Cargo In Crisis
COVID-19’s Impact on Southern California Port Truck Drivers
The spread of the COVID-19 virus has created massive disruptions in the US economy, while shining a spotlight on the working conditions of essential workers. As millions of Americans stay at home, workers in the logistics and transportation sector take on the burden of transporting essential goods amidst a worsening public health crisis.
Port truck drivers, despite their designation as essential workers, are placed in an even more precarious position due to their status as misclassified independent contractors. Misclassified port truck drivers do not have access to paid sick days, often lack health insurance coverage, and face barriers in qualifying for unemployment benefits. In addition to denying drivers these basic protections, trucking companies that misclassify their drivers also require drivers to shoulder truck payments and related costs like insurance, which continue to pile up if drivers are not working.