Legislative Initiatives ‘Undercut’ Owner-Operator Model

Nearly 90 proposals in 24 states and Congress would “undercut” independent contractor classification and subject carriers using owner-operators to “greater scrutiny and exposure,” according to a new American Trucking Associations’ owner-operator classification alert.

Of the 88 total proposals, New York currently has 19 separate initiatives addressing independent contractors. While most of them are aimed at the construction industry, some apply to companies that move materials to the job site, the 196-page alert said.

A bill introduced in the Hawaii legislature, requires contractors bidding on public works to employ only regular employees who shall not be classed as independent contractors. ATA called the bill “a disturbing accommodation to organized labor.”

New initiatives identified in the alert include a proposal to repeal the trucking specific owner-operator exception in Tennessee and misclassification proposals in Oklahoma and Rhode Island.

By Eric Miller
Staff Reporter