American Trucking Associations v. the City of Los Angeles

INTRODUCTION

American Trucking Associations, Inc. (“ATA”), a non- profit national trade association for the trucking industry, appeals from the district court’s refusal to preliminarily enjoin the implementation of mandatory concession agreements for drayage trucking services at the Port of Los Angeles1 and the Port of Long Beach2 (together the “Ports”). ATA sought to enjoin the programs as preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act, 49 U.S.C. § 14501(c) (the “FAAA Act”), because they improperly attempted to regulate the “price, route, or service of any motor carrier.” 49 U.S.C. § 14501(c)(1). The district court concluded that the agree- ments likely fell within a statutory exception preserving the “safety regulatory authority of a State with respect to motor vehicles.” Id. § 14501(c)(2)(A). It also concluded that ATA failed to demonstrate irreparable harm absent an injunction and that the balance of hardships and public interest weighed against imposing an injunction.3 We reverse and remand.

BACKGROUND

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are contiguous and effectively form a single port on San Pedro Bay bisected by the Los Angeles-Long Beach city…