Photo: Bloomberg NewsA federal judge in Arizona has ruled that Swift Transportation Co. improperly treated some of its drivers as contractors rather than employees, a legal setback that opens the biggest U.S. truckload carrier to claims for millions of dollars in back wages. The plaintiffs say they are owed compensation paid to employees but withheld from “owner-operators,” or drivers who lease trucks from a Swift subsidiary. Some owner-operators say they prefer their independent status, which allows them to jump from fleet to fleet chasing better pay and consistent work. Swift could appeal Judge Sedwick’s ruling or opt to settle. That request was denied, and Judge Sedwick was ultimately instructed to rule on the drivers’ employee status.

Source: Wall Street Journal January 12, 2017 15:50 UTC