Can someone please help me ? I have been stiffed by a scumbag who owns Southern Blackbird Logistics out of Missouri. I ran for this guy Tommy Stines for 3 months and the last week he didn’t pay me the $3900 he owed me for loads delivered . I have already sent the attorney letter and tried the Dept of Labor with no success . He is ducking me now for 8 months . I’m trying to file against his bond but can’t find the surety company. Any advice other than getting a lawyer in his state?
A carrier I worked for did not pay me for my last week of loads !
Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Jasontex, Mar 19, 2026 at 4:14 PM.
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Safer system website will have company information.
Good luck
SAFER Web - Company Snapshot -
Check the Cayman Islands? I don't mean to make light of the situation, but you are going to hear a whole lot more of this. We are in a world of hurt right now,, businesses are going to be going bust at an alarming rate, I'm sorry to hear you are part of it. I guarantee you won't be alone. I'd take it in the shorts, and a lesson learned. I wouldn't pursue it any further.
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If a trucking company refuses to pay you,
immediately gather all documentation—logs, BOLs, and settlement sheets—and file a complaint with your state's Department of Labor, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), or consider small claims court. Non-payment is wage theft; stop working immediately if you are not paid.
Steps to Take:
- Document Everything: Collect all evidence of work performed, including Bills of Lading (BOLs), fuel receipts, electronic logs, and communication with dispatch.
- Send a Demand Letter: Formally request payment in writing, stating a deadline and that you will take legal action if not paid.
- File a Wage Claim: Contact your state's Department of Labor (DOL) regarding unpaid wages.
- Report to FMCSA: If you are an owner-operator, report the broker or carrier to the FMCSA.
- Small Claims Court/Legal Action: For smaller amounts, file in small claims court. For larger amounts, consult an attorney specializing in transportation law.
- Review/Expose: Post detailed, truthful reviews on platforms like Google, LinkedIn, or trucking forums to warn others.
JB7 Thanks this. -
Great info for a logical society,, but it's been 8 MONTHS, this guy is long gone. I wouldn't waste anymore time, cut the loss, and work for a reputable company, if any. "South Blackbird Logistics"??? You got to be kidding.
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his home address is on his companies site, it’s public information, just saying.
besides company shows 5 trucks, reported miles in 2023 is 1 mile.
I ran Anderson Mo a lot to Fairview mills, never heard of this company once.
Shoulda hauled for them. Nice and they pay. -
Safety Measurement System - Complete SMS Profile (U.S. DOT# 4101669)
They’re not long gone, trucks are still running and getting inspected. Dept of Labor isn’t going to help an o/o get their money. -
Some states allow a worker to place a lien on business property for unpaid wages which could be a bank account, trucks, land. This is something you could do yourself. I was paid 1099 but later ruled an employee but that is beside the point. After I sent the demand letter that if I did not get paid I would file a lien I was paid in full.
I did file with the State Dept of Labor but they said I made too much money. They only have the resources for lower paid workers such as restaurant and hotel workers, laborers. -
Guess there’s a good thing, you don’t gotta pay the state or federal taxes on money you didn’t get…
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