Case Updates
First Circuit rules that state law that restricts independent contracting is preempted by FAAAA
September 30, 2014
The First Circuit Court concluded unanimously that the district court erred in ruling that Massachusetts’ independent contractor law is not preempted by the FAAAA.
U.S. Chamber files amicus brief
February 01, 2014
In its brief, the U.S. Chamber asks the First Circuit to reverse the District Court’s ruling, which allowed for the enforcement of Massachusetts’s independent contractor law that requires companies to provide independent contractors with the same wages and benefits given to employees. The brief argues that this severe restriction on independent contracting will hinder interstate commerce and subsequently poses a direct challenge to the competitive national market that the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (FAAAA) is meant to protect. The FAAAA provides that no State “may enact or enforce a law related to a price, route, or service of any motor carrier.” 49 U.S.C. § 14501(c)(1).
James C. Rehnquist, Kate E. MacLeman, and William M. Jay of Goodwin Procter, LLP represented the U.S. Chamber as co-counsel to the National Chamber Litigation Center in this case.
Case Documents
- Brief of Appellant -- Massachusetts Delivery Association v. Coakley (First Circuit).pdf
- U.S. Chamber Amicus Brief--MDA v. Coakley (First Circuit).pdf
- Amicus Brief of Massachusetts Motor Transportation Association -- Massachusetts Delivery Association v. Coakley (First Circuit).pdf
- Brief of Appellee -- Massachusetts Delivery Association v. Coakley (First Circuit).pdf
- Opinion -- Massachusetts Delivery Association v. Coakley (First Circuit).pdf