Priority Courier Experts delivery drivers in Minnesota are part of a worker misclassification lawsuit. Former driver Lamar Allen Hairston filed the class action against Timberland Transportation LLC. Misclassification means labeling workers as independent contractors instead of employees. The case is Hairston v.
Timberland, Case No. 62-CV-26-7291, in Ramsey County District Court. It invokes Minnesota's strengthened misclassification law, Minn. Stat. § 181.722.
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Table of Contents
- Who does this case cover?
- What pay and costs are at stake?
- Why does Minnesota's new law matter?
- What should Minnesota drivers do next?
Who does this case cover?
The suit targets Timberland Transportation LLC doing business as Priority Courier Experts. It focuses on Minnesota drivers called Fleet Partners. These drivers signed standardized contractor agreements. The complaint alleges Priority controlled customer prices and driver pay.
It also alleges control over daily assignments and delivery methods. That control is central to the employee claim. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration records identify Timberland Transportation LLC, DBA Priority Courier Experts, at 3545 Hoffman Rd. East in Vadnais Heights. The listing shows an authorized motor carrier of property, according to the FMCSA carrier snapshot.
What pay and costs are at stake?
Hairston routinely worked 10- to 14-hour days, the suit alleges. After expenses, drivers lacked guaranteed minimum wage or overtime premium. Long routes plus unpaid costs cut take-home pay.
Drivers paid core business costs out of pocket: The suit also alleges denial of health insurance and paid time off. It lists 401(k) match, workers' compensation, and unemployment insurance. It adds earned sick and safe time.
- vehicle leases and fuel
- insurance and maintenance
- uniforms and equipment
Why does Minnesota's new law matter?
Minnesota overhauled its worker classification rules in 2024. The changes took effect July 1, 2024. Workers can now sue directly for misclassification. Available relief includes compensatory damages plus civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation.
Halunen Law explains that direct-action and penalty structure in its 2025 explainer on the misclassification overhaul. The filing is described as among the first class actions under the new statute. That status makes the courier facts an early test of Minn. Stat. § 181.722.
What should Minnesota drivers do next?
This is a proposed class action, not a decided case. No court has ruled on the claims or certified a class.
Halunen Law's news archive reports the allegations and counsel team of Clayton Halunen, Susan Coler and Tara Jensen in its October 2026 news listings. Minnesota Priority drivers who think they are affected can:.
- monitor the Ramsey County docket for Case No. 62-CV-26-7291
- compare Fleet Partner terms to the alleged controls on pay and assignments
- watch for a certification order or class notice, not a payout yet