Avoiding Driver Pay Legal Pitfalls

Driver pay has become more contentious recently, led by the US DOL’s focus on federal contractors (such as USPS highway contract route providers) and actions in California.

Most companies want to pay drivers correctly.  The current market dictates that good drivers are paid well and paid right, or they will go somewhere else.

However, we have conflicts between DOL and DOT regulations, differing interpretations of regulations, and a workforce that operates largely independently.

  1. Have well-defined routes and tasks for drivers.  This creates documented expectations.  Build fuel, break, and rest stops into the route.  Include clear instructions for break stops.  Let us know your situation and we can help suggest instructional language.
  2. Have an onboard telematics device that you use for a timeclock.
  3. Use your quality telematics device as an electronic logging device.  Beat the mandate rush, there are many reasons to start your program now.
  4. Monitor drivers’ Hours of Service.  Don’t coerce drivers – even if they have hours.  You can help them manage their limited time more effectively.
  5. Match pay to activities; defined by your dispatch system and measured by your telematics device.
  6. This is a lot easier when your TMS is both a dispatch and ELD system in one – give LoadTrek a look.