How Do Truck Drivers in the USA Get Paid for 11 Hours Driving or 14 Hours Work Including Loading and Unloading?

Truck drivers in the United States are typically paid for the total number of hours they work, which can include driving, loading, unloading, and other duties. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations detail that drivers are allowed to drive for a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. However, they can work up to 14 hours in total, which includes all on-duty activities, such as driving, loading, unloading, inspections, and more.

Compensation Options

Compensation for truck drivers can vary widely based on the company and type of trucking job. Some drivers are paid by the mile, while others might be paid hourly for all on-duty hours. Therefore, while the driving time is capped at 11 hours, drivers are often compensated for the full 14 hours of on-duty time, depending on the employer's policies.

Examples of Payment Methods

Here are a few examples of how different drivers are paid:

Company Drivers: A driver working as a company driver for air-hauling and team 48VTL (Verified Tank Inspection) might be paid by the mile. For instance, if they work as an intermodal solo driver for the same company, they might be compensated through a combination of mileage and on-duty time, including loading and unloading. Many drivers work five days a week and have two days off at home.

Hourly vs. Mileage: Some drivers are hourly-paid, meaning they get compensated from clock-in to clock-out. However, most drivers employed by mile-paying companies are only compensated while driving. Some drivers receive additional pay for waiting or handwashing the truck, among other tasks.

Unionized Car Haulers: There are unionized car haulers who pay 11 hours of hourly pay for a day, even if the driver stopped a couple of hours early. This demonstrates the variance in payment methods across different carriers and roles.

Historical Context

Truck drivers have different ways of getting paid, depending on the era and the type of job. For example:

Hourly Drivers: In the past, hourly drivers would get paid from clock-in to clock-out. Contractors who own their authority and get paid by the mile could sometimes receive a percentage of the shipping charge. They would also get reimbursement for certain costs, such as lumpers and fuel surcharges.

Owner Operators: Owner operators who have their own authority are often paid by the mile and sometimes get a percentage of the shipping charge. They are also responsible for all expenses related to their trucks.

Company Drivers: Company drivers, on the other hand, are usually paid by the mile. Those who lease their trucks to a company or lease from a company have to cover all expenses associated with the operation of their trucks, leading to higher pay rates.

Conclusion

Truck drivers in the USA often get paid for a combination of driving, loading, and unloading hours. The payment structures can be complex and vary widely based on the type of job, the company, and the regulations set by the FMCSA. With different payment methods available, like being paid by the mile, hourly, or a combination of both, the compensation system is diverse and flexible.