Independent contractors are the backbone of countless industries, from trucking and logistics to delivery services and beyond. Yet, we face unfair treatment, lack of transparency, and financial instability due to the practices of some brokers, logistics companies, and retailers.

I’ve experienced these challenges firsthand, from dealing with freight brokers who lowball carriers while hiding load values, to retailers that settle claims against contractors without due process or sufficient evidence. Contractors like me often find ourselves penalized for damages we didn’t cause (while working white-glove contracts), excluded from key communications, and left vulnerable to misrepresentation.

We are witnessing unprecedented growth in the logistics and delivery industries, fueled by the surge in online shopping and the rise of third-party logistics (3PL) companies. This demand for carriers and independent contractors will only continue to grow, making it critical to establish protections for those who keep the supply chain running. Without clear standards for transparency, fair pay, and accountability, independent contractors will remain vulnerable in an expanding industry that relies heavily on our work!

This is why I’m calling on legislators to pass the Transparency and Equity for Contractors Act (TECA), a bill designed to protect independent contractors by ensuring:

    •    Fair Payment Practices: Contractors must be paid promptly, with clear documentation of how earnings are calculated. 

    •    Transparency in Freight Valuation: Brokers and logistics companies must disclose the true value of freight loads, so contractors can make informed financial decisions.

    •    Accountability in Claims: Retailers and logistics companies must include contractors in discussions about claims to ensure fairness and due process. This primarily affects independent contractors with Final Mile Delivery contracts. 

    •    Clear Communication Across Parties: Contractors deserve inclusion in discussions about performance, claims, and operations, rather than being excluded or misrepresented. (This also primarily affects independent contractors with Final Mile Delivery contracts. 

TECA will level the playing field for independent contractors by establishing clear standards for transparency, payment practices, and dispute resolution. This legislation will ensure that small businesses and contractors are no longer unfairly penalized or excluded from decisions that impact their livelihoods. 

Sign this petition today to show your support for TECA and demand that policymakers take action to protect independent contractors. Together, we can fight for fairness, transparency, and accountability in industries that depend on our hard work.