🚨 California’s AB5 Law: Truckers Take It to the Supreme Court

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

💥 Introduction: Big Trouble in the Golden State

Imagine being told you can’t be your own boss anymore, even after buying your own rig, paying your own fuel, and working your own loads. That’s basically what California’s AB5 law is saying to independent truckers. And now, the fight has reached the top — the U.S. Supreme Court.

AB5 isn’t some brand-new law. It was signed back in 2019 and was aimed at cracking down on gig economy abuse (think Uber, DoorDash). But in classic government fashion, they threw truckers into the same pile. Now, thousands of owner-operators in California are at risk of losing their independence, and the trucking industry is sounding the alarm.

Let’s break this all the way down — with sauce.

📜 What Exactly Is AB5?

AB5 enforces a three-part "ABC test" to determine whether someone is a true independent contractor or should be classified as an employee. Here’s how that test works:

A – You’re free from control/direction of the hiring entity.

B – You perform work outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business.

C – You’re customarily engaged in an independently established trade or business.

Seems harmless on paper… but that B part is where truckers run into a wall.

How can you “perform work outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business” when you’re literally hauling freight for that business?

That’s the catch. And it’s the reason this law hits trucking harder than a runaway tire on I-10.

🚚 What’s the Real Impact on Drivers?

Independent drivers—especially those who lease their truck from a company and run under that company’s DOT authority—are in legal limbo. California says you might not actually be an “independent contractor” under AB5. That means:

You may have to be classified as an employee

Companies might have to put you on payroll

Or worse, they may cut ties with you entirely to avoid liability

Some drivers have already felt the heat. Fleets pulled out of California. Loads dried up. And many drivers packed up and left the state altogether.

🔎 The Industry Is Split—Here’s Why

💼 Lawmakers & Unions say: AB5 helps protect workers from being exploited by shady companies that dodge taxes and benefits. They claim it's about fairness and accountability.

🚛 Owner-Operators say: “We CHOSE this lifestyle. We OWN our rigs. We want to stay independent!” For many, trucking is freedom. They control their schedule, take the risk, and want the reward.

🪙 Big Carriers say: Honestly? Depends who you ask. Some are fine with turning drivers into employees and keeping full control. Others are spooked because they built entire models around lease-ops.

💥 Real Talk: Some companies do abuse the system, but AB5’s one-size-fits-all rule is like banning steak because one guy got food poisoning. Come on now.

⚖️ Supreme Court or Supreme Mess?

The California Trucking Association (CTA) has been in legal battles over this since day one. They argue AB5 violates federal trucking laws, specifically the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (FAAAA), which prevents states from passing laws that interfere with freight movement.

If the Supreme Court agrees to hear the case, it could:

Overturn AB5’s effect on truckers in California

Set a precedent protecting independent contractors across the U.S.

But if the Court refuses or rules against the CTA? Buckle up. More states could follow California’s lead.

🛣️ What Are Truckers Doing Right Now?

1. Avoiding California – Drivers are straight-up refusing to take loads into the state. Not worth the legal headache.

2. Relocating or Reclassifying – Some are moving operations out of California, changing business structures, or going company driver (even if they hate it).

3. Waiting on the Court – Many are in limbo, hoping the Supreme Court steps in before the law hits full force.

🧠 What This Means for You (Even If You’re Not in Cali)

This ain’t just a California story—it’s a warning shot. If AB5 stands, other states could pass copycat laws. Your independent status might be next.

So here’s the play:

Stay informed — Know your rights and your state’s laws

Get your business tight — If you're a lease-op, talk to a CPA or trucking attorney about your structure

Build income outside the cab — So if something like AB5 comes to your state, you’re not stuck

✅ Bottom Line

AB5 is a battle over freedom. Whether it’s about fairness or government overreach depends on who you ask. But for drivers who bet on themselves and bought a truck, this law feels like a slap in the face.

The Supreme Court could bring clarity—or chaos. Either way, truckers better have a plan.

🛠️ Call to Action
Don’t let lawmakers or burnout steal your freedom.
Build your backup plan NOW — while you still control the wheel.

👉 Check out RetireFromTrucking.com for free tools to start earning off the road
👉 For trucking tips and real talk: LifeAsATrucker.com