Independent Contractors have long been the lifeblood of the trucking industry. Independent Contractors, among many others, are facing extinction because of the recent California Supreme Court decision known as Dynamex which could harm the livelihoods of nearly two million Californians who choose to be an independent contractor or freelancer for full-time or part time work.

Over the past few weeks, CTA received a few calls and e-mails from members expressing their frustration with the amount of time it took to get an appointment with the DMV to renew their Commercial Drivers License (CDL). In response to those complaints, CTA notified the DMV and offered to work with them on addressing this issue. DMV recently informed CTA that they are working on providing flexibility for the renewal process and would like CTA’s input.

A few weeks back, a member brought to our attention that the City of Redlands was charging a higher fee to obtain an extra legal transportation permit then the state mandated fee of $16.00. Upon hearing this, CTA reviewed the City’s fee schedule and low and behold they were charging more than the law allows them to.

A California superior court judge in Orange County has concluded that the Dynamex case, which specifies a more stringent "ABC" test for determining independent contractor status, should be applied: (1) retroactively; and (2) to actions brought under the Private Attorney General Act (PAGA).

Upcoming unit events include two unit meetings in Southern California that will focus on reviewing the Dynamex decision, how it will impact your business, and what CTA is doing to challenge the recent California Supreme Court decision.

Every year, CTA members participate and volunteer a truck driver appreciation events throughout the state. The events are a great way to mingle with other trucking industry professionals and show your support for the drivers that move California forward. Keep checking our Truck Driver Appreciation webpage for updates and information: www.caltrux.org/truck-driver-appreciation/

The San Diego/Imperial Unit held their 9th Annual Golf Fundraiser on July 26 at Riverwalk Golf Course. They sold out their fundraiser with 144 registered golfers with several CTA Past Presidents and current CTA President Lynnette in attendance. Proceeds will be donated to The Wounded Warriors Project and Next Step Service Dogs.

California employers directly affected by an emergency or disaster may request an extension of up to 60 days to file their state payroll reports and to deposit state payroll taxes with EDD, without penalty or interest. The extension is granted under Section 1111.5 of the California Unemployment Insurance Code (CUIC) if the Governor declares a state of emergency.

It should come as no surprise that empowering your team members to hone their leadership skills ultimately benefits your organization. It was on this premise that CTA’s Leadership Academy was created. This two-day program focuses on maximizing the personal and professional characteristics that are required of your next generation of leaders.

Encourage a Colleague to "Discover CTA" 90 Day Complimentary Trial Membership for Carriers Now Available! When it comes to trucking, access to information is power. CTA has created a new way for you to empower other California trucking professionals – both inside and outside of your organization.

During a time when the industry is faced with a shortage of drivers, CTA program's such as this allow us to recognize and thank the men and women who drive trucks throughout our state and country. Congratulations to the winning drivers for the months of January through June in the Northern California Driver of the Month/Year Program of 2018.

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Nasdaq: CLNE) has introduced Zero Now Financing, a program that makes the cost of leasing or purchasing a new natural gas heavy-duty truck equipped with the cleanest engine in the world, equal to the price or even lower than that of the same truck equipped with a diesel engine.

Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return, Form 2290 is due on August 31st. If you are a carrier with vehicles weighing 55,000 lbs or more which were used on a public highway after July 2017, you must file a 2290 form.