The International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Maritech Leasing on Monday announced the first new union contract between the Teamsters and a port trucking company in more than 20 years.

The contract covers drivers operating company equipment. The union said it is still working to represent owner-drivers hauling for port trucking companies. Maritech Leasing, based in Long Beach, Calif., is a subsidiary of Carrix.
The two entities hailed the new agreement as the first step toward a solution to the problems that have plagued port trucking throughout the U.S.
"Port drivers on the West Coast now have a contract that guarantees them fair wages, health and pension benefits and a grievance system," said Chuck Mack, director of the Teamsters Port Division and Teamster vice president.
Maritech also agreed to remain neutral during any future organizing efforts by the Teamsters at their terminals across the country. Company officials believe that retaining quality workers is a crucial key to providing their customers with unparalleled service.
"The volume of cargo entering U.S. ports is growing by leaps and bounds while insurance, fuel and truck maintenance have gone up and net truck driver compensation has plummeted," said Bob Kelly, president of Maritech Leasing. "Our industry must take decisive steps to stem the growing shortage of truck drivers hauling containers from the ports to rail depots, warehouses and distribution centers. Drivers are leaving faster than the industry can replace them."
"With the Teamsters on board, Maritech will provide our customers with first rate service they can depend on," Kelly said.
"Maritech has agreed to periodic reviews and wage adjustments as the company prospers," Mack said.
"We believe that inter-modal transport companies see the advantage of treating owner-drivers as employees and stabilizing the industry through a Teamster contract," Mack said.