INDEPENDENTCONTRACTORS
Read their stories
Respect their choiceProtect their small businesses

ALABAMA

Elizabeth Mason
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
Almost 3 years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

I wanted more freedom, better pay and at the end of the term to walk awaywith a truck that I know has been maintained correctly.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?
I would probably never see home in order to make enough money tosurvive.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

Don’t mess with people’s livelihoods. We have enough to worry about withthe drivers on the road, our load, maintaining our equipment and making
ends meet.

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ARKANSAS

Bambi Bealer

Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Dart Transit And Mercer

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
I began my trucking career in July 2012. 11.5 years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?
I wanted to run my own business. I felt it was time for me to grow.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?
It would be devastating. My family depends on my income and the flexibility
that being an independent contractor provides. A ban or a restriction would
limit both of those.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?
Not all independent contractors are the same. Although our name says
independent contractor, we are not just “gig” workers, we are small businessowners! Our business depends on these companies that we work with. We
don’t need or want any new legislation that will increase our costs!

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ARIZONA

Monalisa Christanti
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Ace Doran

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
10 years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

I can arrange my own schedule and pick my own load, decide where to go,
and make money.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

I immigrated to this country and started this company with my husband. Ifthey were to ban us as independent contractors, it would make it unimaginably difficult to continue in this industry, essentially putting us out of business.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

Leave good enough alone. This industry was doing fine, quit with the unfair
litigation.

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ARKANSAS

Nina Dixon

Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Bennett Transport

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
6 yrs.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

My husband and I team drive, and we wanted to be able to make time for our
grandchildren, family, and church activities. We have time for the things thatare important to us. We can stay put for as long or short as we would like.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

We have invested heavily in our trucking business, and this would greatly
impact our livelihood. Not only for my husband and I, but for our children
and grandchildren.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

This blanket policy would hurt a lot of independent contractors that are also
trying to take care of their households and families.

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COLORADO

Tamara Crumb
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Prime Inc.

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
18 months.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

Freedom to choose loads and the amount of home time. Also, the potential to
make more money.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

It would likely prompt me to leave the trucking industry, if not leave over theroad work for local trucking work.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

Individuals are attracted to this work because they want a certain level ofautonomy. Moving goods across this country is a necessary profession thatpowers our way of life. Everything is dependent on OTR trucking currently.
The more pressure you put on the individuals that sacrifice to complete thatwork, the more they will leave the industry. Leave regulations for the corporate and company environments that want it.

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FLORIDA

Leigh Ann Dahlin
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
CRST Expedited
How long have you been in the trucking industry?

I started my career in 2009 during the recession. Over the last 14 years
I’ve built my own company! Becoming an independent contractor has truly
changed the path of my life in so many positive ways that I never dreamed of.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

I chose to become an independent contractor for the freedom and the money!
It’s ended up far more rewarding in so many other ways throughout my career.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

Adding restrictions for independent contractors would be devastating for somany drivers and their families. We’re so much more than just a “truck driver”! We’re business owners with our focus on growth and betterment of ourindustry. My family depends on my businesses revenue for everything we’retrying to achieve in life.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

Independent contractors and truck drivers as a whole are drowning right now.
We’re in dire need of help and guidance from our policy maker’s, and we needsomeone to protect us.

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FLORIDA

Mary Dryer

Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
New Prime, Inc.

How long have you been in the trucking industry?

I have been driving since 2014. I got my license around a month after I
turned 21. I got hired about February 7, 2014, and started work a week
later.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

My now-husband said at the time that it was easier working as anindependent contractor under Prime. Although Prime has several programs,
this one is what fits our lifestyle best.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

It would be devastating. My family depends on my income, and currently, mylife has balance. I can take time off work when I want, where I want, and forwhatever length of time I want, so long as I can financially justify it. Taking
away this position or continuing to overregulate independent contractors is
a castration of my freedom, as well as the freedom of many other women.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

More restrictions or complete banishment is just another way to fracture—if
not eradicate—options as Americans to be able to continue with the pursuitof happiness while experiencing life and liberty as per our forefathers’ vision
without the restrictions of an overbearing government.

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FLORIDA

Alisa Sherbeck
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Prime Inc.

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
I have been in the Trucking Industry since April 2017.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

I chose to be an independent contractor with Prime Inc to have a senseof control over my career and to empower other women in the industry.
Especially women of a certain age and those, including myself, who havebeen told that they “couldn’t/wouldn’t “ amount to anything in this industry
and/or life.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

If there were a ban, I’m not sure I could go back to being a company driver.
As an independent contractor, I enjoy the freedom & experience of runningmy own company and at least feeling as if I have some control over mycareer. As for restrictions, I would definitely have to weigh the pros & cons of
those restrictions to make the best choices for myself.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

Please don’t forget you are making policies for actual human beings! People
with families. People who rely on this industry for their livelihood. We needpolicies that protect us and help us survive and even thrive out here on theroads of America. We need to be heard and valued for the services and goods
we provide, not treated like second-class citizens. We need safe parking, safe
rest break facilities, and access to accommodation.

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GEORGIA

Juanita Bowers
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Bennett Driveaway

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
24 years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?
This career allows me to control my own destiny.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?
It would destroy my means of supplemental income.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

I wish they would realize that not everyone wants to be a company employee.
I enjoy the freedom independent contracting provides. It’s stress free andallows me to have an EXCELLENT work-life balance. I am a disabled veteran,and I can work as needed and I can take a week or two off to rest/recoup
without the pressure to “get back to work.”

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GEORGIA

Patricia C Farner
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Prime Inc.

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
I’ve been in the industry for a little over 3.5 yrs.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

I choose to be an independent contractor because of the flexibility it gives
me for home/work-life balance, as well as more say in what loads I takeand where I go. I get to be a partner with Prime Inc., not just an employee. I
enjoy the freedom that a partnership provides over an employee/employer
relationship. Being an independent contractor gives me more say in how I
run my business. Yes, there are more financial risks to being an independent
contractor, however there is also more financial gain, and with that more
freedom to choose how to run my business.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

Restrictions or bans on independent contracting would potentially destroy
my business, and therefore my ability to provide for my family. It would takeaway my choice for home/work-life balance, decrease my profitability, andwould make me an employee, which takes away my freedom to conduct mybusiness as I see fit.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

Banning and/or placing restrictions on independent contracting would
severely limit many people’s ability to provide for their families, as well as
their ability to be present for their families. Essentially, this would destroy acornerstone of society—family. If I am made to be an employee, I will be at
the mercy of a business to decide when I can be home with my son, meaning
I could miss important events, instead of being afforded the right to decideand plan for time home around my family’s important events.
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INDIANA

Brenda Poole
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Bennett Transport

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
2 years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

I chose this career because it enables me to choose where I go and when.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?
I would be forced to work set hours and take loads to places and during
times that may not work with my home life and other obligations.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

By being considered an employee, I would be under complete control of “employer” and no longer able to work the hours I set and may be forced to seeka different type of employment because of time restraints and obligations.
I can work and help take care of elderly parents and grandchildren as anindependent contractor on my schedule.

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IOWA

Deb Clark
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Bennett Driveaway

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
39 years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

I’m my own boss. I get to choose when I work, where I go, and I am not
subject to forced dispatch.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

Forced dispatch would force me to look for a different job. I love the flexibilityof my job, choosing my destinations, working around family obligations, andtaking pride in my own business.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

In this country we have been free to make a name for ourselves, take pridein having our own business, and can excel in our chosen field. Forcing independent contractors to work for someone ultimately would be lower pay due
to benefits companies would be forced to provide. We would be subjected toforced dispatch and lose the value of free enterprise. Independent contractors
are the epitome of what the United States has always stood for. Taking pridein representing yourself, a good work ethic that propels you forward on
the road to success, and being free to make your own choices have madeindependent contractors the backbone of this great nation!

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IOWA

Ardella Schaeffer
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
20 years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

I chose this career because of the freedom and ability to make more money.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

I injured my shoulder while driving truck OTR and I have a weight restriction
for my shoulder, so this is the only job that I can do and still do the job I love
to do—and that driving.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?
Please don’t take away our way of making a living.

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-

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MARYLAND

Rasikhah Peoples
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Prime Inc.

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
I have been in the trucking industry since June 2022.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

I have chosen to become an independent contractor mainly because of thefreedom. No forced dispatch, I get to go home when I want to, and the pay
is better. I also wanted to learn the trucking business hands on and start afoundation for myself in the industry.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

A restriction or a ban of being an independent contractor would impact mylife tremendously. I NEED the home time to be with my family, certain areasthat I deliver to can be potentially dangerous, and my bills would not stop
based on my job title, so the revenue from being an independent contractor
is a big deal.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

Truck drivers are the heart of the world. Everything that we have in ourhomes was and still is transported by truck to our local facilities.

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MICHIGAN

Cynthia Cunningham
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Bennett

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
I’ve been in this industry for many years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

I chose to be an independent contractor because it’s great for extra money.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

It would put me out of business, and I wouldn’t be able to be a contractor.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

Before you make changes that affect so many, please do your homework andtalk to the people that your policies would impact.

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MICHIGAN

Mary Nielsen

Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Bennett Truck Transport

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
17 years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?
I enjoy driving, it has flexible hours, and I get to see our country.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?
I’ll be out of a job.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

If you’ve never been a driver, how can you make policy on something you
really don’t understand? This is people’s livelihood. This is how we support
ourselves and our family. It has been working for years, why change it?

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MINNESOTA

Jethel Camp
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
9 years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

Because I was told I couldn’t do it, so I felt a certain type of way, like, “Oh
you’re challenging me?” Of course, other thoughts started floating—was thisbecause I’m a woman? That was additional fuel to the fire already burning tocreate change. I chose to have a large family, and with that comes all types of
responsibilities like paying for sports, gifts for friends, events, etc. Working a
regular 9-5 and affording daycare just didn’t make sense for me because thecost of day care for 1 is about $1400 per month. So, I needed more money, andlet me tell you, when I became an independent contractor, I completely changed
tax brackets twice all on my own. I am able to be at home with my growing
family at times that are most important, so I am very grateful for the opportunity.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

Being forced to do something you don’t want to do is not living. I feel likethey would be stealing the American Dream and the ability to be selfsufficient and financially stable from me. They would be stealing the ability
to purchase the necessities to live a long and prosperous life and robbing
me of my ability to leave wealth and generosity behind for my family. Also,
consumers should understand what a huge impact this would have on all
inter- and intra-state trucking operations, as well as the products, goods,
and services we rely on daily. It will be a domino effect, and lots of small
businesses will feel it the most.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

Listen to the people! We are the ones out there day and night choosing toproudly be independent contractors operating safely to ensure smooth deliveryof essential goods and services! Independent contractors consciously choose to
keep the economy rolling by getting in those trucks and going here to there.

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MISSOURI

Rebecca L Farris
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Prime inc.

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
5 years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

Freedom and choose your home time and loads, and you can make yourtruck like you want it, decal etc.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

I wouldn’t be driving anymore, or I would have to become a company driver.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

I love trucking just like it is. I love driving for Prime inc. I hope to retire with
them.

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MISSOURIDee Sova

Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Prime Inc.
How long have you been in the trucking industry?

I began trucking more than three decades ago and have driven more than 2.1
million accident-free miles, delivering the goods that Americans depend on. I’m
proud to serve as an industry ambassador, working in my free time mentoring
women truck drivers and supporting this vibrant, growing community.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

To most people, owning your own business is a way to become successful.
For me, it was a mission – a lifeline to a brighter future for myself and myfour daughters.
As a Black woman, I built a successful business and created a profitable pathin an industry that had once belonged almost exclusively to men. As a single
parent, I needed both flexibility, and the opportunity to provide for them. Being
an independent truck driver empowered me to run my truck as my own small
business. I love traveling on the job, the freedom to be my own boss, and theoption to take my children with me on long hauls when I can.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

I know how it would affect my life because it already has. I was living in
California when the state assembly passed AB5. I could not afford to lose
my business and the livelihood it provided my family, so in 2020, I packed
up and moved to Missouri, where I continued as an independent contractor
with Prime Inc.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

Outlawing independent contracting nationwide would demote me fromsmall business owner to company employee – affecting my hours, benefits,
flexibility and overall ability to earn on my own terms. It would effectively kill
the dream I worked so hard to build over so many years.
Independent contractors like me who choose to own our businesses should
be supported as we pursue our dreams.
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NEVADA

Whitney White
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
CRST

How long have you been in the trucking industry?

I first started in the industry in 2007 driving with my late husband.
Together we not only traveled the country, but we also had the opportunity to
do it together and take our hometime in many different places. This allowed us
to see many places most people do not get to see.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

I enjoy running my own business and setting personal goals. I was drivingwith my husband for 14 years and when he passed away, I was encouraged torun my own business. I am extremely supportive of woman in an industry thathas for many years been dominated by men. There are many opportunities intrucking for women to grow both personally and professionally. I have 3 grownsons who think that I am one strong woman! And I would have to agree!

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

This is 100% my life and this would seriously affect all aspects of my life. I
have dedicated most of my adult life to this industry. This would hinder mybusiness and would force me into being a company driver making less money
and changing my lifestyle. This will also take away my independence andsecurity. I do not want to see independent contractors having to work underforced dispatch. Independant contractors do not want to lose their control overwhat they can do and where they can go, as well as the amount of money
they can make.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

If the government forces us to become company employees, we will lose
everything that we have worked so hard for. We will lose our small business,
we will lose our ability to provide the lifestyle that we worked so hard for, andthe freedom of setting our own destinations both financially and personally.

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NEW JERSEY

Yvonne Zarnitz
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
New Prime Inc.

How long have you been in the trucking industry?

I’ve been in the trucking industry for 2 years. I started training with New
Prime Inc in April 2022.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

I need the flexibility to have control over my home time, taxes and expenditures, safety, driving locations, and schedule. Employee drivers do not usually
have those options. I also did not want to buy or own a truck. I wasn’t sure if I
wanted to do it long-term, but I wanted to give it a real shot.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

Restrictions or a ban on being an OTR independent contractor would be death
to a freedom. Restrictions or bans could take away my choice to lease or buy
a truck and what I could realistically afford at that time. It could take choices
away on how to balance work and home time, create concerns for safety, andconfusion about what could be deducted from taxes. Restrictions and bans
could take a huge toll on my mental health by adding unnecessary stress.
As an OTR independent contractor, there are freedoms that employee drivers
do not have. For starters, home time as an OTR employee driver is one day
per week. This means for one week out, you get one day at home. That is
only four days a month. Recently, I had to go home to take care of a loved
one. I was home for close to three weeks taking care of her. I had enough inmy emergency fund to take care of my fixed costs, so it didn’t put me into
debt. As an OTR employee there is no emergency fund to put money into, andI would not have been allowed to take this time off. How would I have beenable to manage this? Usually when home, I take time to see a doctor or two tokeep up with my preventive care. Then there is my support group, my friends,
and family that keep me going. I do not want to be alone when I retire or lose
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Continued on page 23

NORTHNEW JERSEYCAROLINA
Continued from page 22
my important relationships. My folks are getting older, and they are extremely
important to me as well. I’ll never get time back and it’s imperative to create
memories and have good times together.
Second, I lease my truck which I do not want to own. If I had to buy a truck,
there would be a need for a large down payment which I don’t have, and I would
have to sell it down the road. Those are both headaches and struggles I can dowithout. Most truckers don’t have a lot of money to put on a down payment.
Leasing has allowed me to figure out if this career is the right fit for me and has
given me a timeline to give my new career a serious trial.
Another fact is that I like to have control over my expenses and the money
I work so hard for. I get paid more than a company driver so I can set aside
more money for myself, including the emergency fund you do not get as an
employee. I keep track of and control my expenses, write them off, and pay
my taxes. I am the one who did the work after all so I want to keep as muchmoney that I worked for as I can.
Finally, I set my own driving time. New Prime Inc.’s first policy is safety, but I feelless pressure when I am running my own business and setting my own rules. I will
not drive if I am too tired, if there is ice or snow, or if I’ve been up all day waiting
for a preplan. Occasionally, an overnight load comes in after I have been waiting foreight or nine hours. DOT has a 14-hour clock, but so does my own person. Those
two clocks must sync. If they don’t sync, I don’t drive because it’s unsafe. I have afuture plan, so I do what I can to not put my life in danger.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

Policymakers need to understand that independent contractor jobs are an
incentive for individuals to work hard and make their own way in the world
whether it is buying or leasing their vehicle. They need to have freedom of
choice for their own personal lifestyle. Independent contractor jobs are forthose who don’t want to be under another’s thumb yet want to contribute andcarry their own weight. This includes having options on whether to lease or
own their truck. Policymakers also need to understand that a person who feels
like they have some control over their life choices is a positive step towards ahealthy mental state. I have found that working for myself as a lease operator
has made me feel successful, happy, and confident. Having the choice to be
an OTR independent contractor and being able to lease means freedom.

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NEW YORKPatricia Graves
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Ace Doran

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
3.5 yrs.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?
It’s because of the freedom to do my own thing.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?
Salary, freedom of my schedule.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?
It’s been working so well for so many for so long, why change it?

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NORTH CAROLINA

Ingrid Brown

Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Rollin’B LLC
Blackjack Express LLC
How long have you been in the trucking industry?
44 years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

I began driving a truck in 1979 when there were very few women drivers.
All the women I knew were independent contractors running their own ICC/
MC numbers because women in trucking were rare, and we were hired
based on our proven performance and work ethic. We worked as independent
contractors to get our start, to establish our presence, and become equals.
Equality of pay, loads, and even service and equipment. I had to establish that
I could be successful through experience, education, knowledge, and hard
work to reach my goal. All due to my undying belief and passion for my careerand success. I wouldn’t be able to succeed or provide for my family a single
mother without becoming an independent contractor. Being an independent
contractor enabled me to raise my amazing, educated, successful daughters,
care for my parents, and fight Melanoma Cancer. Owning my own company
gave me the flexibility to meet the needs of my family.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

Restrictions or a ban would take away my flexibility and decrease my income
too. First and foremost, this would impact my health as I continue to drive andoperate while being treated for Melanoma Cancer. If I wasn’t an independent
contractor, I could not afford to take time off for my infusions and the two days
that follow.
Without my health, I can’t continue on in my 44 year career that I fought for
my place in as a minority. For the next 5 years, I would have regression to mysuccess and livelihood.
Continued on page 26
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NORTH CAROLINA
Continued from page 25
Taking away my level and means to contribute to my retirement would be
devastating! Independent contractors depend on income and stability to
accrue a safe retirement for when the time comes. The 44 years of time I
dedicated to my career would be lost, and I wouldn’t be able to pass that
legacy on to my daughters.
But, I and thousands more independent contractors look beyond the moneyand freedom. We have pride to be an AMERICAN and I love to be able to own
and operate my own small business.
These are just a few of the biggest reasons we all are and want to be
independent contractors.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

I know without a doubt that if you take time to read my answers to the twoprior questions, you’ll see why getting rid of, removing, restricting, andbanning independent contractors is no different than taking our lives and thosein our lives apart. You’ll not only have taken food off our table and the ability
to care for ourselves and our loved ones, but you’ve also taken away a way oflife people like myself. I am an Independent Contractor Professional Driver andSole Principle Woman-Owned Business!! 44 years strong and 5.1 million safe
driving miles… providing for my family and friends. Most importantly providing
for you!! Small business companies take care of all of AMERICA.

Don’t forget AMERICA MOVES BY TRUCK!

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NORTH CAROLINA

Tabatha Westcott
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Prime

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
3 years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?
More freedom. To eventually have my own mini fleet.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

I would not be able to progress as fast and I’d probably leave trucking after acouple years.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

These opportunities help women such as myself to become small businessowners who come from situations where this otherwise wouldn’t be possible.
I was a military wife and stay at home mother to 3 sons for 20 years. At 40
years old, starting out in the working world, my options and time are limited. I
had very little outside support. My company is what gave me the opportunity
to become successful in such a short period of time.

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OKLAHOMA

Violet J Helferich
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Ace Doran Haulingand Rigging

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
22 yrs.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?
Freedom .

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?
I’d become a parolee that gets put on a tight leash.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

Don’t take our freedom away. I enjoy setting my own schedule, accepting myown loads.

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OKLAHOMA

Jeanette Lonergan

Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Bennett family of companiesBennett heavy and specialized
How long have you been in the trucking industry?
33 years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

Control our own ability to earn a vastly better living, be more responsible forthe safe operation of our unit, and to implement excellence in the security of
our equipment.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

I’d choose to exit trucking. It would deeply reduce our ability to earn a living& provide a service that is invaluable, but I won’t be forced into laboring forsomeone else when I’ve spent the better part of my adult life creating a lifearound my ability to choose how and when I’ll earn a living.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

We are not replaceable. There’s many who’ve exited the trucking industry
due to extreme increases in detrimental policies that adversely affect them. If
I wanted to be a company employee… I’d already be one.

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PENNSYLVANIA

Pamela Wilday
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Prime Inc

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
9 years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

It gave me and my husband the freedom to alternate our home time to sharecare for our daughter when she was growing up, and now, my husband’sparents. On top of that, the income is far better than running as a company
driver and pulled us out struggling to pay bills, and took us to now owning
our home.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

It would take away my ability to drive because I count on being able toprovide income and stay at home to split care of elderly parents with myhusband. You don’t have that freedom as a company driver.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

What we do is the American dream. Entrepreneurship, building a life for yourfamily, not struggling day to day. We are no different starting up our businesses than Joe and Betty that opened your favorite pizza shop. We abide by
the rules, we pay our taxes. This gives so many a way out of poverty, abusive
relationships, etc. Let us do what we do in peace.

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SOUTH CAROLINA

Kim Grate

Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Prime Inc

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
Seven years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

Me and my husband wanted to make more money and choose what jobs werun.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

Depending on the ban or restrictions, this job has changed a lot for me andmy husband. It has given us more opportunities for our future.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

If I was speaking to the policymakers that decide on parking for trucks I
would say we need way more parking. Open up closed weigh stations. We
struggle daily to find a safe place to park. Safety is a big thing for my husband and me when driving and parked.

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SOUTH CAROLINA

Kelly Hill

Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Prime

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
6 years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

I wanted the freedom of choosing my time off and also to manage mybusiness with a partner. I wanted to have my own truck and to decorate it
my way. When I was a company driver, I made less money and was unhappy.
I don’t think I would have continued driving if I had to stay with a company.
People have lost track of the importance of happy workers. Happy drivers aresafer as they value the industry and the career.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

I have been a company driver before, and I have no interest in that again
if the laws change. I will likely leave the industry. For me the laws being
made don’t keep us any safer, they just restrict our income and freedom.
We work hard as it is and if they continue to restrict us, I believe that mostof the truckers will decide to leave the industry, like me, or practice unsafe
practices that will further hurt drivers.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

Driving a truck safely is important and I agree with laws that affect safety.
However, I agree that people who do the job of driving a truck deserve todecide when and how we run these loads safely. We deserve to have a good,stable income and make important decisions with our business partners.
Laws affecting anyone should concern everyone. If truckers are important, I
believe we are America and should pay attention to the things that affect us.
Continued on page 33
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SOUTH CAROLINA
Continued from page 32
If the government needs good, safe drivers, they need to start listening
to our needs. Keep the pay fair, allow us the hours to run while awayfrom our families to make money, and allow us a work environment that
we are good with—owner operator is what we choose, and we believethat is a right.

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TENNESSEE

Malissa Howell
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Fraley & Schilling

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
Almost 12 years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

Freedom to choose where I go and what I do and when I do it. As well as toput more money in my pocket.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

I would lose my home and many other important things in life as I can’t makethe kind of money I do now as a company driver. I would have to declarebankruptcy, and many other crazy things would happen in my life if I couldn’t
work as an independent contractor. It would start a snowball effect.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

Leave independent contractors alone. We aren’t being taken advantage of(at least not at Fraley & Schilling), and if you take away our right to work as
independent contractors, it could cost us our whole livelihoods. I went frombringing home 1k-2k a week as a company driver to now averaging anywhere
between 3k-10k—and that is all dependent on how hard I work, the ability toturn loads down, and pick loads that work best for me. My livelihood depends
on me being an independent contractor. I can’t afford to be a company driver
again. You would cause me to lose my whole life if you did this, and manyother independent contractors are in the same situation. Our bills are basedon what we make now. No company out there can pay an employee what we
make. If you are that concerned with independent contractors then do stuff toprotect us so that we can keep working and making money. Don’t do things toprevent us from being able to work as independent contractors.

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TENNESSEE

Julie Newsome

Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Ace Doran
Bennett Motor Company
ow long have you been in the trucking industry?
4 years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

To provide essential services to the community and public in a safe andresponsible manner.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

It would drastically change mine and my spouse’s life, as well as negatively
impact all our family, children, and future generations.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

Do not pass any such bill or legislation that will stop good, hardworking people from providing for their families and stop essential services from being
provided to the public.

35

TEXAS

Megan Ayers
Owner-Operator, Truck Driver
Cottonwood Transportation &Freight Inc. partnered with
Bennett Heavy & Specialized LLC

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
Started trucking in early 2017, so 7 fabulous years!

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?
I chose to become an independent contractor for the freedom to run mybusiness my way.

I love the challenge of running my day to day operations as efficiently & safely
as possible. I take pride in saving every penny I can because every penny
saved goes into my pocket.
I also relish the ability to choose my freight, and my off time. I love that I
never have to miss special events with my family because I can pick my own
schedule!

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

Unfortunately, restrictions on or banning of independent contractors would absolutely affect my life. I would lose the hundreds of thousands of dollars that I
have invested into my company. Not to mention, everything I have worked so
hard to achieve would have all been a waste. I’ve struggled and worked very
hard to build a future for my grandchildren. It would all fall apart if I could notcontinue operating my business.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

I understand the spirit of the DOL’s regulation is to protect the people outhere that are inaccurately classified as 1099 contractors. Those people
Continued on next page 37
36

TEXASContinued from page 36
should be classified as employees and receive the benefits that come with
it. However, a blanket rule that doesn’t account for those of us who haveinvested literally hundreds of thousands of dollars into our vehicles, safety
equipment, accountants, etc. is negligible at best. As a contractor who
owns all of my equipment, I am a true business owner. I can decide to stop
my independent contractor partnership at any time and move to anotherpartnership, taking all of my equipment, employees, and business assets
with me. There should definitely be a delineated system (a litmus test, if
you will) to make a differentiation between true business-owning independent contractors and company employees.

37

TEXAS

Latoshia Chambers
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Gillig, and New Flyer

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
11 years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

It’s the freedom to make my own schedule and more income as I work morewhen needed instead of only schedule time.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?
I will not be able to afford my home nor any of my bills.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

Please do not block us from making enough income to make a living. Passing
this bill will cause a lot of us to have nowhere to live.

38

TEXAS

Tania Cruz

Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Prime Inc.

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
I’ve been in the trucking industry for 3 years this May.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

I wanted the business aspect of being an independent contractor, and also
having more flexibility and say.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

That would mean that I’d have to close my business, and it would severely
impact my personal finances as this is my main income.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

My message to policymakers would be to be please consider and understandhow greatly this would impact a lot of us in this industry as this is our mainincome for a lot of us women. We have sacrificed our time and families to beable to create and evolve in our businesses as independent contractors, andthe consequences of a potential ban would greatly affect not only us but ourfamilies that also rely on us.

39

VIRGINIA

Wendy Lofton
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Houff Transfer, Inc.

How long have you been in the trucking industry?
5 years.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

All of our kids are grown and have moved on. I decided to join my husband,
who has been trucking for 22 years. It is a great opportunity for us to spend
time together doing something we both admire. We enjoy being able to havehome time when we want/need it.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

Having just finished paying for our lease truck, I find it annoying to evenconsider taking the independent contractor classification option away fromus. We contract with an outstanding company that is exceptionally good to its
employees, and yet I prefer being an independent contractor because it works
for me. If I were an employee, I would resent the fact that I couldn’t make myown decisions about being away from home, or what I could or couldn’t dowith my own vehicle. The extra money that we make as independent contractors doesn’t make us rich, but it basically pays me to do our bookkeeping andtaxes and the administrative necessities of running a business.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

What are you trying to gain by doing this to 350,000 people? What does thisdo for you, us, or the economy? What’s the real point? This is America! Find
something important to focus your efforts on like homelessness or starving
children. Independent contractors have made a conscious decision to do what
we are doing, and we’re given a choice to be an employee and STILL have theoption to convert if desired.

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WASHINGTON

Allison Janowski
Owner-Operator
Truck Driver
Landstar

How long have you been in the trucking industry?

I first got my CDL in 1998. My husband was US Navy for 28 years. When we
had to move duty stations it was always easy to get employment if I had a
CDL. It was the only certification that all 50 states would recognize and waseasy to gain employment.

Why did you choose to become an independent contractor?

When my husband completed his military service we decided to buy a truck
and go over the road.

How would restrictions or a ban on independent contracting
impact your life?

It would stop us from trucking. We mainly haul government protective security
freight. This freight requires a security clearance. We are owner operatorsthat are leased onto Landstar. They provide our government security manager
services and security clearance support.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

Stop interfering with trucking for political reasons. We will not move freight
if we are forced to be company drivers. Company drivers are told when totruck and how to truck. We also make more money owning and running ourown trucking businesses. We have our own medical, dental, and retirement
plans. We have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in our one truck
operation.

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