Breaking down the DOL’s new independent contractor rule

The U.S. Department of Labor recently released its proposed rule that updates its definition of an independent contractor (IC) under the Fair Labor Standards Act. This proposed rule proves what we already knew to be true: the DOL strongly favors finding a worker is an employee vs. an IC, making adhering to compliance with IC status rules more critical now than ever.          

In this brief but information-packed podcast, our host, Nick Hancock, chats with Openforce General Counsel Doug Grawe to learn more about what the new DOL rule actually is and what it means for transportation companies that utilize independent contractors.

If your business is potentially impacted by this rule, make your voice heard! Head to the Federal Register to submit a formal comment (look for the green button).

The Gig Academy host

Nick Hancock, Openforce Gig Academy Podcast Host and Customer Success Manager of Key Accounts
Nick monitors all areas that pertain to and affect the gig economy and IC model to best advise and meet the needs of Openforce’s clientele. Prior to working at Openforce, Nick worked in the dental manufacturing industry and has a background in insurance as a producer.

Nick has a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies of Humanities from Northern Arizona University. Nick resides in Phoenix, Arizona where he and his wife recently welcomed their firstborn daughter in October 2021.

About this episode’s guest

Doug Grawe, General Counsel at Openforce
For Doug, law school essentially changed the way he analyzed problems which has proven to be an invaluable skill for corporate transportation companies over the last 17 years. A quick study, Doug grew most of his career with Dart Transit Company, one of the top-performing and established trucking companies in America. Dart is known for building one of the best owner-operator business models, where Doug had the opportunity to learn from some of the great industry pillars.

From there, Doug founded the Grawe Group, LLC, a law and consulting firm specializing in transportation. He has advised several businesses to help them achieve their goals through practical, sustainable risk management solutions. Doug thrives on serving as a partner to transportation business leaders and collaborating with them to figure out solutions, not just telling them what they can and cannot do.

Doug attended Iowa State University and holds a law degree from Hamline School of law. He is currently a board member for the Minnesota Trucking Association and chair of its Government Affairs Committee. Believing rules are made by those who speak up, Doug is active on a variety of policy issues impacting the transportation industry, but most notably protecting the rights of drivers to choose independence or employment in the transportation industry. Doug has written many trade articles on the independent contractor issue and submitted amicus briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court to protect the rights of drivers and carriers to choose.

About Openforce
Openforce is the leader in technology-driven services that reduce operating costs and mitigate risk for companies using independent contractors. Their cloud-based applications help companies and contractors alike achieve more sustainable, profitable growth by removing financial, operational, and compliance barriers to getting business done.