A federal judge in Arkansas just reaffirmed that truck drivers need to be paid for every hour they spend in their trucks while they're not sleeping - Business Insider
A federal judge in Arkansas ruled that truck drivers must be paid for all on-duty time, including waiting and loading/unloading, not just driving hours. This decision impacts pay practices under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and may require back pay for affected drivers.
Aforeworn detected this change in the Trucking / FMCSA Compliance space on July 10, 2026 and published this briefing so affected operators are forewarned rather than caught off guard. It is rated High urgency. Motor carriers employing drivers, especially those paying by the mile or load rather than hourly for non-driving duties. should confirm how it applies to their specific situation before acting. There is a time constraint attached: Immediately; back pay claims may be retroactive. Consult legal counsel to assess exposure.. Acting after that point can mean penalties, a lapsed licence, or lost eligibility — exactly the kind of surprise Aforeworn exists to prevent. Aforeworn monitors Trucking / FMCSA Compliance continuously and turns every detected change into a plain-English briefing like this one, so you always know first. Forewarned is forearmed.
What changed
The court reaffirmed that all time drivers spend in the truck while not sleeping (e.g., waiting, loading/unloading) is compensable work time under the FLSA.
Who it affects
Motor carriers employing drivers, especially those paying by the mile or load rather than hourly for non-driving duties.
What you must do
Review and adjust pay practices to ensure drivers are compensated for all on-duty, non-sleeping time. Audit past pay records for potential back pay liability.
Deadline
Immediately; back pay claims may be retroactive. Consult legal counsel to assess exposure.
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