Trucker Exodus from California

In recent years, California has seen a steady exodus of CDL Class A truckers who are leaving the state for other parts of the country. There are several reasons for this trend, including high living costs, strict regulations, and a shortage of available trucking jobs.

High Cost of Living

One of the primary reasons why CDL Class A truckers are leaving California is due to the state’s high living costs. The cost of housing in California is notoriously high, with many truckers finding it difficult to afford a home or apartment in the state. Additionally, other costs of living, such as food and gas, are also higher in California than in many other states. As a result, many truckers are choosing to move to states with lower living costs, where they can save money and improve their quality of life.

Overregulation

Another factor driving CDL Class A truckers out of California is the state’s strict regulations. California has some of the most stringent environmental and safety regulations in the country, which can make it difficult for truckers to operate within the state’s borders. For example, California has implemented regulations that require trucks to meet strict emissions standards, which can be expensive to maintain and upgrade. Additionally, the state has a number of safety regulations, such as mandatory rest breaks and speed limits, that can make it difficult for truckers to complete their routes on time.

California’s AB5 Bill

AB5, or Assembly Bill 5, is a California law that was enacted in 2019 and has had significant impacts on the trucking industry in the state. The law aims to reclassify many independent contractors as employees, which means that trucking companies are required to provide them with benefits such as minimum wage, workers’ compensation, and health insurance.

In particular, AB5 affects truckers who work as independent contractors or owner-operators, as these workers are often considered to be employees under the new law. As a result, trucking companies are now required to provide these workers with the same benefits and protections that they would provide to their regular employees.

The law has caused controversy within the trucking industry, with many truckers and trucking companies arguing that it will lead to increased costs and reduced flexibility for independent contractors. Some truckers have also raised concerns that the law will force them to give up their independence and become employees of trucking companies, which could limit their ability to set their own schedules and choose their own loads.

Additionally, AB5 has been challenged in court by a number of trucking companies, who argue that the law is preempted by federal law and violates the interstate commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution. In 2020, a federal judge issued an injunction blocking the enforcement of AB5 against the trucking industry, stating that the law is likely preempted by federal law and poses a significant threat to interstate commerce. However, AB5 became law in September 2020 despite the injunction.

California is Anti-small-business

Finally, there is a shortage of available trucking jobs in California. While the state is home to a number of large ports and logistics hubs, many trucking companies have moved their operations out of the state due to the high costs and strict regulations. As a result, many CDL Class A truckers find it difficult to find work in California and are forced to look for jobs in other states.

Overall, there are several factors driving CDL Class A truckers out of California and into other parts of the country. While the state’s high living costs and strict regulations are certainly contributing factors, the shortage of available trucking jobs is perhaps the most significant issue facing truckers in California. As a result, many CDL Class A truckers are choosing to move to states with more favorable economic conditions and less burdensome regulations.

Bloom Services is Hiring Class A CDL Drivers

If you are interested in taking home over $3,000 + a week in a stellar rental or lease-purchase program.  Apply right away or call our office for more information (630)-504-6126. We look forward to hearing from you.