New base pay rates for owner-operator truck drivers look set to be delayed with the backing of crossbench senators.
There's also some support for the Turnbull government to go further and abolish the Labor-initiated tribunal behind the decision.
The new rates, set by the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal, were due to come into effect on Monday.
But the National Road Transport Association won an injunction in the Federal Court.
The government will bring to parliament on April 18 a bill to delay the introduction of the new rates until January 1, 2017.
Employment Minister Michaelia Cash says she's been inundated with calls from grown men in tears worried about the tribunal decision.
They would be priced out of the market and have to leave the industry, she warned.
The Transport Workers Union argues the pay system improves safety.
TWU national secretary Tony Sheldon said the industry is in crisis and studies have shown pressures on trucking companies and drivers are "literally sending them to the funeral parlours of this country".
With Labor and the Greens opposed to the bill, the government will need six crossbench senators to pass it.
Independent senator Glenn Lazarus said he would support the government and if the bill failed he would bring to parliament his own private bill to abolish the tribunal.
Crossbench colleague Nick Xenophon, who supported the Gillard government in setting up the tribunal, said he had changed his mind on its effectiveness.
"I've spoken to many owner-operators who are very fearful for their livelihoods," he said.
Liberal Democrats senator David Leyonhjelm said he objected to a tribunal telling people what they could and could not charge.
Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party senator Ricky Muir is pleased with the stay order, but is seeking advice on whether the legislation will have any unintended consequences.
"Being an owner-driver should be a viable business that someone can undertake safely, but still be competitive and earn a reasonable amount for reasonable hours," he said in a statement.
It is understood senators Dio Wang and Bob Day will also back the bill.
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