IANA Backs Legislation Halting DOL Rulemaking

The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) has expressed its support for the House and Senate Congressional Review Act (CRA) to preserve the independent contractor model.

According to IANA, the CRA resolution seeks to repeal the Department of Labor’s (DOL) final rule, “Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act,” which the Association says “threatens the livelihood of millions of independent contractors, including the vast majority of intermodal truck drivers, who could be involuntarily reclassified as employees.

Following introduction of the CRA in both chambers of Congress, IANA President and CEO Joni Casey issued the following statement:

“The intermodal industry serves as an important pillar of our nation’s economy, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of cargo, ranging from industrial materials and agricultural products to consumer goods. For decades, more than 80 percent of intermodal drivers have chosen to carry out this important work as independent contractors. DOL’s recent rulemaking threatens to eliminate their freedom of choice and the opportunity to invest in and operate their own businesses. Without Congressional action, the DOL’s new regulations will negatively impact the nation’s supply chain by deterring qualified drivers from the industry and worsening existing driver shortages, which will ultimately slow the movement of goods and increase costs for consumers.

“IANA commends Senator Cassidy of Louisiana, Congressman Kiley of California, and their colleagues for recognizing the magnitude of economic and workforce challenges created by the new independent contractor rule. The Association urges swift passage of the Congressional Review Act resolution to prevent the DOL’s harmful final rule from taking effect.”

Without congressional action, the DOL’s rule will take effect on March 11, 2024.