Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Swift Agrees to $4.4 Million Settlement Over Driver Class Action Lawsuit

The trucking company Swift Transportation has agreed to pay $4.4 million to settle a federal class action lawsuit over claims if failed to inform prospective drivers about their rights involving records used during the hiring process.

by Staff
April 23, 2014
Swift Agrees to $4.4 Million Settlement Over Driver Class Action Lawsuit

Photo: Evan Lockridge

1 min to read


Photo: Evan Lockridge

The trucking company Swift Transportation has agreed to pay $4.4 million to settle a federal class action lawsuit over claims if failed to inform prospective drivers about their rights involving records used during the hiring process.

Ad Loading...

The case was filed last summer by James Ellis III. He applied to be a Swift driver in 2012 but was turned away due to his background check.

Ad Loading...

He will receive a $5,000 settlement while seven other named plaintiffs will each get $1,000. The settlement includes more than 10,000 people who applied for driving jobs with Swift from July 23, 2008 through Sept. 30 2012.

The suit claimed Swift failed to people who applied for jobs they can access the same information as the company for background checks and question the information the company reviews in making hiring decisions.

It also alleged Swift violated the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act for several years by not informing Ellis and other driver applicants they had a right to get a free copy of the report used by Swift and could dispute any information on it.

Swift has denied the accusations all along but has reportedly clarified to applicants its hiring practices.

It is up to the court to give preliminary approval to the deal.

More Drivers

Illustration of driver medical exam paperwork over duotone background of a blood pressure check

FMCSA Extends Paper Medical Card Exemption … Again

Five states still aren't ready to accept commercial driver medical exam information directly from the medical examiner's registry.

Read More →
Mack Pioneer tractor.
Driversby Jack RobertsApril 10, 2026

Mack Launches Digital Driver Guide for Chassis-Specific Truck Info

Mack’s new, virtual owner’s manual delivers VIN-based, on-demand guidance for vehicle systems via web, app, and soon in-cab displays.

Read More →
Close-up of Western Star truck logo with red star emblem on chrome grille, representing the brand’s identity in the trucking industry.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseApril 6, 2026

Western Star Showcases Truckers' Pride and Skill

Western Star is expanding its Star Nation Experience in 2026, adding new competitions and dealer participation to highlight operator skills and promote careers in trucking.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of truck driver at podium holding award
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMarch 27, 2026

Best Fleets to Drive For: Two Carriers Earn Overall Award for First Time

CarriersEdge announced the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For overall winners, with Crawford Trucking, Fortigo Freight Services, and FTC Transportation receiving top awards.

Read More →
Illustration of Department of Labor building, diesel technician at a computer, and driver training semi trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeMarch 10, 2026

Federal Proposal Would Allow Pell Grants for Shorter-Term Job Training

The Department of Labor plans to expand Pell Grant eligibility to some shorter workforce training programs, a move the American Trucking Associations said will help strengthen commercial driver training schools and diesel technician training programs.

Read More →
Illustration of truck owner operator and magnifying glass with the word "regulations"
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 26, 2026

Owner-Operator Model Gets Boost as DOL Proposes 2024 Independent Contractor Definition Reversal

For an industry that has watched this issue go back and forth for years, the independent contractor proposal marks the latest swing in the regulatory pendulum.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
 Truck with door open and enforcement officer talking to driver about ELD
DriversFebruary 26, 2026

FMCSA Reinstates Field Warrior ELD to Registered Device List

One electronic logging device has been reinstated to the FMCSA's list of registered ELDs.

Read More →
Photo of truck driver in yellow safety vest walking alongside tractor-trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 25, 2026

How One Company is Using Smart Suspension Technology to Reduce Driver Injuries and Improve Retention

America’s Service Line adopted Link’s SmartValve and ROI Cabmate systems to address whole-body vibration, repetitive strain, and driver turnover. The trucking fleet is already seeing measurable results.

Read More →
Illustration with photos from some of the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For honorees
Driversby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 24, 2026

CarriersEdge Announces 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For

The 18th annual contest recognizing the best workplaces for truck drivers sees changes to Top 20, Hall of Fame

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of driver students around trucks with distressed graphic elements and safety cones
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 19, 2026

FMCSA Targets 550+ ‘Sham’ CDL Schools in Nationwide Sting Operation

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued more than 550 notices of proposed removal to commercial driver training providers following a five-day nationwide enforcement sweep. Investigators cited unqualified instructors, improper training vehicles, and failure to meet federal and state requirements.

Read More →