Trucking Company’s $137 Million Lawsuit Against Teamsters Is Back from the Dead

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Kansas-Based Carrier Says: “Y’all Messed With the Wrong Fleet”

After getting tossed out by a lower court, a $137 million lawsuit filed by a Kansas-based trucking company against the Teamsters just got a second life.

Thanks to an appeals court, this legal slugfest is back on — and it’s raising eyebrows across the trucking world.

But what’s it really about? Let’s break it down, Diesel-style — clean, direct, and ready for the road.

The Lawsuit: What the Truck Is Going On?

The company — a mid-size, family-run carrier based in Kansas — originally filed a $137 million lawsuit against the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

What they claimed:

Teamsters leadership organized an illegal “slowdown” and walkout.

This disrupted freight movement and damaged contracts with major clients.

It wasn’t a strike — it was a “coordinated sabotage” during contract negotiations.

They say it nearly sank the business and cost them millions in lost revenue, reputation damage, and customer fallout.

Why Was It Dismissed in the First Place?

The lower court originally tossed the case, saying the union was protected under labor law exemptions — basically, that unions have the right to organize and apply pressure during disputes.

But the trucking company argued this went way beyond normal tactics.

Their legal team claimed:

“This wasn’t negotiation. It was sabotage dressed in solidarity.”

Now the appeals court agrees there’s enough smoke to investigate the fire. They revived the lawsuit and sent it back down for a full trial.

What the Teamsters Are Saying

Teamsters ain’t exactly backing down.

They say:

The company is exaggerating.

Any disruption was part of standard union strategy.

They were defending driver rights and fighting unfair pay conditions.

And let’s be real — Teamsters don’t roll over easy. This is a union with deep roots, a massive war chest, and political influence.

Translation: This fight’s just gettin’ started.

Why This Matters for Drivers

This case ain’t just about one company and one union. It’s about the rules of engagement when companies and unions butt heads.

Here’s what’s at stake:

Can carriers sue unions for economic damage during organizing efforts?

Are slowdown tactics protected under labor law?

Will this case set a new precedent for how trucking disputes play out?

If the court sides with the carrier, expect more lawsuits like this across the industry. If it sides with the Teamsters, unions might be emboldened to push harder during negotiations.

Either way, drivers could feel the effects — from job security to how strikes are handled.

Multiple Perspectives – It’s Not Black & White

The Carrier: Says they were under attack, and the union weaponized loyalty to hurt the business. They want justice — and a big check.
The Union: Says they were fighting for better conditions and this lawsuit is just revenge for worker power.
Independent observers: Say this is a legal gray area — and courts will have to finally draw the line between legal union tactics and economic interference.

Drivers are split. Some say, “Unions protect us.” Others say, “Unions can wreck a company if they don’t get what they want.”

Bottom Line – This Ain’t Over

With $137 million on the line, this isn’t some petty HR beef — this is a heavyweight legal brawl that could ripple across the entire trucking industry.

Whether you’re leased on, company driver, or owner-op, it’s worth paying attention. This lawsuit could:

Affect union behavior nationwide

Shift how carriers handle contract talks

Change how far each side can go before lawyers get involved

The court has spoken: Round two is on the way. Get your popcorn ready.

Don’t Let Legal Drama Be Your Only Backup Plan

Look — the trucking industry’s unpredictable. Unions, lawsuits, freight swings… it’s all outta your control.

But what is in your control?

👉 Building off-duty income.

That way, no matter what your company or the courts do — you’ve got options.

📲 Head over to offdutymoney.com
and learn how other truckers are stacking cash online during downtime.

🧠 Want to school someone on getting started in trucking the smart way?
👉 Point ‘em to lifeasatrucker.com