Odd Lots Truckers Are Working Countless Hours That They're Not Getting Paid For
Nov 21, 2022
Gord Magill, a seasoned truck driver and author of the Autonomous Truck(er)s Substack, sheds light on the harsh realities of the trucking industry. He discusses how drivers are often unpaid during long hours of waiting, known as 'detention.' This issue, he argues, highlights a deep undervaluing of drivers in the industry, contributing to an unsustainable work environment. Gord also explores the need for legislative changes to ensure fair compensation and delves into the complexities of tracking hours, exacerbated by technology and industry inefficiencies.
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Systemic Detention Issue
- Truck driver detention is a systemic issue in the U.S. shipping industry.
- The industry is structured to offload inefficiencies and costs onto drivers' unpaid time.
Lost Driving Time
- A study by MIT showed truckers only drive 6.5 hours daily despite an 11-hour allowance.
- Almost half of drivers' time is lost due to loading and unloading delays.
Overtime Exemption History
- The 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act exempted trucking from overtime pay.
- This exemption shaped the industry's business model, impacting driver pay and scheduling practices.
