Common Employment Issues Truck Drivers Have in Pasadena, CA

Dealing with employment issues as a truck driver is never easy. Truck drivers work some of the longest and most difficult hours in the entire country. It’s vital that truck drivers can assert their rights as employees and prevent their companies from exploiting or overworking them. Otherwise, those issues could impact their daily lives and affect deliveries, among other aspects of their work. An employment lawyer in Pasadena can represent truck drivers who face employment law matters. Understanding common employment issues truck drivers have in Pasadena, CA, is important.

If you are dealing with employment issues as a truck driver, it is vital that you do whatever you can to address them. One reliable way is to reach out to an employment lawyer you can rely on and trust. What you need is an experienced and fiercely aggressive advocate for employees who deals directly with clients, is fluent in Spanish, and is located in Pasadena, right in the heart of Los Angeles County. Esperanza Anderson can assemble a strong case and assert your rights.

Employment Issues Can Cause Acfcidents

According to crash statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were over 13,000 large trucks and buses involved in fatal and non-fatal accidents throughout 2024 in California alone. So far, in 2025, there have been nearly 4,400. When commercial truck drivers get distracted, accidents can happen. We can represent truck drivers with their employment issues before their employer’s negligence leads to a preventable disaster.

If you are a truck driver dealing with employment issues, you need to address them as quickly as you can. Whether you are driving on Walnut Street or Fair Oaks Avenue, exhaustion from overwork or unrealistic delivery expectations can cause an accident and endanger your career.

Common Employment Issues Truck Drivers Have in Pasadena, CA

Truck drivers have to deal with certain unique employment issues that other workers in California may never have to even think about. They are often under immense amounts of pressure and must make quick decisions that will influence certain operations. Our firm can help truck drivers address certain grievances and issues that may be affecting their jobs. Here are some of the common employment issues that truck drivers have in Pasadena:

Wage and Hour Violations

It’s not uncommon for certain trucking companies to try to get out of paying their drivers overtime or providing them with proper meal and rest breaks. In the common cases of wage and hour violations, truckers are also often not paid for time spent on non-driving tasks, like loading and unloading. If you have noticed your paycheck does not reflect the hours you worked, talk it over with your employer. If it’s not handled promptly, contact a lawyer.

Misclassification

Another common issue for truck drivers in California is misclassification. Trucking companies may intentionally misclassify their drivers as independent contractors to avoid providing the proper benefits and protections that those truck drivers rightfully deserve. If you may have been misclassified, speak to an employment lawyer about it.

Pressure to Deliver

Truck drivers have some of the most demanding schedules in the country. The pressure to deliver in a timely manner is quite real. That pressure can lead to long, overworked hours, driver fatigue, and a substantial increase in accident risk. On top of the physical risks, trucking companies may be pressuring drivers to go faster or work through their breaks to meet deadlines. This leads to a high-stress environment.

Safety Regulations

Every trucking company in the country is required to make sure its trucks adhere to federal and state safety regulations. These include following proper loading procedures and maintaining consistent vehicle maintenance when necessary. Failure to adhere to these safety regulations can result in legal issues. For the driver, an unsafe vehicle can lead to accidents and legal complications.

FAQs

Q: What Do Truck Drivers Struggle With?

A: Truck drivers struggle with many issues, as the job itself can be considerably demanding. One of the most common struggles a truck driver has is with long hours and fatigue. To meet tight deadlines, truck drivers often have to sacrifice their rest and meal breaks, just to make sure they aren’t late for delivery. This often violates California labor laws, especially if the drivers are pressured to do this by their employers.

Q: What Is the Biggest Employment Issue in Trucking?

A: Currently, the biggest employment issue in the trucking industry is a significant shortage of drivers. Truck drivers have an extremely high turnover rate, especially when compared to other industries. This shortage is the result of a lack of appealing job conditions. This profession simply doesn’t attract a younger workforce, while the older drivers are nearing retirement age.

Q: What Are the Labor Laws for Truck Drivers in California?

A: Truck drivers in California are subject to a combination of state and federal labor laws, as truck drivers work across the entire country. By California labor laws, drivers are generally entitled to minimum wage, overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, and more. However, certain drivers may be exempt from certain state labor laws due to engaging in interstate commerce. If you are wondering whether you are exempt, you may want to ask a lawyer.

Q: What’s the Hardest Part of Trucking?

A: The hardest part of trucking is different for different people. Every truck driver may feel differently about the hardest part of their job. Some may have trouble with the isolation. Others may not like the pay. For many, the long hours and unpredictable nature of the job may be the hardest element. Truck drivers often have to make complicated, split-second decisions while driving a very powerful machine. It can be a lot for some people to handle.

Reach Out to an Employment Lawyer Today

It is important to understand the various employment issues that truck drivers face today. That information may be helpful to you as you navigate your own legal case involving a truck driver or trucking company.

Esperanza Anderson can represent you in any employment law situation involving trucking or any other industry. Contact us to speak with her directly about the difficulties of your case.