Trucker Convoy Jams Up South Bay Traffic

LOS ANGELES, CA — Drivers are being warned to expect slow going on Southland freeways Wednesday morning due to a convoy of truckers jamming up traffic in protest of working conditions.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the convoy is headed southbound on the Long Beach (710) Freeway after going north on the Harbor (110) Freeway from the Los Angeles/Long Beach port complex on the northbound 110 Freeway. The truckers are protesting legislation regarding the classification of independent contractors as shipping company employees.

Though the freeway is open, traffic was significantly backed up Wednesday mid-morning. The truckers had already slowed traffic on the Vincent Thomas Bridge between Long Beach and San Pedro. It was not immediately clear where they would be heading next.

The traffic slowdown affects the nation's busiest port, even as the Biden Administration has declared it a priority to reverse the supply chain backlog at the port.

The convoy was part of what is believed to be an anticipated 24-hour work stoppage.

While traffic was being heavily affected, there was no reported issue with operations at the port complex.

"At this point there is no disruption of terminal activity," according to a statement from the Port of Los Angeles. "Los Angeles Port Police will assist in making sure all parties are able to express their First Amendment rights while also making sure the port continues to operate safely and commerce continues to flow."

Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach, said all terminals and roadways in the harbor remained open.

"Our Harbor Patrol is working to ensure the safety and First Amendment rights of all concerned," Cordero said in a statement. "We are aware of the issues surrounding the requirements of AB5, and we are working with our drayage partners and other stakeholders to ensure that goods can be delivered safely and quickly through the supply chain."

The action comes two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal by the California Trucking Association challenging a state law — known as AB5 — that limits companies' use of independent contractors in favor of treating them as employees.

The issue has been hotly debated in various segments of the trucking and delivery industries, and among "gig" workers such as Uber and Lyft drivers.

The law is aimed at ensuring workers receive fair wages and other employment benefits. Many companies opposed the law, noting the increased expense. Some workers also opposed it, saying they preferred the independence of being an outside contractor, allowing them to control their work hours.

Other workers, however, pushed for the law, saying they were being denied benefits by being classified as outside contractors.

City News Service contributed to this report