Travel While TDY Considered Commuting?
My OS is claiming that traveling from the hotel to the job site isn't credible work. They're citing a 2018 opinion from the DOL regarding crane inspectors who are covered under FLSA. (Linked above)
I was under the impression that as soon as you leave the door of the hotel you're working. This is because you're traveling on official government duty away from your permanent duty station.
It seems like the only caveat is if you're traveling outside of your normal work schedule. However, this doesn't seem applicable to my specific situation. Regardless since GS employees are FLSA exempt it seems the whole 2018 opinion isn't valid anyway.
Has anyone else had to deal with this or can provide guidance on how to proceed? I asked HR if there has been and internal guidance and haven't heard anything back. Typically I wouldn't care but when working in some areas the drive to and from the hotel can be up to 30min - 1hr each way.
TIA
Edit: For clarification this is with regards to travel while TDY beyond 50mi from my official duty station which is my apartment so no regular commute.