Trucking & Delivery Workers
California law requires that drivers paid by the mile, load, or trip still earn at least minimum wage for every hour worked — including time spent waiting. Pay structure doesn't erase your right to be paid fairly, and violations here are common enough that they often affect entire routes, not just one driver.
Note: This page does not cover app-based rideshare or gig delivery driving, which is governed separately under Prop 22.
Some examples of wage violations in trucking and delivery include:
Unpaid waiting time: If you wait at a dock, loading zone, or job site before you can start driving, that time is compensable. It cannot be treated as unpaid 'downtime,' under Labor Code §510.
Piece-rate pay below minimum wage: If you're paid by the mile or load, your total pay must still equal at least minimum wage for every hour worked, including non-driving time. (Labor Code §226.2)
Independent contractor misclassification: If your employer controls your route, schedule, and how you do your job, you may be misclassified as a contractor when you're legally an employee — entitled to overtime, breaks, and other protections under Labor Code §2775 (ABC Test).
Unpaid loading/unloading time: Time spent loading or unloading cargo, even if it happens before or after your official shift, is generally compensable work time.
Missed meal and rest breaks: Non-exempt drivers are entitled to meal and rest breaks like any other California worker. Long routes don't exempt an employer from this requirement.
Proven Results for California Workers
More than $16 Million Recovered for California Trucking and Logistics Workers
Mauro Law Firm has secured court-approved settlements against multiple logistics and trucking companies for wage and hour violations. If you've experienced similar violations in your own workplace, this is the kind of pattern our team looks for.
Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome. Every case is different.
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Wage and hour violations were identified. This company failed to provide meal and rest breaks, did not pay minimum wages and overtime, and accrued penalties and interest. If you've experienced similar violations in your own workplace, this is the kind of pattern our team looks for.
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Wage and hour violations were discovered. This company neglected to provide meal and rest breaks, failed to pay minimum wages and overtime, and incurred penalties and interest. If you've experienced similar violations in your own workplace, this is the kind of pattern our team looks for.
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