Drivers prefer independence

There’s no denying that harbor trucking is a difficult business. However, the recent story on the trucking industry deliberately ignored the 90% of drivers who benefit from a business that is under intense scrutiny as part of a massive effort by organized labor against the port trucking industry.

Drivers prefer the independent owner-operator (IOO) model for two reasons: better pay and more flexibility. A 2015 study commissioned by the California Trucking Association, based on data from more than 2,500 California IOOs, found that 75% of IOOs earn more than employee drivers, with IOOs’ net median pay in excess of $55,000 annually.

Most drivers participating in lease-to-own programs eventually own their trucks, trade them for newer equipment, or finance additional trucks — growing their businesses one truck at a time.

Many trucking companies have switched from IOOs to employee drivers, only to find a dramatic decrease in the number of available drivers.

Other trucking companies have adopted a model offering both independent and employee driving opportunities. Most report that nearly all of their drivers choose to become and remain independent.

The motives behind the myths against the trucking industry must be questioned. Hard evidence and facts about IOO earnings are missing and instead are replaced by conjecture. These facts, however, are clear: Industry associations work tirelessly to educate members on best practices to ensure compliance with all laws, including proper contracts for IOOs.

Our member companies have instituted measures to ensure good pay for IOOs, even during slow times, and began negotiating increased compensation for excessively long moves caused by congestion in marine terminals.

The ability to pick and choose when you work and what jobs you’ll accept is what makes a great opportunity and a pathway to a better life for independent owner-operators and their families.