Independent California truckers scramble after Supreme Court refuses to hear AB5 case

AB5 was intended to give transport workers more workplace protections, but for truckers who own and operate their own rigs, they said it may be the end of the road. John Ramos reports. (7/5/22)

[@salvadorcallejasii842]

I’m an independent owner-operator. I’m my own boss, I negotiate rates, I pay for everything. I’ll be damned if I ever become an employee. The unions and the politicians who came up with this can rot in hell.

[@wopalongcassidy]

What about a co-op?

[@salvadorcallejasii842]

@@wopalongcassidy Even worse. Every owner-operator you ask will give you the same response. They just want to be left alone and do their own thing without interference or being managed by some higher up who has no clue on how the game works. That’s part of the reason why we’re independent, we like being our own bosses. It’s nice not having someone dictate every move I make or telling me when I have to work. Also being hourly is a sham, I enjoy negotiating and getting paid by the load.

[@markpashia7067]

If you are properly set up this should be no issue. Company to company contracts should still be legal. This is aimed at the ones who do not work for multiple companies, they only work for one company and have straight mileage rates and are not legally set up as a company at all. The companies set them up and handle all of the back end and then avoid paying benefits and dodge workers comp and unemployment insurance on these guys but that is the only distinction between them and an employee. Most of these guys just shuttle loads from the dock to a sorting yard. Never leaving the area all year. Often these companies buy there trucks for them and then lease them to the driver for outrageous lease payments so the company gets that for free too. You should be just fine if you are a registered company in any state and keep your own books and operate independently. Especially if you leave the state even with just one load a year as you are now entering the interstate commerce world where states cannot stop you from doing business. Most of these drivers that are doing this stuff local are getting taken advantage of and do not realize how badly they are being screwed.

[@wopalongcassidy]

@@salvadorcallejasii842 : I thought this law was aimed at Uber and Lyft drivers that really were getting exploited. Can't believe you guys got swept up in it. Maybe you all should do a work stoppage...without those blockages because you just lose the public's support with those traffic jams.

[@JBlazeCalifornia]

You Sound like an entitled wierdo to me

[@mladin1]

This isn’t about protecting truckers rights. It’s about the state receiving immediate tax money. The people that run this state are pure crooks.

[@acardenasjr1340]

They're bleeding money hard, so they gotta look for new revenue sources.

[@SebM-Python-JXeNuddg]

Yupp exactly!

[@VON92]

Facts

[@sr707ca8]

Your wrong in California construction licenses contractors pay the same taxes for employees and get insurance and bonded to work in the state, Truck agencies that hold truck licenses dont wanna pay employees unemployment like every one else that has employees in the state has to. You dont see construction failure because of taxes and insurance infact people come out of state to work in this great state called California

[@buddygreen7053]

The SCOTUS are the real criminals!

[@Creationsbyelder]

I swear, some of these "elected officials" need to have some sort of common sense test before being allowed to speak, much less introduce laws or vote on them.

[@koollee]

Nah.. they just need to go hungry for a long while.. then exempt truck drivers from this shht. This guy once said "everyone wants to take money from a truck driver" as we were in the shop gettin work done. Hes pretty right about that. Non drivers dont have a clue how we run this shht allnight while theyre sleepin n fartin. Many think we shouldnt get paid good for it

[@clintcoop5717]

You mean the idiots that voted for them 💯

[@dwjoseph59]

And they need to be drug, alcohol & hair folical tested too. Why not; they drug, alcohol & hair folical test EVERYONE ELSE 😳😲🤔🤔🤔😑😑😑?!?!

[@pauliexcluded1]

Just remember, those trucks weigh more than three large boxes that you might be carrying....I am very well informed so I am going to make laws now.

[@westernrider100]

And we can expect the Secretary of Transportation to look into this matter?

[@curlywurly70]

If you voted for the politicians that passed this law in California, you get the government you deserve.

[@ReformedSooner24]

And the lack of food and luxuries you deserve to. Let the truckers leave and let California starve. They absolutely deserve it.

[@heyaisdabomb]

The law had good intentions. But uber and lyft got around it, so now everyone else gets hurt by it but the companies it was targeting. It needs to be repealed.

[@theia1653]

Oh, really? "The road to hell is paved with good intentions" seems to be lost on some people.

[@petebusch9069]

@@heyaisdabomb Good intentions my God man get a clue. NOTHING from government has good intentions other then to line their pockets with our money. Fucking wake up man and stop trying to walk the line.

[@CJ-tx8nu]

A lot of Uber and Lyft drivers didn't want this either. They like to be se to work and drive when they want whether they do it as primary or side income.

[@ec3489]

People are going to see just how important truck drivers really are. And we truck drivers should not go back until we get some restrictions lifted.

[@tomservo5007]

this is a win for truckers, the trucking companies are the one complaining

[@ec3489]

@@tomservo5007 Can you elaborate how this is a win for owner operators?

[@cowboyx9380]

@@tomservo5007 You clearly dont understand the issue here.

[@916Smoke]

@@tomservo5007 it’s not a win at all for truckers.

[@TimeSurfer206]

@@cowboyx9380 I understand that you guys have been brainwashed into holding the biggest expenses and risks for the Company, all while being given less miles than the Company Employee Drivers. And before you ask, no, I never worked for Swift, or JB Hunt. I knew better.

[@rickysand1900]

I hope this really impacts our country in a big and meaningful way. I’m not a trucker, but I am surely on their side.

[@rminitials]

New hires in the industry are lower than ever and many more are retiring every year. I truly hope a major shortage happens. Although it would screw over all of us, we need this to happen. Truckers are treated like SHIT and they bust their ass harder than many.

[@TheKingDhill]

Sometime you have to stop being so nice. You have to hit them where it will affect their elected offices. SHUTDOWN THE WHOLE STATE, NO DELIVERIES TO GAS STATIONS, GROCERY STORES, HOSPITALS, RESTURANTS ETC. I know you all don't want to hurt innocent people, but sometimes you have to make a stand.

[@mindforgecollective]

It would take less than 1 week to bring the whole state to it's knees, but sadly they wont do it. This Country has done a beautiful job of brainwashing the people into submission.

[@jaybeedelacruz520]

Wow that would surely hurt everyone.

[@HurricaneJD]

i would urge the truck drivers to just stay home... let this whole country burn to the ground. that way we can just start over from scratch and weed out all this nonsense

[@mindforgecollective]

@@jaybeedelacruz520 You have to understand something. If they don't stand together and really hurt them, this will continue. These people are very clever. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. They do these things because they feel it's just enough to piss everyone off, but not enough to cause a revolt. And after everyone has adjusted to the new boot on their neck, they take another bite. Give an inche, slowly take a mile, are you seeing it? They have to bring that state to it knees so that they never think about doing something like that again. If the people are angry over it let it be at the people responsible for causing them discomfort.

[@AxelfoleyTheGreat]

Most people don’t appreciate delivery drivers until something like this happens. Kind of like when Covid first hit. People didn’t realize how important the shipping industry was until everything got shut down and all they had was them. They need to stop disrespecting these hard working men and women.

[@johnsheridan3729]

I had absolutely no clue when I retired from trucking 2 years ago that it was THE perfect time to do so. I see here that it was. This is absolutely crazy!

[@whosmansisthis1894]

Good for you. But the young people like me. 25. We have to deal with this bullshit.. can’t even put gas without worrying about food now.

[@johnsheridan3729]

@@whosmansisthis1894 That is why so many of you will choose to simply walk away from trucking altogether because it simply is not worth it anymore. Look, If I were 25 again and trucking was like THIS, I never would have continued. That's for sure.

[@alanlangley7246]

me too retired 2018 after 27 years otr pulling tanks

[@berzerker1100]

M.T.A. Los Angeles, is hiring ! Honestly & you can even become a Train operator & be home every night Just saying 👍 I mean it's a job w/ Good benefits. I've got 36 years in I should be retired within a year or so, God bless 🙌

[@PandasWeightloss]

@@whosmansisthis1894 Just move to nebraska. Problem solved.

[@auburneverything980]

How in hell can S.COURT be so blind . Do they even have a clue of damage this causes😵

[@richardyoung4953]

I, personally, would like to know which Justis stopped it. But that just has to be someone to be unknown.

[@kdeezo326]

The Supreme Court is compromised.

[@nicopolis7377]

They do not give a sh__ about this , but when there is no food at grocery stores - watch out .

[@tomcat7843]

I own a very large grocery distribution company in the midwest. I saw this coming and wrote to all of the presidents of my suppliers in Calif. I told them I would no longer buy from them since the product could not be transported at a com loop etitive cost. I now put millions of dollars into suppliers of other states. I informed the companies they could recover my business if califiriniacation ever decided to rejoin the union.

[@petebusch9069]

This is all part of the "great reset" attempting to slow down everything and line their pockets at the same time.

[@napster1363]

Exactly! Just look at Sri Lanka!

[@xoxobutterfly]

It sure is

[@alaverga173]

"You'll own nothing and be happy"

[@napster1363]

@@alaverga173 BOB SAGET!!!!

[@alfonsomueller4438]

United Nations Agenda 21.

[@jessedevilbiss8436]

We need a law to protect us from all these laws

[@geedubb2005]

Start by voting against any political candidate that has a “” next to their name. They are bad news and unAmerican.

[@VGMurders]

lol.

[@truthseeker304]

The private defacto foreign government is Not Our government their laws are for the incompetent citizens that doesn't know that they are being played by a criminal organization that are Actors pretending to be Our government!!! Read the American Declaration On The Rights Of The Indigeous People and STOP supporting the criminals!!! People have enough dignity to claim your own stuff and give Ceaser back his Stuff it is NOT OURS!!! One Love/Shalom!!!

[@dave8599]

Vote the Democrats out, that will fix this mess.

[@sandasturner9529]

Lel.

[@Mickale-Moranis]

Would this be applied to all 'contractors' to the State of California, California counties government, and the federal agencies that operate within the state?

[@chrisfisher6700]

It’s not clear from the article why it is not possible for these independent contractors to contract with other parties to do the billing, broker loads, etc.? Is it a legal liability issue or something? If so, is it possible that an insurance product for the contractors could solve the problem? As reported this sounds like a very solvable issue

[@STLPLAYB0Y]

In 2019 when this bill got passed my truck company told every owner operator to move out of California if they want to do business California was the largest state for truck drivers and Arizona was the second if you're on the West Coast after this bill Arizona will be the largest because all of those truck drivers will now have Arizona plates next time they're seen at the port

[@wisdomandlove1661]

Good idea and comment.

[@tractorboy31]

But what i understand is lease drivers cant even drive in comufornia now

[@STLPLAYB0Y]

This will only affect California residents as long as you don't live in California you can be a lease driver who operates there

[@MrJflomario]

That's excellent news for Swift. Not much good news for anyone else.

[@STLPLAYB0Y]

First of all bro I don't work for Swift second you're wrong this might be bad for California drivers but this is actually a good thing for everyone else now that California has killed off 50% of its Trucking community Freight prices for California are going to go up it's going to cost them more to make up the difference because they'll have to have truck drivers from outside California moving most of their Freight and Arizona already has a shit ton of owner-operators and smaller truck companies that run California ports without being based there for people living in California things just got a little bit more expensive but for truckers outside of California those new Freight prices could be considered a raise

[@boomskis4926]

The law goes into effect in few days but they don’t know who’s gonna enforce this new law 😂 Bunch of geniuses running this country

[@truthseeker304]

Only ones that can enforce the FAKE LAWS are the Incompetent citizens 🙄 because they don't know any better than to be following a pack of wolfs that are Actors pretending to be Our government!!! One Love/Shalom!!!

[@wokejoke2675]

State

[@christopheredge7308]

Right. Let the ones who made the law if they have the balls (they don't) enforce it. No. They get the police to do their dirty, crooked jobs

[@larrys.3992]

Someone opened the door to the asylum!

[@martyjoseph9507]

California is a state

[@MrXyzasdf]

Can the truckers just incorporate themselves and have the freight dispatchers contract with the business entity?

[@ismaelcoronajr]

Yes but they're still liable for insurance, wc, Corporation fees ($800.00) minimum in California, plus a mariad of other bs they didn't have to worry about

[@MrXyzasdf]

@@ismaelcoronajr indeed there are additional expenses so you'll just have to compensate by increasing prices and passing it off to the consumers

[@gungadinn]

If you’re a small independent trucker, you’re probably leased on with a company. If you have your own authority, you get work directly from brokers. If you’re leased, you’re operating under their DOT ICC numbers, enrolled in random testing for drugs and alcohol. The leasing company maintains those records, so that’s why you don’t see drivers leased to multiple companies. Your safety score card, cargo insurance rates are all dependent on your score. The company you’re leased to files a lot of the required paperwork and takes their cut including fuel surcharges.

[@BubbaDog001]

The best way to sort this law out is to strictly adhere to it. Make your money outside California. When the shelves go bare, leave it to Newsom and crew to explain.

[@kenbob1071]

Good luck making money outside of CA when CA is the largest entry shipping destination of imported goods for the entire country....lol.

[@Jaybee82]

@@kenbob1071 that is true also.

[@BubbaDog001]

Valid point. However, there may not be much other choice if they can’t be independent in California.

[@yourlogicalnightmare1014]

@@kenbob1071 So get another job. We need a million fewer truckers and a million fewer cops to achieve progressive democrat utopia

[@SemperShock]

That would be awesome when their chauffeur tells them we can’t go because there isn’t any gas. Or Or tries to go out and eat and every restaurant they go to is missing something in the menu because they have not received their shipment.

[@peragtori]

You think the supply chain is jacked up now just wait 1 month with independent drivers not delivering freight.

[@larryroe7661]

It works hand in hand Independent drivers need to help this is going to be a big mess

[@peragtori]

@@larryroe7661 This is all tyrant king dictator Gavin Grewsom fault with the AB5 law. I say let it collapse & have major supply chain disruption & shortages in the entire commiefornia economy. Then with any luck we get a new governor in 22. But it's wishful thinking knowing how brainwashed the majority of commiefornia citizens are. They believe the government is God.

[@55cleon]

INDEED 👌🏿!!

[@berryfin4648]

@@larryroe7661 how can anyone help hand in hand? Protest? Riots? The supreme court already rejected hearing about it. What the hell are you talking about?

[@johnrhardin6460]

Exactly…. Stupid Democrats don’t care how ugly things get… You see how things are now and it’s getting worse… And some republicans have stabbed us in the back..

[@bobsbillets8863]

I am so so glad I got out of the trucking business. Between CARB, Scales, DOT, Repairs, fuel, tires, insurance, registration, AND now this, I dont see how there is any money to be made. And that my friends is why I sold my truck.

[@damian4727]

Wish they did this for small gigs like Uber,Grubhub and Doordash.Where we are getting scammed from our earnings.They micromanage everything we do.We also don’t have control of how much we can make.Oh and trust me who ever pays for services like this are getting scammed as well.This is disappointing to see truckers go out like this.

[@Roberto-gp3yx]

We need to appeal that law and push back against this moronic law!

[@heyaisdabomb]

Yes, The whole point was to target uber and lyft, but everyone has been hurt by this law but them, because they got their own exception. I used to claim my installation fees as an independent contractor, but now, they go onto my w2 and my taxes are much higher. Paid 38% in taxes last year on 87k of salary, which is below the poverty line for San Francisco where I live.

[@mannymartinez6182]

Agreed this is the only logic way to do it

[@bankergeorge]

*repeal*

[@mrtee3477]

@@truckingwithtobee let them decide not the government. They're adult not a fukking child.

[@linusa2996]

Then the truckers need to get that repeal petition on the November ballot.

[@williamwarner3982]

And to think, it was the Uber-Lyft drivers that started this. Then after realizing what monster they created, they were the first to file for an exemption. Nice they didn't even try to help stop it.

[@williamwarner3982]

@V. P. N wow. They are getting ripped off too. 20% is way low for driving your own car. Owner Operators in trucking get a minimum 85%.

[@5400bowen]

It was Uber and Lyft that fought the law, not the drivers.

[@that.ll_do_pig]

It was not them that started it. Not sure why that's the prevailing idea. It was the Dynamex [couriers] class action lawsuit.

[@kenfulkerson9567]

Keeping the supply in check which is needed all over the country.

[@jimt00lman]

One question, couldn't the independent truckers just create their own company and then treat the trucking company as their IC? I believe AB5 defines the IC as someone that doesnt do the same work as the company. The truckers could create LLCs and then contract with the trucking companies to provide them work.

[@bobsbillets8863]

Sure they could, but no one says they have to do business with you. Its more for large carries that continue to cut the rate because they can. They buy millions of $ worth of fuel a month. They can give the port a better price. You wont be able to compete when you have to pay $7 for diesel and they are paying $5 for it. You simply wont get the haul because you are "too expensive". I ve seen guys that will work their truck all day for $100. You can't be an owner operator and make it like that.

[@j_flo]

God bless the truckers. Truly the life blood that keeps the nation turning. People who made this decision will ruin the lives of many. 🇺🇸

[@JBlazeCalifornia]

Yeah right

[@piistheword]

No it won't. Only those who never got their own authority and leased on to a carrier.

[@denniswaterman3982]

And I believe that is the desired intent. This is just another way that the government is actively working to destroy this once great country.

[@jeffreya8329]

No it wont big companies will just hire more drivers, anyone can be replaced

[@terriehouston2058]

Yeah this the Great U.S.A land of the damn free I'm yet too see that. God bless all the truck driver 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️⚓⚓⚓

[@johnnygavin3654]

Keep up the great work California. God help us.

[@steveeddy6876]

You mean TAXAFORNIA?

[@scfinisher1355]

@@steveeddy6876 or Commiefornia!! Whatta liberal shit hole that state has become

[@jesseakers7298]

Commiefornia

[@waterheaterservices]

Glorious revolutionary humanist socialist people's paradise California

[@fasthighwaydriver59732]

@@steveeddy6876 AB5 law was passed by Republican party on Federal Law now every state needs to pass the law in their states. You Republican supporters are the most uneducated people you support Republicans but even don't know they AB5 was passed during trump administration

[@greatman05_CCJR]

I know my ABCs, and other businessowners like me need to know their ABCs too. Always Be Constitutional.

[@francisco4194]

Ab5 is former assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez’s masterpiece. Also reminder Gavin signed this bill. Very disappointed that the Supreme Court didn’t take this case up for review.

[@caipirinha_king1632]

People making decisions on issues that they know nothing about…. This has been the hiring trend in transportation management for at least 25 years or more. Now it’s senators, congressmen, and judge’s getting their punches in.

[@caipirinha_king1632]

@@clemsmith8799 I’m not going to doubt that you’re as ignorant as your response. But you know damn well that what was put in place for gig workers was not intended for truck drivers.

[@markpashia7067]

This is not about independent truckers, this is about local drivers who do not set up as independent companies. And this is just one state that has no say if you are a real company that operates over state lines. Only federal can regulate interstate commerce. California cannot do that.

[@mikesmith5600]

Every Opinion is one thing..If you guys are paying attention to the whole world you will see they are all in it together. ..They are trying to create civil Collapse everywhere..They just did it to one country & other countries are still fighting back over it & having uprisings aginst there governments..

[@strawdemindset]

Are you an trucker? This makes sense ... there needed to be a distinction between employee and independent.

[@lucaskalkman8209]

This is how transportation management keeps on bringing the price of freight down and bringing down drivers wages, by dumping all the risk and expenses on their “independent drivers” while they keep the profits. In Europe they bring in drivers from Ukraine, Moldova and the Philippines to crush the rates that drivers should get paid and in the USA they make them independent and play one “independent driver” against the other to crush the rates. Now that the independent driver has all the expenses he has no choice but to drive for a pittance and make 70 hr weeks without overtime pay or benefits. This law is a good thing. It might weed out all the garbage from the industry for a while and drivers will have a chance of making a decent wage again. Just look over the border in Canada where truck drivers and the transportation companies are making money.

[@pinchebruha405]

Didn’t they do this to stop Uber and Lyft, then they exempted them at the last minute….because of course they had big lawyers fight for them

[@dank9288639]

yes, something very similar

[@jimalldredge8691]

freight company's have way more money than uber and lyft

[@vax4leadman640]

@@jimalldredge8691 Yeah but not the independent truckers fool!

[@that.ll_do_pig]

It wasn't meant to "stop uber and lyft" exactly, it was the result of the Dynamex [courier drivers] class action lawsuit. It became a law and then rideshare companies funded the hell out of Prop 22 because they were sued for violating the new law. Prop22 passed and they are now exempt...

[@Truckerdaddy]

The law was made with the intention to protect drivers from vulture companies who barely pay their contract drivers anything if they don't have their own authority especially lease purchase drivers where the driver has to remain at that company while purchasing that truck from them for like 400% mark up. Lease purchase is the biggest scam in trucking

[@derrickhyman872]

People don’t seem to understand this law! Owner operators aren’t effected at all if they have more than 1 customer, have their own DOT authority, insurance, etc. This law effects Lease Operators and the major trucking companies trying to pawn them off as independent truckers. They are not independent! Y’all are misrepresenting this law egregiously!

[@letsgobrandon4691]

Well thats the reason people go to a company when they own there own truck they use the company's Insurance there dot number and there dispatch and in return the company gets a % of that person's gross so yea they are owner operators

[@g-pawmikey5508]

You are buying what the politicians are selling, you are clueless as to the impact, 70,000 trucks in the state will stop rolling or be forced to charge higher freight rates because there costs will increase because they will have fewer deductions of their expenses! This means their tax rates are higher, YOU get to pay more and the state gets to waste more . I think they waste enough already. This regulation is to consolidate trucking into to fewer and larger corporations... The reason is larger and fewer corporations are easily regulated and taxed more by regulation. Most of these trucks are 1099 income they are completely taxed! Wake up, your cost of living is about to double maybe triple, not many have that much disposable income, hope you do. I owned a trucking company, with an education in tax accounting, my daughter is an accountant. You have been egregiously been misled, politicians will do that, so they spend your money on things like trains to nowhere!

[@jackjones5725]

Maybe if the supreme Court can't get no groceries they might decide to hear the case

[@Forzn7tu]

Don’t blame owner operator when your milk hits 50$ a gallon

[@scfinisher1355]

Nobody's fault but people like Gavin Screwsome & state lawmakers. Whatta shame... California USED to be one of the best states to live in & I'm just glad I was born & raised there & moved from there before it became the liberal shit hole it is now!

[@Network126]

At that point I'll just steal it. Covid bullshit already destroyed my life and drove me into homelessness last year. Now this. I've had enough.

[@denniswaterman3982]

More good news for California residents. I can't help but wonder just how all of the new illegal migrants are going to deal with this?

[@Forzn7tu]

@@denniswaterman3982 they definitely getting the hell out of California and going elsewhere for sure.

[@crystalmorgan1959]

@@Forzn7tu If I was a trucker, I'd never do business with California again. There are 48 other states to drive to.

[@davidfrank2824]

Every single item that you have at one point was on a truck. How do you think the stores get the products that we use every single day? Trucks bring the things we need. Even if product is moved by a train across the country the merchandise that was loaded on to the trains was brought there by trucks and when it gets to its destination trucks will deliver it to their destination. I honestly don't think people realize the role that trucks play in the world. With the skyrocketing cost of diesel fuel that alone drives up prices on everything we use. I have no idea what this law is supposed to do for California. What is the underlying purpose of the law? What are they trying to achieve?

[@scfinisher1355]

Sounds like the lawmakers & powers that be are trying speed up social collapse in Commiefornia. I'm sure the smart truckers who live in that state will just move & refuse to work there. People were screaming "get outta California while u still can" years ago & I couldn't be happier that I was able to get outta & for a while I had been going back for work but now....its not even worth it & the $ I was able to make & bring back home with me 2 or 3 years ago now ain't worth it with the cost of gas & food just while I'm working out there. Now I'll rather just take a lower paying job here close to home & NOT spend the $ for food & gas prices. Way to go lawmakers of California ...makin it so that its ONLY the super rich & super poor that will be there....I'm sure u guys will love each other! 🤦🏼‍♂️🤬😂🤣😂🤣👍🏻

[@unlockdaknowledge5004]

More control is the goal for this liberal politician.

[@marymadeline9533]

Control so theirs No owner operators

[@C2yourself]

Money, taxes, control, unions

[@XxBuzzedGamingxX]

I think vans like the ones Amazon use would work far better than a semi. Yes a semi can carry more than ten van combined, but if we use vans then we can employ more people. They are easier to drive and maintain. They require less training and they are safer than a truck. I'd rather get hit by a van than a semi any day of the week. Just saying.

[@keithkennedy2725]

What a intentional mess… God help us

[@radioroger1683]

Now the Independent Truckers know how hundreds of thousands of us who were affected by AB5 beginning of 2020 feel, most of us have not worked since!

[@catladytrucker7608]

Better start hoarding that toilet paper again, Californians! You're about to realize just how crucial truckers are.

[@myfavs253]

The Supreme Court refused to hear the case? What are they too busy with?

[@justinvelez9796]

It's who's behind the curtain that told them not to hear this case

[@user-nh6vu3qr7b]

Corruption Corporate California

[@eugenebdotson7363]

The court fucked up this and the border ! Great take a vacation !

[@robertojurado1825]

Trying to figure out what is a woman smh

[@dave8599]

The Democrat politicians have refused to reverse this law, Newsom signed this law. vent your frustrations at the Democrats, not the court.

[@atchmon902]

Control the supply chain and Jobs. Drive out the working poor.

[@johnnixon1671]

What the heck is the court thinking and what is their base for making this decision? Someone please explain to the court about entrepreneurship

[@2olvets443]

Each owner should file suit for discrimination. After it it is discrimination when they keep someone from being an independent contractor.

[@Leondap2024]

You're absolutely right

[@griffinreitz7041]

Take a lot less money to just run the other 47, and let CA rot. Plenty of people looking for trucks. Won't tale long for them to figure it out, when nothing moves. Our "supreme" court is a running joke, these days !

[@kenbob1071]

They're not very independent if they can't even fill out the necessary paperwork to do the job and instead have to rely on some other company who just wants to dodge payroll taxes.

[@2olvets443]

@@kenbob1071 You talk as if taxes are being avoided completely. Self employed individuals pay the taxes and employer would be paying. If the trucker was brokering their work they would spend more time behind a desk taking away from road time. So by your theory all electrical, carpenters, mason, and plumbing companies should be employees of the general contractor as well!

[@kenbob1071]

@@2olvets443 Where did I say all taxes are being avoided completely?? Do you not get what a "dodge" is?? Big corporate trucking is shifting the tax burden onto the little guy...thus a dodge. And if you don't want to be independent and do all the necessary paperwork that an owner of the business would have to do, then go work for another company as an *employee* where that burden is lifted...lol. That's the trade-off.

[@ReferMadness]

I see alot of people saying just get your own Authority, well for lots of new Owner Operators that will not be financially possible. Insurance for a new authority has skyrocketed in the past few years, $50,000 isn't an uncommon quote these days! The industry and Democrats don't want independent truckers anymore

[@commoguru]

Most "independent" drivers aren't actually independent though.

[@robcooke5627]

Right when you think things can't get any worse

[@crashhypermonkey]

Exactly what we need!! MORE GOVERNMENT

[@dlukton]

If I were an independent trucker in California (which I'm not), I'd move to another state.

[@CharitysClarity]

Which many have over ne fuel costs an the other regulations but this ain’t a California issues the ports are major for the entire country we have massive shortages and yet no one’s worried now we will be without many things if we can’t even utilize the workers we have to get the little we have to us?

[@trentgilliam5192]

Leaving a State isn’t as easy as you’re trying to make it. Most people have families. From kids to grandkids. Multiple generations, even elderly parents in a State. “No one” is up and leaving just to be an independent truck driver or “anything” else. Groups of independent drivers will form up and keep on rolling.

[@2chrisby]

@@trentgilliam5192 truckers are. Garentee

[@saravenegas8322]

@@CharitysClarity there are nothing but rows of stacked containers at the ports. It's not just the shortages but the shortages of workers also...

[@jmcnally647]

@@CharitysClarity Ports on the East coast have picked up business over the last few years because of all the CA restrictions impacting supply chains nationwide. I'm in FL and the ports are busy over here. We have supplies on our shelves. A few things/options are not available, but for the most part we are staying stocked. What's hurt us the most over here is that Walmarts stopped being 24/7 when the pandemic started and they never went back. Those midnight restocking crews really helped make sure product was available while staying out of the customers way. Now stockers are always in the aisles when people are trying to shop and it's annoying.

[@svrnclv]

You're not an "independent" contractor if you're only allowed to run loads for one company. This is some biased reporting and only serves to benefit the owners of large trucking companies.

[@kenbob1071]

Definitely. And you're hardly "independent" if you have to rely on some other company to fill out the necessary paperwork. This is just a corporate tax dodge.

[@alejohernandez75]

UBER is not a real job LYFT is not a real job DOOR DASH is not a real job

[@alejohernandez75]

@@skellington2000 I agree but it was these peoples bi***ing that was the reasoning for passing this law.

[@that.ll_do_pig]

@@alejohernandez75 that's not accurate. Many did become vocal when Prop 22 came around but the initial overturning of precedent was in the Dynamex class action case when they determined ABC should be used to determine employee or contractor.

[@jacobbrizammito7187]

@@alejohernandez75 but should they be made illegal.

[@drsmith4806]

WTF are law makers in California thinking if you get rid of independent trucker you all screwed prices will sore & food will rot & spoil waiting to be delivered. HORRIBLE idea.

[@Aceman110]

GOOD LORD THIS IS THE WORST SUPREME COURT EVER. LIKE WTF. EVERY DECISION THEY MAKE IS TERRIBLE

[@randomlyentertaining8287]

Not really. They've made some mistakes but they have gone a long way to reducing the federal government's power.

[@zebra6687]

CA always finding a way to nail small business owners

[@HaiPham-yn8fm]

It always has been

[@waterheaterservices]

Glorious revolutionary humanist socialist people's paradise California

[@user-nh6vu3qr7b]

Democrats don't care about middle class

[@kenbob1071]

@@waterheaterservices If it were a "socialist people's paradise," those big trucking companies would be paying payroll taxes and not dodging them under the guise that they are using "independent" contractors.

[@nealduran3013]

Maybe you should elect people who actually care about the public

[@drugmoney4996]

Elections are rigged.

[@kenbob1071]

The rightwing controlled Supreme Court refused to take this case. I guess they don't care about the public, eh?

[@firedriver8367]

People in California need to STOP VOTING FOR DEMOCRATS!!!!! There not for the middle Hard Working Class...Gov. Newsom sold out independent Trucks for the Union Campaign Contributions so they can collect Union dues for More Tax Money and Control and Power!

[@drugmoney4996]

@@firedriver8367 Yes!! I agree, but the elections are rigged. We already re called Newsome, and he won. There is no way he legitimately won, even the most staunch Democrats I know hated him, and voted for Elder, but somehow he won? We need fair and honest elections, the only way things will change, is if the corruption is exposed to the masses.

[@firedriver8367]

@@drugmoney4996 Amen Brother....let's get back to Voting on Tuesday only and with Voter ID.

[@Dwohman]

When everything triples in price they will only have themselves to blame!

[@y_i_fly5418]

This will become California’s worst logistic nightmare when it comes to transporting goods from these ports. What will they do? Automated self driving truck’s? If a Tesla rear ended a Walmart truck at a rest area imagine what damage a 80,000lbs of truck could do if it doesn’t recognize a situation.

[@sarita5572]

Prayers for our truckers.

[@user-nh6vu3qr7b]

Thank you.

[@kenbob1071]

That'll work about as good as "thoughts and prayers" for shooting victims.

[@bretyoung1869]

Great job California !!! You are the leader to the bottom !!

[@johncharlie3919]

5th greatest economy of the world. Lol idk how tho 😂

[@amadislugo5334]

@@johncharlie3919 That's old news. And, if that were truly the case, then why not lower the state income taxes, sales taxes, and abolish these mansion taxes then? 🤷‍♂️

[@crazyman8472]

Way to go, SCOTUS. 🤦‍♀️

[@tommygibs1381]

The goal of almost every truck driver is to own and operate our own trucks. Without that there isn't much reason to get into the trucking industry. Pay and benefits as a company driver is good. But being gone from family and home isn't worth it. For most of us it the freedom and independence of owning our own truck is what keeps us going

[@pauliexcluded1]

Pay and benefits for Rhoel is AWEFUL. I can't speak to anyone else but my understanding is pay is awful everywhere. Did you know in 1998 it was common to see 55 cents per mile starting out as a brand spanking new driver. This included your training to obtain your CDL.

[@beastemeauxde7029]

This reporting is based on a misinterpretation of the law. The law days you have to not be an owner operator with only one customer that make you do everything. They need to be *truly* independent and have more than one customer. The number one culprit in the state of CA for non payment of state taxes was driver lease prigrams which made people look like owner operators when they were really employees. This reporting didn't have many detqils about the law itself. Yall should go read it.

[@svrnclv]

finally a voice of reason against such bias reporting.

[@hereticleader4187]

Thanks for pointing that out.

[@kenbob1071]

Corporate Media once again biases the story in favor of the corporation and right-wingers eat it up. Sad.

[@aboveaero]

My step father recently became and independent trucker, but instead of becoming an independent “contractor”, he formed an LLC and classified himself as an employee to circumvent this horrible situation.

[@commoguru]

That's the smart way, the whole contractor thing is just a way for employers to get out of any workers comp or liability.

[@somphothbsiratsamy3748]

Nothing ever happens without it being planned

[@mosssmith3816]

Absolutely not fair that gives big corporations an edge on the trucking industry. Should be totally against the law it's a monopoly.

[@Texas240]

I haven't been to California in years. Every trucker and trucking company should do the same. AB5 isn't just trucks. Many independent entrepreneurs are affected from graphic artists, coders, engineers, strippers, Uber drivers (many who actually foolishly wanted to be employees instead of independent contractors allowing Uber to set their schedules and work zones which they didn't realize), etc are all affected by AB5.

[@MA-mh1vs]

Exactly like electricians, plumbers, etc that are contracted by a construction company to do work.

[@brega6286]

Going after Strippers tips now are they ? Ha...sending IRS agents stage side to keep track !

[@jws031770]

uber is and was ripping drivers off. if you scoff at that, why does it surprise you that people who ELECT to let someone rip them off are the same people who would back this initiative.

[@Texas240]

@@jws031770 - the simple fact is that most people aren't ready, capable, or mentally prepared to work for themselves. I say this thinking of the Uber drivers who thought they'd be better off as employees, as if health insurance would just be free and they could still set their own schedules and work zones as employees. But, I don't know the ins and outs of Uber, so I'll relate a trucking example. Normally, drivers are paid by the mile. Mileage pay, even for company employee drivers is a ripoff, but is especially so for a driver leased to a carrier. I work with a carrier that pays a percentage of the load rate. I've run across drivers who thought it sounded like a bad deal because they wouldn't get paid for driving empty miles to pick up a load. Percentage, with 100% fuel surcharge paid to the driver, probably pays close to double what a lease operator makes on a mileage pay scheme. So, that driver isn't ready to make double on loaded miles because he's afraid of having to eat a few unpaid miles. Typically out of route and empty miles are about 15% of the dispatched "shortest route" miles. (Mine probably runs closer to 20% because I'll gladly pay for fuel to get to a better paying load that's farther away.) The driver complaining about unpaid empty miles is willing to give up a net 85% revenue increase because he's not ready to stop thinking like an employee.

[@kenbob1071]

There's lots of money to be made in CA --it's the largest point of entry for imported goods in the nation. Dream on if you think Corporate trucking is going to give up on that cash cow...lol.

[@geoff8475]

It’s all about lease O/O just get your on dot number and then you can control what you get paid...this will help rates go up🤨🤨🤨

[@daviddonaldson6069]

The insurance companies got their greedy hands in there. Not that simple. To have your own DOT, for new entries it will cost between 20k-30k, not worth it with the low rates out there.

[@3089280288]

@@daviddonaldson6069 If they worked together on this, it won't cost that much or just buy a small company with a good record and register the trucks under that new company.

[@kevinmedeiros6098]

This is a planned takedown before they lose the next election. Its like the people are being check mated into financial destruction at every turn. Not a coincidence.

[@MargateFL33063]

No problem. The independent owner operators will have to just incorporate this own businesses, operate a home office, get their own business insurance and sign service contracts with the primary businesses.

[@captainlarrynosleepfishing5350]

It’s simple- No truckers No America 🇺🇸. OTR for life 😎👍🏻

[@nak8327]

This law was originally supposed to be intended for underpaid lyft & uber drivers.

[@ReformedSooner24]

Who, funny enough, all found themselves exempt. It’s almost like California and the democrat party especially are all in bed with big companies and are perfectly happy to screw everyone else over for political favors.

[@steveeddy6876]

Hmmmm that's what I heard

[@hypehussle5973]

You mean the uber & lyft drivers that wanted to be employees and paid for doing less

[@that.ll_do_pig]

@@steveeddy6876 idk why that's the prevailing rumor but it was from 2018 Dynamex case brought by the company couriers as a class action suit.

[@Miguel_Angel718]

I guess they forgot that long beach CA is a entry port... This is going to be a logistics nightmare.

[@AshGreen359]

If the trucks stop rolling, the grocery store shelves go bare in 3 days...

[@mitchelllight4085]

I've been wanting to drive truck for a couple yrs now, do you think things will ever get back to normal enough to get into otr trucking? Not all into it for the money really, I mean I gotta pay my bills and child support but I love driving and always wanted to see all of my country. I can only imagine the things y'all see on the road godspeed drivers!

[@reneelemaster3290]

What they are not saying is there are two groups of owners most effected by this bill. One group buys older equipment [junk] and are leased to a company that pays very little. They are running the local overflow for next to nothing which drives the freight prices down for drivers who have their own authority and newer equipment. Which is why drivers with their own authority are not upset. They are hoping this will push up freight prices which in the long run is better for anyone. The real problem with this bill is for the second group of owners. People who can't get conventional financing for a truck. They have purchased trucks from companies that require that truck to remain with that company until its paid for. These drivers are about to lose everything unless they leave the state because getting their own authority isn't an option since they don't fully own the truck until it is paid for.

[@jarvisaddison8560]

Thanks for the right info on this.

[@dave8599]

If higher trucking prices are "good for everyone" then increasing the costs to truckers must also be good for everyone, right?

[@reneelemaster3290]

@@dave8599 I didn't say higher trucking prices, I said higher freight prices, unless you are happy making $2 or less a mile which I don't know of anyone that is.

[@peteygonemadarts4765]

There is one test that only applies to a true independent. If you can sub contract then you're a true independent contractor. If you can't sub contract as an independent contractor then you're employee . 🤔

[@sarcasmmuch8905]

If people had any idea what this will do they’ll find out shortly,Nationwide impact

[@johnnyguzman3429]

Easy work around: Have one company that drives everything off the port, then transfer shipment to ICs waiting on the other side of the fence. Or create transfer stations on the California boarder. Problem solved.

[@LuDogVlogs]

Like who comes out with these laws? I don’t remember voting on something like this.

[@stevenotero2627]

IT WAS ON THE BALLOT IN 2019. PAY ATTENTION. ITS FREE. 😎🎭✌

[@ERICK-di1yz]

The new world order, who else??

[@heyaisdabomb]

This law was passed to prevent uber and lyft from exploiting it's workers. But it had a ripple effect across a lot of industries. I used be to able to claim my installation fees as separate from my w2 sales job. But now, they all get lumped together, so I paid over 30k in taxes last year on an 87k salary, which is below the poverty line here on San Francisco where I live.

[@williamstack2063]

Democrats do and their union henchmen

[@waterheaterservices]

Comrades, The Party knows what is best for us peasants.

[@AN-jw2oe]

Why did the Supreme Court refuse to hear this case??!? :(

[@815donalduck]

They might still be on……………….Roe vs Wade 🤷‍♂

[@blakegarritson1056]

It's a state problem

[@porschecollector727]

Why are so many ignorant about what Supreme Court does. They are responsible for interpreting constitutional rights. This is a state issue

[@98slime86]

@@porschecollector727 abortion was a state issue apparently didnt stop them then or now…

[@greatman05_CCJR]

IRS Tax Code already allows for State's Rights To Define Independent Contractors under the 10th Amendment

[@Spiff178]

So much for the American Dream!

[@turdferguson7105]

Can't use your own truck to transport goods unless employed by a company. Can't drive a car unless you get insurance that rarely helps you. Can't be without health insurance unless you want to pay extra during tax time. Can't build on your own property unless the city approves. Freedom country.

[@Tina-mp8vb]

Pure evil 🤬 unbelievable.

[@tomservo5007]

trucking company paying you to post?

[@2chrisby]

@@tomservo5007 trucking companies LOVE this new bill. They get all the freight and do not have to fight with independent truckers. The trucking company I'm working for is ecstatic.

[@seanspartan2023]

This has been law for a long time. My company is already converted. Anyone who says they were "caught off guard" weren't paying attention...

[@LibertySpam]

You're wrong

[@skifisher143]

So Nevada and other neighboring states needs a drop station for trucking companies to drop off to independents.

[@jbarnes705]

This is going to impact the cost of Goods, and Services. The Country depends on Goods being Delivered in a timely manner. This will slow down Delivery of goods, and put all Owner Operators out of Business. The economy will take a nose dive, and prices will skyrocket. If think inflation is bad now, just wait. This Republican laid Supreme Court is the Pockets of Big Corporations. This will only the Major Trucking Companies put more of their Trucks on the road. Like Schneider, Prime, Swift, CRST, Warner, Stevens, etc.

[@sayitaintso7544]

Can citizens even afford this? Consumers would eventually have to eat the cost. This plus inflation would ruin a lot of people.

[@doozowings4672]

I question what jurisdiction these state laws have on Federally funded highways .. Aren’t these ports also Federally funded . These independent truckers should be able to operate on federal corridors.

[@MA-mh1vs]

I think this will come down to the state the company they are contracted with is located. California can not regulate trucking companies in other states from having owner operators. So a trucking company in Arizona can have owner operators and send them to California and that should not be an issue. So I think that is the solution for trucking companies in California, become trucking companies in another state.

[@AlexandarHullRichter]

If you live in California, you pay California taxes, and the law applies to you and whoever pays you while you live in California, even if you work out of state.

[@MA-mh1vs]

@@AlexandarHullRichter This is not about where the owner operators taxes are files so much as to where the company that contracts them pays their taxes. It applies to all owner operators contracted by companies in the state of California. This will not impact owner operators contracted by a company outside of California and just making runs in California. I expect this is how trucking companies will get around this law, move out of state and then fall under that states employment laws.

[@KamionKing]

Why don’t you put those automated trucks to use??

[@monrouge24]

Unbelievable

[@robertherman1146]

Well maybe truck drivers will avoid California but at least the state of California can spend some time and money changing the names of streets and ports to the names of historical black lesbians.

[@steveeddy6876]

Yes.issues like that are important in Taxafornia

[@b4nkrup710]

Or transsexuals LGBT lol

[@papagreg534]

Tell the real story, it means independent drivers have to be INDEPENDENT! That means their own AUTHORITY , not some other companies authority!!! All about big companies taking advantage of independents on fuel, repairs, an 35% or more for use of the authority!!!🤭

[@michaelrocker9000]

Wait until the California ports get backed up again.

[@kmossi6153]

So who benefits from this law ? It has to be big companies

[@xxkornmetalxx]

Get ready to pay more everyone. Blame uber and lyft drivers for this law passing. This is not the truckers fault.

[@dave8599]

Put the blame for this law on the Democrat controlled state government. Gov. Newsom signed this law, which was passed by Democrats in the state house and senate. VOTE DEMOCRATS OUT! TO HELL WITH THEM ALL!

[@jesussaves8462]

I think the state just did the new buyer of the Volvo a favor. If he doesn’t get to use it he’ll sell it and save himself a lot of downtime with no service dealer near by.

[@crazyman8472]

“Anyone want to buy a used 18-wheeler?” 🤑

[@danielfederspiel5564]

Hell of chance to take when you knew law passed in 2019 and to still test fait nd by a semi truck before knowing outcome ! Probably should have waited and seen what could happen

[@chocolatethundercherry143]

This is devastating & pure bad forms of communism & socialism!!!! Prayers to all independent drivers

[@Me97202]

You obviously don’t know what socialism or communism is. This is unregulated capitalism pure and simple.

[@joepena1250]

Yes exactly. These communist socialist pigs don't care to destroy things to accomplish what they which is ultimate control of everything and everyone

[@aslkdjfzxcv9779]

you obviously dont know what capitalism is...and only repeat what you're TOLD.

[@waterheaterservices]

Comrades, The Party knows what is best for us peasants.

[@maxpeterson8616]

This sounded insane to me until I read up some. Seems to me how onerous this will be depends upon application of the ABC test. "shall be considered an employee rather than an independent contractor unless the hiring entity demonstrates that all of the following conditions are satisfied: (A) The person is free from the control and direction of the hiring entity in connection with the performance of the work, both under the contract for the performance of the work and in fact. (B) The person performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business. (C) The person is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business of the same nature as that involved in the work performed." Seems potentially non-consequential.

[@YT4Me57]

This is what I was thinking as well. It's standard IRS regulations about the meaning of "independent contractor". I'm having difficulty understanding what the uproar is about.

[@chaddecker8726]

Thank you Supreme Court for taking food off my table !! I am in wholesale distribution of Truck tires for the greater Bay Area. This not only affects my financial well being. It affects my employer and my customer base. Great decision Supreme Court continue to make the struggle to survive that much harder !!!!!

[@BitterDemo]

I used to when I was actively Trucking. I was my own Broker and had my own Program and contracted with other Contractors for loads. If that is what you are asking me. On my refurbishing my homes I buy I hire help on a Percentage of the final settlements. That wat everyone has an interest in getting the job done as fast and cheap as possible. I always hired my help as a 1/3 partner even in the Trucking business. I owned the Trucks and they worked and supported their third of everything