Bascomb et al v. Express Courier International Inc et al

This class action, filed on October 5, 2018, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, involved delivery drivers who alleged that Express Courier International Inc. and its related entities misclassified them as independent contractors instead of employees. The plaintiffs, including Roderick Bascomb, Rodney Burris, and Brandi Williams, claimed that the company violated the Fair Labor Standards Act and Washington state wage laws. They sought unpaid minimum wages, overtime compensation, and reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses such as vehicle maintenance, fuel, and uniforms. The drivers argued that Express Courier exercised extensive control over their work by setting delivery routes, dictating schedules, requiring company-branded apparel, and monitoring their performance, which rendered them employees entitled to full legal protections. The case underscored the tension between traditional employment classifications and modern delivery business models.

The parties reached a settlement agreement in which Express Courier agreed to pay approximately $1.5 million to resolve the claims and to implement changes to its driver classification and business practices.

Whether the delivery drivers were properly classified as independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act and Washington state law, and consequently whether they were entitled to minimum wages, overtime pay, and expense reimbursements.

The case drew significant attention to the widespread issue of worker misclassification in the gig economy, particularly within the courier and last-mile delivery sector. It encouraged similar collective actions against other delivery companies and increased pressure on businesses to reassess their independent contractor models, influencing ongoing policy debates over employment rights in flexible work arrangements.