The Teamsters tried to organize Independent Port truckers in Seattle & Tacoma 10 years ago or so. The drayage companies that the Independent Owner / Operators were contracted to ( IRS form 1099, no medical benefits, & all that arms - length detachment ) simply said " Hit the ROAD - JACK." Then the I-O/O Drivers suggested the Teamsters hire them... HAHAHAHA!!! The Teamsters really swallowed a big CROW on that deal.
Since then, the only bones thrown to the Independent O/O's have been company - provided truck liability insurance, and in some cases a company - paid fuel card. The insurance is mostly to cover the Drayage Company's asses; the fuel cards are necessary to keep the drivers signed up & running.
It is my understanding that the Ports of LA / LB have even stricter maximum age requirements for the tractors than Seattle / Tacoma, due to CARB / SCAQMD emissions compliance regulations. This will take a big bite out of trucker revenues once the regs mandate the newer DEF Fluid - equipped tractors. Some of the Over-the-Road trucking companies are now starting to sell off tractors with only 300,000 to 350,000 miles on them,( used to be 1/2 million miles at least ) to avoid having to replace expensive emission components that the manufacturers have declared to have a life span of 400,000 miles. This means the 2nd owner will have to foot the bill.