Does my employer have to pay me for travel between job sites?

Does My Employer Have to Pay Me for Travel Between Job Sites?

If you’re wondering, “Does my employer have to pay me for travel between job sites?”, the answer depends on the nature of the travel and your work schedule. Under both the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Ohio wage laws, travel between job sites during the workday is generally compensable. Employers must pay for this time, especially when it occurs after an employee has reported to work and is traveling for job-related purposes.

Does My Employer Have to Pay Me for Travel Between Job Sites During My Shift?

Yes, employers must pay for travel time between job sites during a scheduled workday. For example, if you start your day at one construction site and are asked to drive to another location to continue working, that travel time is considered hours worked under the FLSA.

In 29 C.F.R. § 785.38, the Department of Labor clarifies that time spent traveling from one job site to another after the beginning of the workday is compensable. This includes time spent driving or riding in a company vehicle, unless specific exceptions apply.

An employment lawyer can help determine whether the nature and timing of your travel meets these standards and if you may have a claim for unpaid wages.

What About Commuting From Home to the First Job Site?

Generally, employers do not have to pay for your normal commute from home to the first job site or from the last site back home at the end of the day. This is considered ordinary commuting, which the FLSA does not require employers to compensate.

However, if your employer requires you to stop at a central location (like a warehouse or dispatch center) to pick up equipment or receive instructions before heading to the job site, that travel may become compensable.

In Rutti v. Lojack Corp., 596 F.3d 1046 (9th Cir. 2010), the court found that time spent uploading route assignments and receiving work instructions could qualify as compensable if it is integral to the job duties.

Does the Use of a Company Vehicle Make a Difference?

The use of a company vehicle alone does not require your employer to compensate you for travel time. However, if your employer controls your use of the vehicle or assigns duties during the travel (like responding to calls, transporting other workers, or delivering materials), then that time could become compensable.

Ohio follows the same general rules as federal law here, but each case can be fact-specific. Discussing your situation with an experienced employment attorney is important if your employer is denying pay for required travel.

What If I’m on Call or Expected to Wait Between Sites?

If you’re required to wait between assignments or remain on call near a secondary site, this time might also qualify as compensable. According to 29 C.F.R. § 785.15, if you are “engaged to wait”, meaning your time is controlled by the employer and you’re not free to use it for personal matters, you must be paid.

Ohio workers in construction, home healthcare, maintenance, and delivery often face this issue. If your employer fails to pay you for waiting or in-between travel, you may be entitled to back pay or unpaid overtime.

How Should I Track Travel Time for Wage Claims?

If you suspect you’re owed wages for job-site travel, begin by documenting:

• Daily job site locations and shift start/end times

• Travel routes and time spent driving

• Any job-related duties performed during travel

• Company policies or verbal instructions about travel expectations

An employment lawyer can use this information to assess your potential claim and help you recover any lost wages or damages.

Contact Coffman Legal for a Free Consultation

At Coffman Legal, our employment lawyers help Ohio workers recover wages for unpaid travel time. If you’ve been driving between job sites and not getting paid, you could be entitled to compensation. Schedule a free consultation with our team to discuss your rights and your options.