Port Drivers

Each day 16,000 underpaid truck drivers pull into dirty, polluted San Pedro Bay port terminals, idle in line breathing diesel fumes, only to get paid by each individual load they haul. They struggle to put food on the table because they are misclassified as “independent contractors.” 

Independent they are not. They’re at the mercy of a trucking company owner who refuses to take on any responsibility as an employer, such as health care, workers’ compensation or Social Security.

After gas, insurance and repairs, port drivers make so little they cannot afford to fix their old, diesel trucks that spew toxins into the air. The broken system has created an environmental and public health crisis, leaving children in the harbor communities vulnerable to illness and death from asthma and pollution-related diseases.

The drivers are supported by an unusual alliance of clergy, labor and community activists, public health and green organizations. The Coalition for Clean & Safe Ports is working to strengthen a plan so the Ports will succeed in their goal to create good jobs, safe communities and clean air. To learn more about these efforts please visit www.cleanandsafeports.org