regulatory

Federal Government Moves to Restore Owner-Operator Model in Trucking

By MGN Editorial•March 14, 2026 at 12:06 PM

The U.S. government has made changes to the classification of owner-operators as independent contractors or employees, impacting the trucking industry.

In a significant development for the trucking industry, the federal government has moved to restore the owner-operator model, making changes to the classification of owner-operators as independent contractors or employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

According to Freight Waves, this is the third time in five years that the federal standard governing the legal status of owner-operators has fundamentally shifted. The 2021 Trump administration rule, the 2024 Biden administration rule, and now the latest changes have all impacted how owner-operators are classified.

The key changes, as reported by Freight Waves, are:

- The Biden administration's 2024 rule, which had sought to reclassify many owner-operators as employees, has now been rescinded.
- The federal government has moved to restore the 2021 Trump administration's rule, which had established a more flexible, multi-factor test for determining independent contractor status.
- However, the situation remains fluid, and industry experts caution that there are still aspects to watch, as the legal landscape continues to evolve.

The reclassification of owner-operators has significant implications for the trucking industry, affecting issues such as minimum wage, overtime pay, and other labor protections. The latest changes aim to provide more clarity and stability for the owner-operator model, which is a crucial component of the freight transportation ecosystem.

As the maritime industry closely follows developments in the broader transportation sector, this shift in the federal government's approach to owner-operator classification is an important development to monitor. The ongoing regulatory changes underscore the need for maritime businesses to stay informed and adaptable in navigating the evolving legal and operational landscape.

Source: Freight Waves, PR Newswire - Travel

#trucking#owner-operators#independent contractors#labor regulations

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