A former truck driver has filed a class and collective action lawsuit against a logistics company, alleging illegal employment practices that have caused significant financial harm to him and other drivers. Tyrus Pierce lodged the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on September 23, 2024, targeting Roadpulse Logistics LLC.
According to the court filing, Pierce claims that Roadpulse Logistics LLC misclassified him and other drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This misclassification allegedly led to violations of both the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act (IWPCA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The complaint details how these drivers were denied timely payment of wages they earned and were not compensated at an hourly rate that met or exceeded minimum wage requirements.
Pierce's tenure with Roadpulse Logistics spanned from April 2024 to May 2024. During this period, he asserts that despite performing transportation services essential to the company's operations, he was paid nothing for his work. "Defendant paid Plaintiff nothing for the transportation services he performed," reads one section of the complaint. Furthermore, it is alleged that other drivers faced similar issues due to a policy requiring their services to generate more than $8,000 for the company before any payment was issued. This practice purportedly resulted in many drivers receiving less than minimum wage after deductions and penalties were applied.
The lawsuit also highlights how Roadpulse Logistics exercised significant control over its so-called independent contractors. Drivers were reportedly required to follow strict guidelines set by the company, including when and where to collect and deliver goods. They were also barred from communicating directly with clients and monitored through various devices while on duty. Such conditions, according to Pierce, are indicative of an employer-employee relationship rather than an independent contractor arrangement.
In seeking redress from the court, Pierce aims to secure unpaid wages, liquidated damages, civil penalties, injunctive relief, interest, attorneys' fees, costs, and any other appropriate relief for himself and similarly situated drivers. He has requested class certification under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23 for his IWPCA claims and collective action certification under 29 U.S.C. § 216(b) for his FLSA claims.
Representing Pierce in this legal battle are attorneys James B. Zouras from Stephan Zouras LLC in Chicago and Brook S. Lane from Fair Work P.C., based in Boston. The case is presided over by Judge [Judge's Name] under Case ID: 1:24-cv-08720.