Retailers need to Address Truck Driver Abuse in their Supply Chain

Senators Demand Retailers Address Truck Driver Abuse in their Supply Chains

Aug 15,2017

Last month, a group of senators wrote letters to retail CEOs across the country, demanding they address the issue of truck driver abuse. The senators claim these corporations have a responsibility to ensure they are not unwittingly supporting the abuse of these drivers. These labor violations lead to truck drivers spending an unsafe amount of time behind the wheel, contributing to the rise in truck accidents.

The 16 retailers targeted by the senators include the likes of Walmart, Target and Costco. The call to action comes after a yearlong investigation by USA TODAY revealed the egregious treatment many truck drivers endure by port trucking companies. The few retailers that responded to the investigation claimed to be either unaware of the labor violations or not responsible for monitoring their supply chain.

However, retailers are now beginning to respond. The Home Depot claims they are investigating the alleged truck driver abuse. They no longer work with any of the companies named in the USA TODAY investigation.

Lawmakers Working to Address Truck Driver Abuse

Several other elected officials are now working on legislation to crack down on truck driver abuse. Representatives from across the country are working to resurrect the Clean Ports Act. This bill would give states and cities the power to enforce labor regulations in the trucking industry.

In California—the state where most of the investigated abuse has taken place—state Rep. Ricardo Lara is drafting a bill that would force companies to disclose how they audit their operations at American ports. Current California law requires companies to disclose their audit practices for their supply chain overseas. However, they are not required to apply those processes to their U.S. operations.

“These corporations put profit over people and, regrettably, in squeezing these hard working drivers, it also becomes profit over safety. It’s no wonder these big rigs are called ‘sweatshops on wheels,’” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a truck accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.