages and working conditions for critical workers and ensure they are paid for all of the hours they work.

However, for more than 80 years, Federal law has denied truckers guaranteed overtime pay benefits that are afforded to nearly all other professions. This means that if a truckdriver experiences delays due to congestion or weather, they are often not paid even though they are working. Requiring overtime will create an incentive for the shippers, receivers, and carriers to get cargo loaded and unloaded, keeping truckers and our supply chain moving.

The motor carrier exemption exacerbates trucking workforce challenges. In fact, a February 2022 freight and logistics supply chain assessment by the U.S. Department of Transportation urged Congress to repeal this exemption. Additionally, research suggests that when truck labor rates are fair, there is less driver fatigue, fewer regulatory violations, and lower crash rates.

That is why I am proud to introduce this bill to repeal the overtime exemption for motor carriers.

I want to thank Senator Markey for coleading this bill with me, and I hope our colleagues will join us to ensure that trucker compensation reflects the fact that these jobs are essential.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.