The often acrimonious dialog over banning owner-operator drivers from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach took a step forward as the Los Angeles City Council approved the port's truck plan.

In addition to requiring company drivers, the Los Angeles plan adds fees on containers intended to pay for cleaner trucks and new infrastructure. Los Angeles agreed to a five-year implementation period before the ban is fully implemented.

The American Trucking Associations is expected to file suit over the issue.

The National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) reports that Long Beach opted not to place a total ban on owner operators. Trucking firms serving the Port of Long Beach will be required to apply for a port-access license.