Company won't pay me $11,000. What are my options?

So whats the reason he does not pay and what's the reason he threatened you with physical abuse? Why did not you quit right after you found out about log books, but kept working instead, accumulating all those money?
Reminds me of Yelp restaurant reviews:" I have been coming to this restaurant for years, food was fabulous and the owner was a sweet heart. But this one time, they brought me eggs, which were sunny side down, instead of up. That ruined my day, this restaurant is garbage and I won't be coming here again. Here you go, 1 star".
What was the reason for you to quit?

 

From your post I am assuming you were an employee. The solution is simple, you take him to court. Employers must pay employees without exeption. As long as you can prove you did the work there shouldn't be a problem. You should probably contact your state department of labor and find out if there are certain procedures you should follow before filing a lawsuit.

Also, visit the guy one more time and see if he'll pay you. If he says he'll pay you by a certain date, ask him to put it in writing. If he refuses don't threaten to kick his ### or anything else. Just walk away. The law is on your side.

 

Judge Judy

 

Who are they? Chances are some.of us are familiar with the company. Also this is a great place to "warn others"!

 

Let me guess, is the owner Albanian or Serbian?

 

You need proof he owes you the money. Log books, run sheets, bol's, pod's all documents to support your claim.
On Tuesday when the court house opens I would be the first one at the door to file a claim. Not sure if you can use small claims for that amount. I think in Wisconsin the limit is $10,000 not sure what limit is in Illinois.
This will show your employer you mean to collect what is yours.
If you go to his office to give him copies of this court action take a friend or better yet go with an attorney.
Tell him in a friendly manner you just want what is rightfully owed. Nothing more, nothing less.
You might hint that in a court of law all these other issues might come out in the laundry list.
No threats.
I think an attorney could phrase it in such a manner that he would understand fully what is about to happen.

Log book violations can be issued to you the driver and the company. Why did you continue to operate falsifying records of duty, you will be asked. It is a two way blade!

He might be waiting for the shippers to pay him, but that should not be your concern. If he hasn't paid you, did he pay the payroll taxes that were due on the wages.
Good luck