We live in an interesting time. Inflation is on the rise. Food prices are constantly going up. The cost of living is soaring. And yet, here we are in the middle of a freight recession with consumer goods prices higher than they’ve ever been.
Somebody is benefitting from inflation. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always trickle down to the truck drivers who ultimately keep the supply chain moving.
1938 Called... they want their archaic payment laws back!
Its been said time and time again that truck drivers are the backbone of our economy. Their work ensures that everything, from the food we eat to life-saving medical supplies, reaches its destination.
As humble as it might seem, that is a real superpower.
Because we already know what happens when they’re not utilizing their superpowers. We end up with empty store shelves, and long lines for one-ply toilet paper.
Absurdly enough, truck drivers are exempt from receiving overtime compensation due to a provision in the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. (Yep… 1938!)
The supply chain of 1938 wasn’t nearly as robust as it today.
And yet we’ve been forcing truck drivers to work under a law that was passed when we were barely out of the horse-and-buggy phase.
The GOT Act aims to right the overtime compensation wrongs
If passed, the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act will ensure truckers get paid extra for the long hours they normally don’t get compensated for.
Spearheaded by Senators Edward J. Markey and Alex Padilla, along with Representatives Jeff Van Drew and Mark Takano, the bill aims to repeal the outdated 1938 provision.
“If truckers are forced to wait while on the job, they should be paid. This is not just a matter of fairness; it’s a matter of public safety. Experienced truckers are safer truckers, and better compensation will help more of them stay in the profession. It’s time we guarantee overtime for truckers,” said Senator Padilla.
Mixed industry reactions
Not everyone agrees with this change. The American Trucking Association argues that such a law could lead to supply chain chaos, causing even higher inflation.
However, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and the Truck Safety Coalition are all on board with the change.
My perspective as a freight broker
I understand the complexities of freight logistics. Should this change happen, it’s going to affect brokers just as much as it affects drivers.
But my feeling is that we’ve got to stop this rate race to the bottom. That’s a lot of the problem right there.
The headlines scream inflation.
But the headlines also show that autonomous trucks are coming. What happens when THAT becomes the norm and drivers are less needed?
Let’s take care of our truck drivers now.
Compensating fairly attracts great drivers. Compensating fairly leads to lower turnover. Compensating fairly might be the game changer that we need to shake up an industry that time seems to keep passing by.
