Originally published at: The Federal Government Just Moved to Restore the Owner-Operator Model - Here Is What Actually Changed, What Did Not, and What You Still Need to Watch - FreightWaves
Three times in five years. That is how many times the federal standard governing whether an owner-operator is legally classified as an independent contractor or an employee has fundamentally shifted under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The 2021 Trump rule. The 2024 Biden rule. And now, on February 27, 2026, the Department of Labor’s formal…
There is a huge problem in the mega trucking industry that is largely ruled by the ATA. I feel that all drivers should be appalled and willing to ■■■■■■ the model but we (myself included) stay silent because we aren’t directly involved. However, we are affected.
Let’s call a spade a spade; indentured slavery is alive and well in trucking. Bob wants to “own” a truck. Company buys a bulk of trucks. The carrier encourages Bob to own his truck creating a contract where Bob never actually owns the truck and his paychecks are less than they would be as a company driver. The company takes money from his settlement for plates, fuel taxes, 2290, repairs, fuel, and brokerage fees. Bob gives up in frustration and ■■■■■■■ and loses. He leaves behind the truck that was never paid for and goes to the next company.
These are the predators that cripple wanna be owner operators with no credit and no business sense. If you can’t take your truck with you when you decide to change companies, you are not an owner operator. If someone is taking your expenses out of your check and you’re not filing your own paperwork and managing your repairs, you’re not an owner operator.