Illinois Court Decision Could Impact Trucking Companies Nationwide
A recent federal court decision in Illinois has trucking companies on edge, with legal experts warning of a potential flood of lawsuits. The case, involving IIK Transport and a group of its drivers, centered on whether these drivers were correctly classified as independent contractors.
The court, applying Illinois' Wage and Payment Collection Act, determined that the drivers were actually employees. This decision hinges on the "B prong" of the ABC test, a standard used to differentiate between employees and independent contractors. Notably, the court found no minimum mileage requirement for a trucking company to fall under the Act's protection.
This ruling has far-reaching implications. Any trucking company operating in Illinois, regardless of size or location, could now be a target for lawsuits alleging wage and hour violations. Law firm Scopelitis warns that this decision could serve as a powerful tool for plaintiffs' attorneys, leading to a surge in litigation against carriers operating in the state.