A federal lawsuit involving delivery driver reimbursement practices at several Maryland Domino’s Pizza franchise locations has reached a significant milestone, with the court granting approval of a settlement for eligible drivers.
The case, Wilson v. Marlboro Pizza, LLC et al., was brought by former delivery driver Donald Wilson against Marlboro Pizza, LLC and owner Malcolm Carter. The lawsuit centered on allegations that delivery drivers were not adequately reimbursed for the costs of using their personal vehicles to make deliveries, resulting in wages that allegedly fell below the federal minimum wage.
Key Case Developments
February 19, 2026
Plaintiffs’ Motion for Settlement Approval Granted
The court granted approval of the settlement, resolving the litigation and concluding the case.
July 15, 2024
Notice Period Closed
The period for eligible drivers to receive notice of the lawsuit and participate in the case came to an end.
April 15, 2024
Notice Period Opened
Potential class members were notified of their rights and given the opportunity to participate in the litigation.
February 5, 2024
Conditional Certification Granted
The court conditionally certified a class of similarly situated pizza delivery drivers, allowing the case to proceed on behalf of a broader group of workers.
June 15, 2022
Complaint Filed
The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, alleging violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
What Were the Claims About?
The lawsuit alleged that delivery drivers were required to use their personal vehicles to complete deliveries while bearing the costs associated with vehicle ownership and operation. These expenses can include:
- Fuel and gasoline costs
- Routine maintenance
- Vehicle repairs
- Auto insurance
- Tire replacement
- Vehicle depreciation
According to the allegations, the reimbursement system used by the defendants did not adequately account for these expenses. The complaint further alleged that the reimbursement rates paid to drivers were lower than reasonable estimates of actual vehicle expenses and below applicable IRS mileage benchmarks used to estimate the cost of operating a vehicle for business purposes.
Why These Cases Matter
Delivery driver reimbursement lawsuits have become increasingly common as workers seek compensation for unreimbursed business expenses. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers generally cannot shift business expenses to employees when doing so reduces their pay below minimum wage requirements.
For drivers who use personal vehicles for work, reimbursement policies can have a substantial impact on their actual earnings. Courts evaluating these claims often examine mileage reimbursement methods, vehicle operating costs, and whether drivers were effectively compensated for work-related expenses.
About Forester Haynie
Forester Haynie represents workers nationwide in wage and hour litigation involving minimum wage, overtime, and mileage reimbursement claims. The firm has recovered more than $20 million on behalf of pizza delivery drivers and other employees affected by unlawful pay practices.
Forester Haynie handles wage and hour cases on a contingency-fee basis. Clients pay no upfront attorneys’ fees or litigation costs, and the firm is only compensated if a recovery is obtained.