Rise and Fall of Truck Driver Prevailing Wages Under Davis-Bacon

After a decade of back-and-forth between White House administrations, the fight over prevailing wages for truck drivers under the Davis-Bacon Act has come to an end. The rule, which determines minimum pay rates for drivers on federally funded construction projects, saw dramatic swings depending on which party controlled the White House. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what drivers and carriers need to know now.

What Is the Davis-Bacon Act and Why Does It Matter for Truck Drivers?

The Davis-Bacon Act of 1931 requires that workers on federally funded construction projects be paid “prevailing wages” — the local average for similar work. For decades, the law applied mainly to on-site construction laborers, but in 2014 the Obama administration expanded it to include truck drivers hauling materials to and from those projects. That change set off a political tug-of-war that lasted until 2026.

The Rise: Obama-Era Expansion (2014–2020)

In 2014, the Department of Labor issued a rule clarifying that truck drivers delivering materials to federal construction sites were covered by Davis-Bacon prevailing wages. The rationale: drivers were “employed directly upon the site of the work” if they spent a significant portion of their time on site. This meant drivers on projects like highway repairs, bridge construction, and federal building projects were entitled to the locally prevailing wage — often $25–$35 per hour, plus fringe benefits.

For drivers, this was a major win. Prevailing wages were typically higher than market rates for similar non-union work, especially in rural areas. Carriers, however, faced higher labor costs and complained about administrative burdens.

The Fall: Trump-Era Rollback (2020–2024)

In 2020, the Trump administration reversed course. A new rule narrowed the definition of “site of the work” to exclude off-site activities like hauling materials. The Department of Labor argued that drivers were not “employed upon the site” if they spent most of their time on public roads. The rule effectively removed most truck drivers from Davis-Bacon coverage.

Drivers saw pay cuts on federal projects. Some carriers that had been paying prevailing wages reverted to market rates, which could be $5–$10 per hour lower. The change was controversial, with labor unions and driver advocacy groups challenging it in court.

The Final Fall: Biden-Era Reversal and 2026 Endgame

President Biden campaigned on restoring Davis-Bacon protections for drivers. In 2022, his Department of Labor proposed a new rule that would again cover drivers, but the rulemaking process dragged on. Meanwhile, a federal court in Texas blocked the 2022 rule in 2023, citing procedural issues. The case wound its way through appeals.

In 2025, the newly elected administration signaled it would not pursue further expansion. By July 2026, the Department of Labor officially withdrew the pending rule, effectively ending the decade-long battle. The current status: truck drivers are not covered by Davis-Bacon prevailing wages on federal projects, unless they are physically on the construction site for a substantial portion of their workday.

What This Means for Drivers and Carriers Today

For drivers: If you haul materials to federal construction sites, your pay is likely set by market rates, not prevailing wages. That could mean lower pay than you might have earned under the Obama-era rule. However, many unionized drivers and those working for larger carriers still negotiate wages that exceed market averages.

For carriers: The regulatory uncertainty is over. You no longer need to track prevailing wage rates for most drivers on federal projects. But be aware: some state-level prevailing wage laws still cover drivers. Check your state’s requirements.

How to Navigate Pay in a Post-Davis-Bacon World

Whether you’re a driver looking for the best-paying jobs or a carrier trying to attract top talent, understanding local market rates is key. At LMDR, we help match drivers with carriers offering competitive pay. Our platform has over 4,564 drivers and 530,340+ FMCSA-verified carriers, with an average match time of just 24 hours. Drivers can apply for a CDL job and carriers can see our carrier pricing to get started.

For more on how regulatory changes affect your bottom line, check out our article on state fuel tax relief: where truckers save at the pump and the latest on new English-proficiency proposal expected soon for CDL drivers.

FAQ

Q: Are truck drivers covered by Davis-Bacon prevailing wages now?

A: No. As of July 2026, the Department of Labor has withdrawn the rule that would have expanded coverage. Drivers are only covered if they are physically on the construction site for a substantial portion of their workday.

Q: What was the prevailing wage rate for truck drivers under the Obama rule?

A: Rates varied by location, but typically ranged from $25 to $35 per hour plus fringe benefits, based on local surveys.

Q: Do state prevailing wage laws still apply to truck drivers?

A: Yes, some states have their own prevailing wage laws that may cover drivers on state-funded projects. Check your state’s Department of Labor for details.