July 23, 2025

Intermodal Industry Calls on House Education & Workforce Committee to Advance Commonsense Legislation in Support of Independent Contractors

Statement by IANA President & CEO Anne Reinke

CALVERTON, MD (July 23, 2025) – Today, the House Committee on Education and Workforce will hold a markup to consider several pieces of legislation, including H.R. 1319, the Modern Worker Empowerment Act, sponsored by Congressman Kiley (R-CA). The Modern Worker Empowerment Act would codify a clear and consistent definition for the classification of independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act, thereby protecting hundreds of thousands of intermodal truck drivers from forced reclassification. Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) President & CEO Anne Reinke offered the following statement:

“As demonstrated by the 400,000 intermodal truck drivers who choose to work as independent contractors, the independent contractor business model is essential to the livelihoods of the hardworking Americans responsible for keeping our supply chains moving. These drivers value the ability to operate their own small business and the flexibility it provides in determining their own schedules, routes, and rates. The Modern Worker Empowerment Act ensures truck drivers and independent workers across all industries can continue to pursue their chosen career path. IANA thanks Congressman Kiley for championing this important legislation and urges the Committee’s support for its swift advancement.”

Following the introduction of the House Modern Worker Empowerment Act in February, IANA distributed a letter of support to sponsors of the legislation, which can be found here. IANA’s White Paper exploring the indispensable nature of independent contractors to the intermodal industry is available here.