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Independent contractor rules: How did trucking get here?

Nov. 5, 2024
What does the Department of Labor’s final rule do, and what came before it? Dive into the messy history behind the 2024 independent contractor classification final rule.

In just a few years, independent contractor classification became a hairy topic for trucking.

The Department of Labor’s approach to the topic prompted sharp criticisms and strong opinions from the industry at large. The American Trucking Associations, for example, is publicly and fiercely critical of the latest rule.

“I can think of nothing more un-American than for the government to extinguish the freedom of individuals to choose work arrangements that suit their needs and fulfill their ambitions,” as ATA’s president and CEO Chris Spear said in a statement. “That freedom of choice has been an enormous source of empowerment for women, minorities, and immigrants pursuing the American Dream.”

What did the Department of Labor do to draw such ire from Spear? It’s complicated. The issue of independent contractor classification has a heap of complex parts—from organization criticisms to AB5, enforcement, and regulations’ interactions.

The best starting ground for the topic is to ask: Where are we now, and how did we get here?

See also: Threat of ‘calamitous’ port strike awaits trucking in January

Where trucking is now

About the Author

Jeremy Wolfe | Editor

Editor Jeremy Wolfe joined the FleetOwner team in February 2024. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with majors in English and Philosophy. He previously served as Editor for Endeavor Business Media's Water Group publications.

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