Four of the largest U.S. less-than-truckload operators improved profitability by 25% or more in the third quarter, powered by improved rates, carriers’ earnings reports showed last week.

A Seattle-based trucking company won summary-judgment dismissal of three of four civil counts when a U.S. District Court judge ruled the carrier’s drivers were legitimately classified as owner-operators.

Idaho’s Supreme Court unanimously reversed a previous ruling that had said that a truck owner-operator cannot be considered an independent contractor without having his own authority from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The New York State Legislature passed a bill late last week to clearly define independent owner-operators in the trucking industry and crack down on employers who use the owner-operator model to avoid giving employees certain benefits.

If you’re an owner-operator and your wheels aren’t turning, you’re not making money. If another vehicle slams into your truck when you have the right of way, it means you’re facing downtime through no fault of your own.

Some trucking executives said they are concerned that providing additional training to their drivers to meet the federal government’s new safety program may put their independent contractor status at risk.