State Misclassification Suit against Trucking Co. Wasn't Pre-Empted by Federal Law

The Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act does not pre-empt a state law cause of action against a trucking company for its alleged misclassification of drivers as independent contractors, the California Supreme Court ruled. Case: People ex rel. Harris v. Pac Anchor Transportation, No. S194388, 7/28/14, published. Facts: Pac Anchor is a trucking company in Long Beach, California, owned by Alfredo Barajas. Barajas also separately owns approximately 75 trucks. He recruits drivers to drive his trucks for his independent company and leases the trucks and drivers to Pac Anchor. Both ...