TUCSON, Ariz. — Transportation attorneys speaking to brokers here emphasized the importance of clarity in their contractual relationships with carriers and shippers to protect against liability.

A California state agency has ruled that seven drivers for Pacer International Inc. who challenged their status as independent contractors can collect $2.21 million.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) has used a legislative loophole to extend the time he has to consider a bill that would redefine trucking independent contractors under state law.

Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and five co-sponsors have introduced a bill they said would prevent fraud in the hiring of independent contractors.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) is expected to sign a bill next month that classifies independent-contractor truck drivers as employees, the New York Post reported.

The New York State Legislature has passed a bill to clearly define which truck drivers can be classified as independent contractors and crack down on employers who use the owner-operator model to avoid giving employees certain benefits.

The trucking industry’s independent contractor model is being increasingly challenged in the courts, by regulatory authorities and in state legislatures, industry experts said.

Settlement discussions will continue in an $18.5 million breach of contract dispute between Truck-Rite Distribution Systems Corp. and R+L Carriers Inc., an executive with Truck-Rite said.

In a potentially far-reaching decision, the Internal Revenue Service has determined that a Southern California drayage operator classified a truck driver as an independent contractor rather than an employee.

The Pennsylvania House has unanimously passed a bill that would ban indemnification contracts that some shippers and receivers force trucking firms to sign.