A system for joint reverse link access and traffic channel overload control in a cellular network includes relieving the reverse link total loading to optimize resource utilization and distribution among different types of mobile device users. The cellular network includes a plurality of mobile stations that wirelessly communicate with a base station over a reverse link, using a CDMA or similar communications protocol. A joint access and traffic overload control module creates an access channel load relief plan, a traffic channel load relief plan and then relieves the total loading of the reverse link based upon both the access channel load relief plan and the traffic channel load relief plan.