Owner-operators — employees or independent contractors?

Should owner-operators be considered independent contractors or employees? Depends on who you ask. California continues its fight for workers' rights in response to the OOIDA's appeal. Learn more into today's top story.

Today's Lineup
🔷 Double brokering leads to finger-pointing and blame games
🔷 A wholesome video of two kids jumping for joy as trucks drive by
🔷 J.B. Hunt switches up its leadership
🔷 Does your trucking business need cybersecurity insurance?
🔷 400+ electric truck charging ports going in along I-95

California once again defends its worker classification law

The Golden State is standing by AB5, the law that aims to prevent misclassification of employees as independent contractors. This week, California responded to the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association's appeal.

OOIDA's take: The law creates an "unreasonable burden on interstate commerce" because of how AB5 classifies owner-operators.

California's response: All this law does is get owner-operators benefits and sick leave.  

Why this matters: The trucking industry and California have been back and forth on AB5 since it took effect in 2019. Those in favor want protections for workers, while opponents say owner-operators would lose a lot of flexibility. 

Get more details at Land Line Media.

What we're listening to: This podcast about life as a truck driver and visiting 48 states on the job.

What got us thinking: Reading this article that explores double brokering and finger-pointing between carriers and brokers. Who's to blame when a load is double-brokered? 

What's on our radar: The Los Angeles Transportation Club's panel, coming up Nov. 12th. Harbor trucking companies and drayage experts will discuss the road to zero emissions. 

What's making us smile: Two cute kids truckspotting and jumping for joy. 

• TOP 30: The best companies for women to work in transportation
• DOORS CLOSED: McKevitt Trucking ceases ops after 76 years
• MASSIVE CRASH: Truck slammed into stopped vehicles, 4 dead
• ROLE SWAP: Two J.B. Hunt executives trade positions

FMCSA delays compliance with its broker pay rule

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility rule has been in place since the start of this year. The rule suspends operating authority for brokers who fail to pay carriers. But enforcing compliance with the rule? That won't happen until 2026. 

Why this matters: With compliance delayed, carriers may not have a means to file claims or receive compensation if brokers don't pay them. (CDL Life)

Does your trucking business need cybersecurity insurance?

Adding yet another insurance cost may not seem feasible for many trucking businesses. But cyber attacks are on the rise, and recovering from a hack could prove costly without cyber insurance. 

Why this matters: Between nuclear verdicts and cyber attacks, insurance costs have become astronomical for many trucking firms. The question is whether the investment could protect fleets from more expensive damage. (CCJ Digital)

EPA awards $250 million for I-95 electric truck chargers

The Clean Corridor Coalition has received nearly $250 million from the Environmental Protection Agency to set up 450 truck charging ports. The sites will be located from Maryland to Connecticut along I-95.

Why this matters: Charging infrastructure (or lack thereof) is among the biggest barriers to putting electric trucks on the road. While more chargers will help, it doesn't address problems with EV availability or the large upfront costs for fleets to buy new trucks. (FreightWaves)

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The Inside Lane is curated and written by Shefali Kapadia and edited by Bianca Prieto.