LUXAMA et al v. IRONBOUND EXPRESS, INC. et al

Filing 331

OPINION. Signed by Judge John Michael Vazquez on 1/27/2021. (ams, )

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Not for Publication
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY

VAUDRAL LUXAMA, CHANDLER
LUXEUS, JAVIER R. GARCIA, FREDO
BONHOMME, SANTOS MALDONADO, and
CHANEL FONTIN, each individually and as
class representatives,

Civil Action No. 11-2224
OPINION

Plaintiffs,
v.
IRONBOUND EXPRESS, INC.,
Defendant.

John Michael Vazquez, U.S.D.J.
The Court previously granted in part and denied in part Plaintiffs’ motion for class
certification. D.E. 227, 228. The Court also granted Plaintiffs leave to file an additional motion
as to the relief that was denied without prejudice. D.E. 228. Currently pending before the Court
is the additional motion. Plaintiffs Vaudral Luxama, Chandler Luxeus, Javier R. Garcia, Fredo
Bonhomme, Santos Maldonado, and Chanel Fontin are “owner-operator” tractor-trailer drivers
who lease their vehicles and driving services to Defendant Ironbound Express, Inc. (“Ironbound”).
Plaintiffs allege claims for breach of contract and violations of the federal Truth-in-Leasing
regulations, 49 C.F.R. § 376.1 et seq. Currently pending before the Court is Plaintiffs’ third motion
for class certification. D.E. 245. The Court reviewed the parties’ submissions 1 and considered the

1

Plaintiffs’ brief in support of their motion is referred to as “Pl. Br.” (D.E. 245); Defendant’s
opposition is referred to as “Def. Opp.” (D.E. 271); and Plaintiffs’ reply is referred to as “Pl.
Reply” (D.E. 278).

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motion without oral argument pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 78(b) and Local Civil
Rule 78.1(b). For the following reasons, Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification is GRANTED
in part and DENIED in part.
I.

BACKGROUND 2
The Court included an extensive factual background in its prior Class Certification Opinion

(the “prior Opinion”), D.E. 227, which the Court incorporates by reference here. The Court writes
primarily for the parties, who are otherwise familiar with this matter.
Defendant is a company involved in intermodal freight transportation.

TAC ¶ 12.

Plaintiffs are “owner-operators” who own their tractors and lease, or have leased, their tractor and
driving services to Defendant. Id. ¶ 6. From at least January 20, 2003 to September 22, 2009,
Defendant entered into the same standard lease agreement (the “Lease”) with each Plaintiff. 3 See
generally D.E. 245-1, Ex. 1. Pursuant to the Lease, Defendant agreed to compensate Plaintiffs on
a “per-trip basis according to the terms of Schedule B,” but a “Schedule B” was never attached to
any of the Leases. See, e.g., TAC ¶ 67. Plaintiffs allege that in lieu of the missing “Schedule B,”
Defendant orally promised Plaintiffs that Defendant would compensate Plaintiffs in an amount
equal to seventy percent of Defendant’s payment for each job, as well as for any amount Defendant
collected from its customers for fuel surcharges and detention time in excess of two hours (the
“Oral Agreement”). See, e.g., Pl. Br. at 2. The terms of the Lease and accompanying Oral
Agreement serve as the basis for this lawsuit.

2

The facts are derived from Plaintiffs’ Third Amended Complaint (“TAC”), D.E. 118;
Defendant’s Answer (“Ans.”), D.E. 120; and the exhibits attached to the parties’ briefs. D.E. 245,
271, 278.
3

The Court cites to Luxama’s March 23, 2009 Lease only, but the relevant portions of all Leases
are identical.
2

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II.

PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Plaintiffs filed their initial Complaint on April 19, 2011, alleging claims under the Fair

Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), 29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq.; and New Jersey’s Wage and Hour Law
(“NJWHL”), N.J.S.A. 34:11-4.4 et seq. D.E. 1. One hundred and eighty-eight (188) drivers opted
into the case with respect to the FLSA claim. D.E. 3-8, 17, 21-22, 26, 29, 36, 40, 42, 45, 50, 51,
53, 55-61, 76, 78. Defendant moved to dismiss Plaintiffs’ Complaint on June 30, 2011. D.E. 19.
On October 20, 2011, Plaintiffs filed their first motion for class certification on the FLSA claim.
D.E. 46. On June 28, 2012, Judge Salas granted Defendant’s motion to dismiss Plaintiffs’
Complaint without prejudice, finding that Plaintiffs failed to allege sufficient facts supporting the
assertion that they were “employees” of Defendant, which was required for their FLSA claim.
D.E. 77, 78. That determination mooted Plaintiffs’ first motion for class certification. Id.
Plaintiffs filed their First Amended Complaint (“FAC”) on July 30, 2012, again alleging
that they were “employees” of Defendant for purposes of the FLSA, and this time adding a claim
for violations of the federal Truth-in-Leasing regulations, 49 C.F.R. § 376.1 et seq. D.E. 79.
Defendant again moved to dismiss. D.E. 81. On June 27, 2013, Judge Salas dismissed Plaintiffs’
FLSA claim without prejudice, finding that Plaintiffs again pled insufficient facts to demonstrate
they were “employees,” and dismissed without prejudice Plaintiffs’ Truth-in-Leasing claims,
finding that Plaintiffs had not sufficiently alleged an injury-in-fact stemming from the alleged
violations of these regulations. D.E. 97, 98.
Plaintiffs filed their Second Amended Complaint (“SAC”) on July 26, 2013, alleging the
same claims for relief. D.E. 100. Defendant again moved to dismiss based largely on the same
arguments in its previous motions. D.E. 106. On July 30, 2014, Judge Salas heard oral argument
on the motion. D.E. 112. The next day, the parties entered into a stipulation whereby Plaintiffs

3

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withdrew all of their counts except two FLSA claims, a breach of contract claim, and several Truthin-Leasing claims. D.E. 113. Judge Salas then dismissed Plaintiffs’ FLSA claims with prejudice
and Plaintiffs’ breach of contract and Truth-in-Leasing claims without prejudice. D.E. 115.
On September 24, 2014, Plaintiffs filed their Third Amended Complaint (“TAC”), alleging
claims for (1) breach of contract; and (2) violations of the Truth-in-Leasing regulations, seeking
declaratory and injunctive relief under 49 U.S.C. § 14704(a)(1), monetary damages under
§ 14704(a)(2), and attorneys’ fees under § 14704(e). D.E. 118. On January 31, 2018, Plaintiffs
and Defendant filed motions for partial summary judgment, D.E. 177, 178, which were later
terminated, D.E. 196. On the same day, Plaintiffs also filed their second motion for class
certification, D.E. 179, later amending their brief in support thereof on February 14, 2018. D.E.
182. The Court granted Plaintiffs’ second motion for class certification under Rule 23(b)(2) as to
the Truth-in-Leasing claims; denied with prejudice Plaintiffs’ motion under Rule 23(b)(1); and
denied without prejudice Plaintiffs’ motion under Rule 23(b)(3). D.E. 227, 228. The Court noted
in its prior Opinion that the parties had not addressed the potential use of subclasses or certification
of particular issues under Rule 23(c)(4). The Court therefore provided Plaintiffs with leave to
submit a motion in support thereof.
Plaintiffs in turn filed the current motion for class certification, D.E. 245. Defendant filed
opposition, D.E. 271, to which Plaintiffs replied, D.E. 278.
III.

STANDARD OF REVIEW
Plaintiffs assert counts for violations of various Truth-in-Leasing regulations and breach

of contract. The Truth-in-Leasing counts involve alleged violations of § 376.12(d) (Count Two);
§ 376.12(g) (Count Three); § 376.12(h) (Count Four); § 376.12(i) (Count Five); and § 376.12(j)(3)

4

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(Count Six). TAC ¶¶ 56-99. Plaintiffs also appear to allege violations of § 376.12(k) insofar as
they claim that Defendant takes improper deductions from their escrow accounts. 4 Id. ¶ 85.
A. Truth-in-Leasing Regulations 5
The federal Truth-in-Leasing regulations, 49 C.F.R. § 376.1 et seq., were promulgated
under the Motor Carrier Act, 49 U.S.C. § 1401 et seq. Under the Act, “Congress regulates leases
between independent truckers and federally regulated motor carriers.” Fox v. Transam Leasing,
Inc., 839 F.3d 1209, 1211 (10th Cir. 2016).

“Congress has tasked the Department of

Transportation (DOT) with further regulating these leases” and “the DOT does so through its
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and its [T]ruth-in-[L]easing regulations, 49 C.F.R.
[§] 376.” Id. (citing Owner-Operator Indep. Drivers Ass’n, Inc. v. Swift Transp. Co., 632 F.3d

4

The Court notes that § 376.12(k) is not a stand-alone claim alleged in the TAC. Rather, Plaintiffs’
allegation regarding improper deductions from their escrow accounts is brought under Count Four
for violation of § 376.12(h). TAC ¶ 85.
5

The Court notes that for Truth-in-Leasing damages claims brought under 49 U.S.C. §
14704(a)(2), the applicable statute of limitations appears to be four years (premised on the default
four-year limitation provided by 28 U.S.C. § 1658(a)). See Owner-Operator Indep. Drivers Ass’n,
Inc. v. Landstar System, Inc., 622 F.3d 1307, 1327 (11th Cir. 2010) (“Thus, for [49 U.S.C.] §
14704(a)(2), the default four-year statute of limitations under 28 U.S.C. § 1658(a) applies.”);
Owner-Operator Indep. Drivers Ass’n, v. United Van Lines, LLC, 556 F.3d 690, 692 (8th Cir.
2009) (“[D]amage actions under 49 U.S.C. § 14704(a)(2) are subject to the general four-year
statute of limitations found in 28 U.S.C. § 1658 for civil actions arising under federal statutes.”);
Owner-Operator Indep. Drivers Ass’n, Inc. v. Mayflower Transit, LLC, 615 F.3d 790, 792-93 (7th
Cir. 2010) (“Two other courts of appeals have addressed this subject. Both have held that
§ 14705(b) must be enforced as written, and that the period of limitations for suits under
§ 14704(a)(2) therefore is four years. We agree with those decisions.”); Elmy v. W. Express, Inc.,
No. 17-1199, 2020 WL 1820100, at *8 (M.D. Tenn. Apr. 10, 2020) (“[A]ll three U.S. Circuit
Courts of Appeal that have addressed the issue have held that the four-year statute of limitations
pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1658 applies. . . . Accordingly, the Court will enforce 49 U.S.C. §
14704(a)(2) and 49 U.S.C. § 14705(c) as written and apply the default four-year statute of
limitations under 28 U.S.C. § 1658(a) to Plaintiff’s claims brought pursuant to 49 U.S.C. §
14704(a)(2).”). The parties, however, do not raise this issue – much less discuss related issues
such as relation back under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 15 – so the Court likewise does not
reach the issue here.
5

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1111, 1113 (9th Cir. 2011)). The purpose of the Truth-in-Leasing regulations is to “protect
independent truckers from motor carriers’ abusive leasing practices.” Id. (citing Owner-Operator
Indep. Drivers Ass’n, Inc. v. Comerica Bank, 636 F.3d 781, 795 (6th Cir. 2011)). Thus, the
regulations seek
to promote truth-in-leasing – a full disclosure between the carrier
and the owner-operator of the elements, obligations, and benefits of
leasing contracts signed by both parties; . . . to eliminate or reduce
opportunities for skimming and other illegal or inequitable practices
by motor carriers; and . . . to promote the stability and economic
welfare of the independent trucker segment of the motor carrier
industry.
Id. (citing Comerica Bank, 636 F.3d at 795). The regulations achieve this goal by “requiring,
among other things, that the leases be in writing and specify their duration and the compensation
that the carrier will pay the trucker.” Id. The Motor Carrier Act provides a private right of action
for enforcement of the regulations, including for declaratory and injunctive relief under 49 U.S.C.
§ 14704(a)(1), monetary damages under § 14704(a)(2), and attorneys’ fees under § 14704(e).
Owner-Operator Indep. Drivers Assoc., Inc. v. C.R. England, Inc., 508 F. Supp. 2d 972, 983-84
(D. Utah 2007).
Turning to the regulations themselves, § 376.12(d) requires the authorized carrier to specify
in the lease the amount it will compensate the owner, providing as follows:
Compensation to be specified. The amount to be paid by the
authorized carrier for equipment and driver’s services shall be
clearly stated on the face of the lease or in an addendum which is
attached to the lease. Such lease or addendum shall be delivered to
the lessor prior to the commencement of any trip in the service of
the authorized carrier. An authorized representative of the lessor
may accept these documents. The amount to be paid may be
expressed as a percentage of gross revenue, a flat rate per mile, a
variable rate depending on the direction traveled or the type of
commodity transported, or by any other method of compensation
mutually agreed upon by the parties to the lease. The compensation
stated on the lease or in the attached addendum may apply to
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equipment and driver’s services either separately or as a combined
amount.
49 C.F.R. § 376.12(d). Plaintiffs allege that Defendant violated § 376.12(d) because the Lease
refers to a “Schedule B” as governing compensation, but Defendant did not attach a “Schedule B”
to the Lease. As such, Plaintiffs maintain that drivers’ compensation is not clearly stated on the
face of the Lease or in an attached addendum. TAC ¶ 67.
Section 376.12(g) requires the authorized carrier to provide sufficient documentation to
support this compensation, stating:
Copies of freight bill or other form of freight documentation. When
a lessor’s revenue is based on a percentage of the gross revenue for
a shipment, the lease must specify that the authorized carrier will
give the lessor, before or at the time of settlement, a copy of the rated
freight bill, or, in the case of contract carriers, any other form of
documentation actually used for a shipment containing the same
information that would appear on a rated freight bill. Regardless of
the method of compensation, the lease must permit lessor to
examine copies of the carrier’s tariff or, in the case of contract
carriers, other documents from which rates and charges are
computed, provided that where rates and charges are computed from
a contract of a contract carrier, only those portions of the contract
containing the same information that would appear on a rated freight
bill need be disclosed. The authorized carrier may delete the names
of shippers and consignees shown on the freight bill or other form
of documentation.
49 C.F.R. § 376.12(g). Plaintiffs allege that Defendant violated § 376.12(g) because Defendant
either refused to allow them to examine documents setting forth rates and charges paid by
Defendant’s customers, or even when Defendant allowed Plaintiffs to view such documents, the
rates and charges were redacted. TAC ¶ 75.
Section 376.12(h) specifies requirements for charge-back items, stating:
Charge-back items. The lease shall clearly specify all items that may
be initially paid for by the authorized carrier, but ultimately
deducted from the lessor’s compensation at the time of payment or
settlement, together with a recitation as to how the amount of each
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item is to be computed. The lessor shall be afforded copies of those
documents which are necessary to determine the validity of the
charge.
49 C.F.R. § 376.12(h). In a similar vein, § 376.12(j)(3) sets forth requirements regarding
deductions for cargo or property damage, stating:
The lease shall clearly specify the conditions under which
deductions for cargo or property damage may be made from the
lessor’s settlements. The lease shall further specify that the
authorized carrier must provide the lessor with a written explanation
and itemization of any deductions for cargo or property damage
made from any compensation of money owed to the lessor. The
written explanation and itemization must be delivered to the lessor
before any deductions are made.
49 C.F.R. § 376.12(j)(3). Plaintiffs contend that although the Lease lists a number of permissible
charge-back items, the Lease fails to recite any manner in which these amounts are to be computed.
TAC ¶ 82. Plaintiffs also allege that Defendant does not provide supporting documentation or
written explanation for charges it deducts from Plaintiffs’ paychecks and escrow accounts for
property damage. Id. ¶¶ 85, 95. It also appears that the workers’ compensation paid for by
Defendant and charged to Plaintiffs falls under § 376.12(h), which requires Defendant to provide
Plaintiffs with the relevant documents so that Plaintiffs can confirm the validity of the charge. 6
Plaintiffs allege that Defendant does not provide the required information. TAC ¶ 84. Plaintiffs
add that Defendant apparently overcharges them for the insurance. Id.
Section 376.12(i) provides that the “lease shall specify that the lessor is not required to
purchase or rent any products, equipment, or services from the authorized carrier as a condition of
entering into the lease arrangement.” 49 C.F.R. § 376.12(i). The Lease does contain the required

6

As noted in the Court’s prior Opinion, § 376.12(j) also addresses insurance but does not appear
to apply to workers’ compensation insurance. Instead, the provision addresses insurance coverage
related to the protection of the public as to the operation of the leased equipment. 49 C.F.R. §
376.12(j).
8

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language, 7 but Plaintiffs claim that they were nonetheless required to rent parking spaces from
Defendant. TAC ¶¶ 90, 91.
Section 376.12(k) 8 sets forth requirements regarding escrow funds, whereby if escrow
funds are required under a lease, the lease shall specify, among other things: “[t]he amount of any
escrow fund or performance bond required to be paid by the lessor to the authorized carrier or to
a third party,” “[t]he specific items to which the escrow fund can be applied,” and “[t]hat while
the escrow fund is under the control of the authorized carrier, the authorized carrier shall provide
an accounting to the lessor of any transactions involving such fund.” § 376.12(k)(1)-(3). Section
376.12(k) also states that the authorized carrier should perform the accounting by “clearly
indicating in individual settlement sheets the amount and description of any deduction or addition
made to the escrow fund,” or “providing a separate accounting to the lessor of any transactions
involving the escrow fund.” § 376.12(k)(3)(i)-(ii). Further, the separate accounting “shall be done
on a monthly basis.” § 376.12(k)(3)(ii). Plaintiffs argue that Defendant takes deductions from
their escrow accounts without any explanation or accounting. TAC ¶ 85.

7

Plaintiffs contend that this provision was not in the Lease, but the Lease clearly contains it. See
D.E. 245-1, Ex. 1, ¶ 15.
8

As noted, § 376.12(k) does not appear to be a stand-alone claim alleged in the TAC.
9

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B. Breach of Contract 9
Plaintiffs also assert a claim for breach of contract. To prevail on a breach of contract
claim under New Jersey law, 10 a plaintiff must demonstrate (1) the existence of a valid contract;
(2) breach of the contract; (3) damages as a result of the breach; and (4) that the complaining party
performed its own duties under the contract. Pollack v. Quick Quality Rests., Inc., 172 A.3d 568,
576 (N.J. Super. App. Div. 2017) (citing Globe Motor Co. v. Igdalev, 139 A.3d 57, 64 (N.J. 2016)).
Pursuant to New Jersey law, “a party must prove the existence of a contract by showing that: (1)
there was a meeting of the minds; (2) there was an offer and acceptance; (3) there was
consideration; and, (4) there was certainty in the terms of the agreement.” Allen v. Bloomingdale’s,
Inc., 225 F. Supp. 3d 254, 258 (D.N.J. 2016) (internal quotations omitted). Acceptance of a
contract must be absolute and unequivocal. Kristensons Petroleum, Inc. v. Explorer Maritime
Cruises, LLC, No. 14-5683, 2018 WL 497070, at *6 (D.N.J. Jan 22, 2018) (citing Cumberland
Farms, Inc. v. N.J. Dept. of Envtl. Protec., 148 A.3d 767, 776 (N.J. Super. App. Div. 2016)). These

9

The Court notes that for breach of contract claims the applicable statute of limitations appears to
be six years. W.H.P.M., Inc. v. Immunostics, Inc., No. 18-16031, 2020 WL 359146, at *3 (D.N.J.
Jan. 22, 2020) (“Under New Jersey law, there is [] a four-year statute of limitations claims for
breach of contracts governed by the U.C.C., but a six-year statute of limitations for claims for
breach of other contracts.” (citing N.J. Stat. Ann. §§ 12A:2-725; 2A:14-1)) (emphasis added);
Hang Hing Loong Trading Co. Ltd. v. INCO L.L.C., No 15-3614, 2017 WL 4697069, at *6 (D.N.J.
Oct. 18, 2017) (“Generally a breach of contract claim in New Jersey is subject to a six year statute
of limitations pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1.”); see N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 (“Every action at law . . . for
recovery upon a contractual claim or liability, express or implied . . . shall be commenced within
6 years next after the cause of any such action shall have accrued.”). The parties, however, do not
raise this issue, so the Court does not reach it here.
10

The Lease states that “this Lease, and all of the terms and conditions contained herein, will be
interpreted according to the laws of the State in which the Lease is executed.” D.E. 245-1, Ex. 1,
¶ 27. Plaintiffs’ Leases were all executed in New Jersey. D.E. 179-5 at 9, 18, 29, 38, 48, 58.
Therefore, the Court applies New Jersey law to Plaintiff’s claim for breach of contract.
10

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required elements apply to both express and implied contracts. Gardiner v. V.I. Water & Power
Auth., 145 F.3d 635, 644 (3d Cir. 1988).
Plaintiffs base their breach of contract claim on Defendant’s alleged failures: (1) “to pay
[Plaintiffs] amounts equal to seventy percent (70%) of the monies paid to Ironbound by the
shipping companies,” (2) “to pay Plaintiffs for detention time in excess of two hours,” (3) “to pay
the drivers fuel surcharges that Ironbound has collected from shipping companies which it
promised to pass along to drivers,” (4) to properly “set off or take[] deductions from the
[Plaintiffs’] payments”; and (5) to honor the Lease’s provision indicating that Plaintiffs were not
required to rent parking spaces from Defendant. TAC ¶ 54.
C. Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23 governs class actions. Marcus v. BMW of N. Am., LLC,
687 F.3d 583, 590 (3d Cir. 2012). The decision to certify a class or classes is left to the discretion
of the court. In re Hydrogen Peroxide Antitrust Litig., 552 F.3d 305, 310 (3d Cir. 2008), as
amended (Jan. 16, 2009). “The requirements set out in Rule 23 are not mere pleading rules.”
Marcus, 687 F.3d at 591 (citing In re Hydrogen Peroxide, 552 F.3d at 316). “The party seeking
certification bears the burden of establishing each element of Rule 23 by a preponderance of the
evidence.” Id. (citing In re Hydrogen, 552 F.3d at 307). “A party’s assurance to the court that it
intends or plans to meet the requirements is insufficient.” In re Hydrogen, 552 F.3d at 318.
To this end, the Third Circuit has emphasized that “actual, not presumed, conformance
with Rule 23 requirements is essential.” Marcus, 687 F.3d at 591 (citing Gen. Tel. Co. of Sw. v.
Falcon, 457 U.S. 147, 160 (1982)) (internal quotations omitted). “To determine whether there is
actual conformance with Rule 23, a district court must conduct a ‘rigorous analysis’ of the evidence
and arguments put forth.” Id. (quoting Falcon, 457 U.S. at 161). This “rigorous analysis” requires

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a district court to “resolve all factual or legal disputes relevant to class certification, even if they
overlap with the merits – including disputes touching on elements of the cause of action.” Id.
Therefore, a district court “may delve beyond the pleadings to determine whether the requirements
for class certification are satisfied.” In re Hydrogen, 552 F.3d at 320.
“[E]very putative class action must satisfy the four requirements of Rule 23(a) and the
requirements of either Rule 23(b)(1), (2), or (3).” Marcus, 687 F.3d at 590 (citing Fed. R. Civ. P.
23(a)-(b)). A plaintiff must first demonstrate that the proposed class satisfies the four requirements
of Rule 23(a):
(1) The class is so numerous that joinder of all members is
impracticable;
(2) There are questions of law or fact common to the class;
(3) The claims or defenses of the representative parties are typical
of the claims or defenses of the class; and
(4) The representative parties will fairly and adequately protect the
interests of the class.
Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(a); Comcast Corp. v. Behrend, 569 U.S. 27, 33 (2013). These four prongs are
often referred to as numerosity, commonality, typicality, and adequacy. See, e.g., Erie Ins. Exch.
v. Erie Indem. Co., 722 F.3d 154, 165 (3d Cir. 2013). The Court previously determined that
Plaintiffs satisfied Rule 23(a)’s threshold requirements of numerosity, commonality, typicality,
and adequacy. D.E. 227, at 18-24. The Court further granted Plaintiffs’ motion for certification
under Rule 23(b)(2), and denied with prejudice Plaintiffs’ motion as to Rule 23(b)(1). As such,
Plaintiffs’ current motion solely concerns certification under Rule 23(b)(3) and/or Rule 23(c)(4).
See Pl. Br. at 8.
IV.

ANALYSIS
As a threshold matter, Defendant argues that “Plaintiffs [] are seeking to relitigate this

Court’s judgment on Rule 23(b)(3), which is improper as the prior judgment (and the Third

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Circuit’s affirmance) constitutes law of the case under well-settled precedent.” Def. Opp. at 3. In
sum, Defendant argues that Plaintiffs are merely relitigating the Court’s previous decision to deny
class certification under Rule 23(b)(3), interlocutory review of which was denied by the Third
Circuit under Rule 23(f). Defendant asserts that the Court denied certification under Rule 23(b)(3)
without prejudice “in the context of its discussion of Rule 23(c)(4), not within its Rule 23(b)(3)
discussion.” Id. at 3 n.1. Therefore, according to Defendant, “the Court’s directive was that Rule
23(b)(3) certification was dismissed only without prejudice as to presenting a (c)(4) sub-class.”
Id.
The Court finds Defendant’s argument unpersuasive. The Court previously (1) granted
Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification under Rule 23(b)(2); (2) denied with prejudice Plaintiffs’
motion under Rule 23(b)(1); (3) and denied without prejudice Plaintiffs’ motion under Rule
23(b)(3). D.E. 227, 228. The Court’s prior Order stated as follows:
As set forth in the accompanying Opinion, if Plaintiffs believe that
a Rule 23(b)(3) class as to a certain issue or issues is appropriate,
they are to submit their motion in support thereof within forty-five
(45) days.
D.E. 228. In sum, the Court denied Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification under Rule 23(b)(3)
without prejudice and expressly permitted Plaintiffs to submit further briefing on their position.
Specifically, in its prior Opinion, the Court observed that the voluminous individualized damage
calculations could defeat the predominance requirement of Rule 23(b)(3). D.E. 227 at 31-33.
However, the Court dismissed Plaintiffs’ motion for certification under Rule 23(b)(3) without
prejudice. Thus, to the extent Plaintiffs now raise issues that were not previously considered and
decided by the Court, the Court addresses them herein.

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A. Class Certification under Rule 23(b)(3)
Plaintiffs argue that the Court should certify this matter pursuant to Rule 23(b)(3),
indicating that damages can be shown on an aggregate basis. Pl. Br. at 6. Plaintiffs also assert
that individualized damages issues cannot defeat predominance under Rule 23(b)(3). Id. Plaintiffs
request the following relief: (1) certification under Rule 23(b)(3) as to both liability and damages,
(2) alternately, certification under Rule 23(b)(3) as to liability and a deferral on the issue of
damages, or (3) alternately, certification of particular issues under Rule 23(c)(4). 11 Id. at 8.
Rule 23(b)(3) provides as follows:
(b) Types of Class Actions. A class action may be maintained if
Rule 23(a) is satisfied and if:
...
(3) the court finds that the questions of law or fact common to
class members predominate over any questions affecting only
individual members, and that a class action is superior to other
available methods for fairly and efficiently adjudicating the
controversy. The matters pertinent to these findings include:
(A) the class members' interests in individually controlling
the prosecution or defense of separate actions;
(B) the extent and nature of any litigation concerning the
controversy already begun by or against class members;
(C) the desirability or undesirability of concentrating the
litigation of the claims in the particular forum; and
(D) the likely difficulties in managing a class action.
Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(b)(3).
As for certification under Rule 23(b)(3), “[t]he party seeking certification bears the burden
of establishing each element of Rule 23 by a preponderance of the evidence.” Marcus, 687 F.3d
at 591 (citing In re Hydrogen, 552 F.3d at 307). In determining whether the requirements of Rule
23 are met, the Court “must conduct a ‘rigorous analysis’ of the evidence and arguments put forth.”
Id. (quoting Falcon, 457 U.S. at 161). To this end, and as noted, the Court must “resolve all factual

11

In light of the Court’s rulings herein, the Court does not reach the Rule 23(c)(4) analysis.
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or legal disputes relevant to class certification, even if they overlap with the merits – including
disputes touching on elements of the cause of action.” Id.
Rule 23(b)(3) class certification requires that “questions of law or fact common to class
members predominate over any questions affecting only individual members, and that a class
action is superior to other available methods for fairly and efficiently adjudicating the
controversy.” Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Dukes, 564 U.S. 338, 362 (2011) (emphases added) (citing
Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(b)(3)). These are commonly referred to as the “predominance” and “superiority”
requirements. Id.
As to the “predominance” requirement, the inquiry “focuses on whether essential elements
of the class’s claims can be proven at trial with common, as opposed to individualized, evidence.”
Byrd v. Aaron’s Inc., 784 F.3d 154, 164 (3d Cir. 2015), as amended (Apr. 28, 2015). In other
words, “the predominance requirement is met only if the district court is convinced that the
essential elements of the claims brought by a putative class are capable of proof at trial through
evidence that is common to the class rather than individual to its members.” Reinig v. RBS
Citizens, N.A., 912 F.3d 115, 127 (3d Cir. 2018) (internal quotations omitted). “[A]n individual
question is one where members of a proposed class will need to present evidence that varies from
member to member[.]” In re Modafinil Antitrust Litig., 837 F.3d 238, 260 (3d Cir. 2016) (citing
Tyson Foods, Inc. v. Bouaphakeo, 136 S. Ct. 1036, 1045 (2016)), as amended (Sept. 29, 2016). In
comparison, “a common question is one where the same evidence will suffice for each member to
make a prima facie showing [or] the issue is susceptible to generalized, class-wide proof.”
Id. The Third Circuit has described a district judge’s task as follows:
In practice, this means that a district court must look first to the
elements of the plaintiffs’ underlying claims and then, “through the
prism” of Rule 23, undertake a “rigorous assessment of the available

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evidence and the method or methods by which [the] plaintiffs
propose to use the evidence to prove” those elements.
Reinig, 912 F.3d at 128 (quoting Marcus, 687 F.3d at 600). If, after doing so, a district court
determines that “proof of the essential elements of the [claim] requires individual treatment, then
class certification is unsuitable.” Id. (quoting Newton v. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Inc., 259 F.3d 154, 172 (3d Cir. 2001)).
With respect to the “superiority” requirement, a district court must “balance, in terms of
fairness and efficiency, the merits of a class action against those of alternative available methods
of adjudication.” Danvers Motor Co., Inc. v. Ford Motor Co., 543 F.3d 141, 149 (3d Cir. 2008).
This balancing requires a court to consider the following, non-exclusive factors:
(1) the interest of individual members of the class in controlling the
prosecution of the action, (2) the extent of litigation commenced
elsewhere by class members, (3) the desirability of concentrating
claims in a given forum, and (4) the management difficulties likely
to be encountered in pursuing the class action.
Id. Lastly, the Third Circuit has also recognized that “[a] plaintiff seeking certification of a Rule
23(b)(3) class must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the class is ascertainable.” 12
Byrd, 784 F.3d at 163. “The ascertainability inquiry is two-fold, requiring a plaintiff to show that
(1) the class is ‘defined with reference to objective criteria’; and (2) there is ‘a reliable and
administratively feasible mechanism for determining whether putative class members fall within
the class definition.’” Id. (quoting Marcus, 687 F.3d at 593-94).

12

The Court notes that, unlike a Rule 23(b)(3) class, “ascertainability is not a requisite of a Rule
23(b)(2) class” under Third Circuit law. Byrd, 784 F.3d at 163 n.7 (citing Shelton v. Bledsoe, 775
F.3d 554, 559-63 (3d Cir. 2015)); see Shelton, 775 F.3d at 563 (“The nature of Rule 23(b)(2)
actions, the Advisory Committee’s note on (b)(2) actions, and the practice of many of other federal
courts all lead us to conclude that ascertainability is not a requirement for certification of a (b)(2)
class seeking only injunctive and declaratory relief.”).
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B. Predominance Analysis
As noted, Plaintiffs claim that their breach of contract claim is based on the following:
breach of an Oral Agreement which promised Plaintiffs a 70/30 split on the fee paid by Defendant’s
customers, payments for detention time over two hours, and reimbursements for fuel surcharges
that Defendant collected. Plaintiffs add that Defendant breached the Lease when it required certain
drivers to rent parking spaces. In addition, Plaintiffs assert that numerous provisions of the Lease
violate the Truth-in-Leasing regulations.
Defendant acknowledges that the Lease “unambiguously controls the entire independent
contractor relationship between Plaintiffs and Ironbound.” Def. Opp. at 11. Defendant claims that
Schedule B of the Lease was actually the trip sheet that drivers would receive on each individual
haul. Id. at 12. Defendant denies that there was an Oral Agreement for a 70/30 split and adds that,
in any case, the Oral Agreement would not be enforceable because the Lease makes clear that it
can only be modified in a writing signed by the parties. Id.
As to the trip sheets, Defendant explains that each sheet provided an “initial offer” which
each driver could accept, decline, or negotiate. Id. Defendant continues that the amount offered
was based on a variety of factors considered by Defendant’s dispatchers, including travel distance,
amount of work, deadlines, pick-up and drop-off locations, the type of load and how it was to be
transported, fuel surcharges, and several other factors. Id. at 13-14. Defendant notes that when it
cannot find a driver in a timely manner, it may increase its pay rates. Id. at 14. Defendant asserts
that due to the individual nature of the negotiations, class treatment is not appropriate. Id. at 1523.
Turning to detention time, Defendant does not deny that detention time was paid but
indicates that such payments depended “on circumstances unique to each trip.” Id. at 13. As to

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fuel surcharges, Defendant also acknowledges that it reimbursed such charges but that such
reimbursement varied among the drivers. Id. at 20.
In short, Defendant appears to take the bold position that because it violated the Truth-inLeasing regulations, Plaintiffs should be precluded from bringing a class action. As noted, the
purpose of the regulations is to “protect independent truckers from motor carriers’ abusive leasing
practices[,]” which is achieved by “requiring, among other things, that the leases be in writing and
specify their duration and the compensation that the carrier will pay the trucker.” Fox, 839 F.3d
at 1211 (citation omitted). Yet, Defendants freely concede that there was no Schedule B to the
Lease. Defendant’s failure to clearly set forth the specific compensation (as either a percentage of
gross revenue, a flat rate, or a variable rate) that Plaintiffs were to receive per trip flies directly in
the face of 49 C.F.R. § 376.12(d). Defendant’s ad hoc determination as to what it would offer
drivers per trip (or for detention time or for fuel surcharge reimbursement), based on a variety of
factors that Defendant considered but which were not specified in writing, is precisely what the
Truth-in-Leasing regulations were designed to avoid. It is also not lost on the Court that
Defendant’s argue that the Oral Agreement is unenforceable because it is not in writing and signed
by the parties while at the same time assert that the trip tickets are enforceable – even though the
tickets are not mentioned in the Lease and are not signed by both parties. If accepted, Defendant’s
position would result in perverse incentives for carriers to flagrantly flout the regulations. The
Court rejects this argument.
Before turning to the remainder of the analysis, the Court reviews three cases cited by the
parties: Neale v. Volvo Cars of North Am., LLC, 794 F.3d 353 (3d Cir. 2015), Reyes v. Netdeposit,
LLC, 802 F.3d 469 (3d Cir 2015), and In re Modafinil Antitrust Litigation, 837 F.3d 238, 358 (3d
Cir. 2016). Neale analyzed the scope of the Supreme Court’s decision in Comcast v. Behrend, 569

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U.S. 27 (2013). Comcast was an antitrust class action in which the plaintiffs submitted four
theories of antitrust impact. Id. at 31. The district judge accepted one theory but rejected the rest.
Id. The district judge then certified the class although the plaintiffs’ expert’s damages model did
not isolate the sole theory that the court found viable. Id. The model instead assumed the viability
of all four theories. Id. The Comcast Court found that the class certification was improper because
the damages model, based on all four theories, did not reflect the particular antitrust injury, based
on the one theory. Id. at 34-38.
In Neale, a class action concerning defective sunroofs in motor vehicles, the defendants
argued that Comcast required that damages be capable of measurement across the entire class
under Rule 23(b)(3). Neale, 794 F.3d at 374. The Third Circuit began by reviewing Comcast’s
ruling: “Comcast held that an antitrust litigation class could not be certified because the plaintiffs’
damages model did not demonstrate the theory of antitrust impact that the district court accepted
for class-action treatment.” Id. (citing Comcast, 569 U.S. at 34-35). The Neale court noted that
its reading of Comcast was consistent with the decision of several other Courts of Appeal. Id. at
374 & n.10 (collecting cases that indicate, among other things, that Comcast requires a damages
calculation to reflect the theory of liability - not that damages be measurable on a class-wide basis).
In further support, the court in Neale cited to the dissent in Comcast for the proposition that it is
nearly universally accepted that individual damages calculations do not preclude certification
under Rule 23(b)(3). Id. at 374-75 (citing Comcast, 569 U.S. at 41 (Ginsburg, J. & Breyer, J.,
dissenting)).
Shortly after Neale was decided, the Third Circuit issued Reyes. Reyes concerned a class
action against a bank and its subsidiary, alleging violations of the Racketeer Influenced and
Corrupt Organizations Act. 802 F.3d at 474. Relying on Neale, the court in Reyes stated that the

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inability to calculate damages on a class-wide basis does not preclude certification under Rule
23(b)(3). Id. at 485, 489 (citing Neale, 794 F.3d at 374-75 n.10).
Yet, the following year in In re Modafinil Antitrust Litigation, 837 F.3d 238, 358 (3d Cir.
2016), the Third Circuit ruled that “[t]he predominance requirement applies to damages as well,
because the efficiencies of the class action mechanism would be negated if ‘[q]uestions of
individual damage calculations . . . overwhelm questions common to the class.’” (quoting
Comcast, 569 U.S. at 34). At the same time, the Modafinil court acknowledged Neale for the
proposition that damages need not be “‘susceptible of measurement across the entire class for
purposes of Rule 23(b)(3).’” Id. at 358 (quoting Neale, 794 F.3d at 374).
Neale, Reyes, and Modafinil are all binding precedent that this Court must follow. As a
result, the Court determines, as per Neale and Reyes, that the fact that damages are not measurable
across an entire class does not defeat predominance. However, as per Modafinil, individual
damages issues are subject to a predominance analysis and individual damages issues that
overwhelm common issues will defeat predominance. 13
1. Oral Agreement - Liability
In analyzing predominance, a court must first start with the elements of the underlying
cause of action. Neale, 794 F.3d at 370 (citing Erica P. John Fund, Inc. v. Halliburton Co., 563
U.S. 804, 809 (2011)). A court, however, must consider those elements in light of the relevant
evidence. Id. at 372. A court must also envision how a trial on the claim will play out, evaluating

13

There is another interpretation of Neale which is reasonable. That is, Neale stands for the
proposition that the inability to aggregate damages across the entire class does not automatically
defeat predominance. Instead, the issue would need to addressed on a case-by-case basis. This
alternative approach arguably finds some support in Neale because Neale was ruling on the scope
of Comcast (i.e., that a damages model must match the theory of liability) rather than the scope of
proving damages in the aggregate in a class action. However, because Reyes did not expressly
adopt this approach, the Court believes that it is without authority to do so.
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the available evidence and the method by which the plaintiffs intend to prove the disputed element
at trial. Id. If a court is reviewing a proposed settlement class, however, then the court does not
have to consider how the evidence will be presented at trial. Id. at 372.
As to the Oral Agreement, the Court begins with the following observation by the Third
Circuit in Reyes:
The District Court relied on Johnston v. HBO Film Management,
Incorporated, 265 F.3d 178, 190 (3d Cir.2001), and In re LifeUSA
Holding, Incorporated, 242 F.3d 136, 146 (3d Cir.2001), . . .
In In re LifeUSA Holding, Incorporated, the fraud involved a
product that “was not sold according to standard, uniform, scripted
sales presentations.” 242 F.3d at 146. We concluded that simply
focusing on whether all potential class members were misled by the
same product was inappropriate. Id. We also stated that when “the
record is uncompromising in revealing non-standardized and
individualized sales ‘pitches’ presented by independent and
different sales agents, all subject to varying defenses and differing
state laws, . . . certification of individualized issues [is]
inappropriate.” Id. at 147; cf. Moore v. PaineWebber, Inc., 306
F.3d 1247, 1255 (2d Cir.2002) (“[M]aterial uniformity in the
misrepresentations may be established without the use of a
standardized sales script[, for example.]”).
In Johnston, we again held that oral misrepresentation must be
uniform in order to establish predominance under Rule 23(b)(3).
See 265 F.3d at 190. Thus, “it has become well-settled that, as a
general rule, an action based substantially on oral rather than written
communications is inappropriate for treatment as a class action.” Id.
(internal citations omitted).
Reyes, 802 F.3d at 489-90 (emphasis added). The issue here is not oral misrepresentations but oral
agreements. Nevertheless, the reasoning espoused in Reyes hold true – the oral agreements must
be uniform (or at least not materially different) to qualify for class treatment.
Turning first to the oral agreement to pay drivers the 70/30 split, Plaintiffs repeatedly allege
that “all” Plaintiffs were promised 70% of the fee that Defendant collected on each trip. See, e.g.,
Pl. Br. at 2, 23. Defendant, however, paints a different picture with citations to each named
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Plaintiff’s deposition testimony. Def. Opp. at 21-23. 14 Plaintiff Garcia believed that the Lease
contained the 70% amount, but the Lease clearly did not. Plaintiffs Luxama and Luxeus indicated
that the 70% was based on industry standard. Plaintiff Maldonado testified that he was told that
he would, in fact, receive 70% “of the move.” Plaintiff Fontin stated he was promised 70% and
noted that was what the law required and what he had been previously paid. Plaintiff Bonhomme
indicated that a person named “Chris,” who worked for Defendant said that Bonhomme would
receive 70% of the gross amount received by Defendant. In reply, Plaintiffs only address Fontin,
asserting that he was informed on three different occasions that he would receive 70%. Pl. Reply
at 22 n.12.
In light of the named Plaintiffs’ varying testimony as to the basis of the 70/30 split, the
Court finds that Plaintiffs have not shown by a preponderance of the evidence that they can prove
the existence of an oral agreement on this issue through common evidence. At a minimum, there
appear to be – among named Plaintiffs – three significant variations as the 70% agreement. As
noted, an element of a breach of contract claim is establishing a valid contract. Pollack, 172 A.3d
at 576. Here, some of the named Plaintiffs assert in some form that they were promised 70% of
Defendant’s revenue per trip. But another named Plaintiff claims that the amount was stated in
the Lease – in direct contradiction of one of Plaintiffs’ primary arguments. And two others state
that they thought they were due the amount based on “industry standard.” A trial on this critical
issue – the existence of an agreement to pay 70% – would be inappropriate at the class level given
the different accounts of the named Plaintiffs. Plaintiffs have not shown that the oral agreements

14

Defendant also argued in opposition to the last certification motion that Plaintiffs could not,
through common evidence, establish the 70/30 split through common evidence. While
acknowledging Defendant’s position, the Court did not rule on it at that time. Prior Opinion at 31.
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as to the 70% payment were uniform. See Reyes, 802 F.3d at 489-90 These individual issues on
establishing the existence of a valid agreement predominate over common issues. 15
A breach of contract based on reimbursement for fuel surcharges suffers the same fate.
Defendant does not contest that it did pay such reimbursement (at least on occasion), but it disputes
that it agreed always to pay the full reimbursement amount. Again, Defendant point to Plaintiffs’
own deposition testimony to show that Plaintiffs are inconsistent as to Defendant’s promise or
agreement to pay such reimbursement. Def. Opp. at 20. Plaintiff Fontin testified that the
reimbursement was promised in Schedule B to the Lease. Plaintiff Luxama asserted that he was
owed reimbursement pursuant to industry standard.

Plaintiff Bonhomme did not expect

reimbursement when he first started with Defendant but later believed that he was entitled to
reimbursement. In other words, the named Plaintiffs’ testimony indicates that there was not a
uniform agreement as to reimbursement for fuel surcharges.

These individual issues on

establishing the existence of a valid agreement as to the fuel surcharge also predominate over
common issues. Plaintiffs point to critical testimony by Defendant’s Vice President and General
Manager, Daniel Lastra. Pl. Br. at 2 n. 4. Defendant maintains that Lastra indicated that drivers
were entitled to reimbursement for fuel surcharges. However, a review of Lastra’s deposition
testimony reveals that Lastra did not testify that all drivers were entitled to full reimbursement of
fuel surcharges.
But Plaintiffs’ breach of contract claim based on detention time can be proven by common
evidence, and predominance favors Plaintiffs. As noted, Plaintiffs submit that Defendant promised
to pay drivers for detention time exceeding two hours. Defendant does not contest that it paid

15

In their reply brief, Plaintiffs also contend that they can recover based on theory of quantum
meruit, Pl. Reply at 11, but this theory was never asserted in the Third Amended Complaint.
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detention time, but instead asserts (with deposition cites) that named Plaintiffs testified
inconsistently as to the amount of detention time that they were actually paid. Def. Opp. 20-21.
The portions of the record that Defendant relies on, however, do not refute Plaintiffs’ statements
that drivers were promised payment when detention time exceeded two hours.

Instead,

Defendant’s information pertains to what Plaintiffs were actually paid. Defendant’s assertion
addresses damages rather than liability. Thus, Plaintiffs have sustained their burden of proof on
this issue.
Finally, Plaintiffs have also sustained their burden on the remaining breach of contract
issue – Defendant’s requirement that certain drivers rent parking spaces from Defendant. On this
issue, the Lease is consistent with the regulations. Section 376.12(i) provides that the “lease shall
specify that the lessor is not required to purchase or rent any products, equipment, or services from
the authorized carrier as a condition of entering into the lease arrangement.” 49 C.F.R. § 376.12(i).
The Lease does contain the required language, but Plaintiffs claim that they were nonetheless
required to rent parking spaces from Defendant. Plaintiffs’ evidence on this point is unrefuted,
and Plaintiffs have sustained their burden.
2. Truth-in-Leasing Regulations – Liability
Plaintiffs raise numerous points as to the Lease vis-à-vis the Truth-in-Leasing regulations.
Section 376.12(d) requires the authorized carrier to specify in the lease the amount it will
compensate the owner and the manner in which the compensation will be calculated. 49 C.F.R. §
376.12(d). Plaintiffs state that Defendant violated the section because the Lease refers to a
“Schedule B” as governing compensation but “Schedule B” was not attached. Section 376.12(g)
requires the carrier to provide sufficient documentation as to the compensation. 49 C.F.R. §
376.12(g). Plaintiffs indicate that Defendant violated this section because Defendant either refused

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to allow them to examine documents setting forth rates and charges paid by Defendant’s customers
or, when Defendant allowed Plaintiffs to view such documents, the rates and charges were
redacted.
Section 376.12(h) specifies requirements for charge-back items, indicating that all items
must be specified in a lease and that the driver must be given copies of documents “necessary to
determine the validity of the charge.” 49 C.F.R. § 376.12(h). Similarly, Section 376.12(j)(3) sets
forth requirements regarding deductions for cargo or property damage, including that a lease must
specify the conditions for such deductions and that the carrier must provide a written explanation
or itemization to the driver before taking the deductions. 49 C.F.R. § 376.12(j)(3). Plaintiffs
contend that although the Lease lists a number of permissible charge-back items, Defendant did
not provide the supporting documentation for charge-back items or damage deductions. It also
appears that the workers’ compensation paid for by Defendant and charged to Plaintiffs falls under
Section 376.12(h), which requires Defendant to provide Plaintiffs with the relevant documents so
that Plaintiffs can confirm the validity of the charge. 16 Plaintiffs allege that Defendant did not
provide the required information and apparently overcharged for the insurance.

Section

376.12(k) 17 sets forth requirements regarding escrow funds, including that a lease specify the items
to which the fund can be applied, that the carrier provide a driver with an accounting of any
transactions involving the fund, and that the accounting occur on a monthly basis. 49 C.F.R. §

16

As noted in the Court’s prior Opinion, § 376.12(j) also addresses insurance but does not appear
to apply to workers’ compensation insurance. Instead, the provision addresses insurance coverage
related to the protection of the public as to the operation of the leased equipment. 49 C.F.R. §
376.12(j). Despite this prior ruling, Plaintiffs continue to press the Section 376.12(j) argument,
see, e.g., Pl. Br. at 14, 16, but fail to provide any legal authority in support of their argument.
Again, the Court rejects this argument.
17

As noted, § 376.12(k) does not appear to be a stand-alone claim alleged in the TAC.
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376.12(k)(1)-(3). Plaintiffs assert that Defendant took deductions from their escrow accounts
without any explanation or accounting.
As to liability under the Truth-in-Leasing regulations, Plaintiffs sustain their burden of
demonstrating predominance. In fact, Defendant does little, if anything, by way of addressing
individual issues as to liability for violating the regulations. For example, Defendant argues that
its “charges for damage to equipment also reflect variations among drivers. Drivers with greater
skill at inspecting chassis before use would likely never pay for chassis repairs.” Def. Opp. at 19.
Putting aside issues with requiring drivers to prove that they did not damage a vehicle, Defendant’s
argument does not speak to the critical issue – providing drivers with required documentation to
support property damage deductions. To the extent that the Lease allegedly does not contain
information required by the regulations, a jury will be able examine the lease and determine
whether it complies with the regulations. To the extent that Defendant failed to provide Plaintiffs
with required documentation to support charge-backs, damage deductions, escrow deductions, or
workers compensation insurance, the named Plaintiffs’ testimony as to their same or substantially
similar experiences is sufficient to satisfy the predominance requirement.
3. Oral Agreement and Truth-in-Leasing Regulations – Damages
In its prior Opinion, the Court determined that Plaintiffs failed to show predominance
concerning damages and the 70/30 split. Prior Opinion at 31-32. However, in light of the Court’s
ruling as to liability and the 70/30 split, the damages issue is now moot. The Court is not certifying
a class based on the alleged 70/30 split.
Plaintiffs generally assert that “damages will, in the first instance, be established classwide in the aggregate, based on common proofs by reference to Ironbound’s own books and
records and simple mathematical formula.” Pl. Br. at 24; see also id. at 6. However, at the same

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time, Plaintiffs assert that pursuant to the current scheduling order, they have not yet engaged in
class-wide discovery as to damages. Id. at 6 n.6. 18 The Court does not necessarily agree that
“simple math,” id. at 6, will be sufficient to establish class-wide damages. However, given that
Plaintiff has not taken complete discovery on this issue, the Court will reserve on whether to certify
the class as to damages. After Plaintiffs have taken discovery, they may reassert their position.
And Defendant will be given ample opportunity to respond. At that point, the Court will evaluate
the evidence and determine whether some or all of the claimed damages are appropriate for class
treatment.
C. Superiority Analysis
To assess superiority, courts consider (1) class members’ interests in individually
controlling separate actions; (2) the extent and nature of litigation of any related litigation that is
already underway; (3) the desirability of concentrating litigation of the claims in the particular
forum; and (4) the manageability of a class action. Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(b)(3)(A)-(D). In considering
these factors, Plaintiffs argue that class actions are a superior method to adjudicate Defendant’s
violations of the Truth-in-Leasing regulations and the breach of contract claims because Plaintiffs’
claims are identical to all class members. Further, because the potential damages to be recovered
are not substantial “independent efforts to vindicate their rights in stand-alone suits is unlikely.”
Pf. Br. at 37. Plaintiffs further explain that they are unaware of any other pending litigation based
on Defendant’s violation of the regulations. Id. Finally, Plaintiffs contend that it is logical to
concentrate claims in New Jersey because Defendant is located in New Jersey and all drivers are
dispatched from New Jersey. Id.

18

Plaintiffs acknowledge that they have received “limited financial records” from Defendant. Id.
at 6.
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The Court generally agrees with Plaintiffs’ arguments, and finds that Plaintiffs satisfy the
superiority requirement. The Court does not fully agree with Plaintiffs’ assertions as to damages.
As discussed, the Court is reserving on class treatment for damages. However, the Court does
agree that as to the issues certified for class treatment, establishing liability through a class action
outweighs class members’ interests in individually controlling separate actions.
Defendant’s primary argument as to superiority is the requirement is not met because “the
Court will be forced to conduct dozens of mini-trials on both damages and liability to properly
resolve this case[.]” The Court does not share the same concern in light of its rulings on liability
and its reservation on damages.
D. Ascertainability
“The ascertainability inquiry is two-fold, requiring a plaintiff to show that: (1) the class is
‘defined with reference to objective criteria’; and (2) there is ‘a reliable and administratively
feasible mechanism for determining whether putative class members fall within the class
definition.’” Byrd, 784 F.3d at 163 (quoting Hayes v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 725 F.3d 349, 355
(3d Cir. 2013)). “If class members are impossible to identify without extensive and individualized
fact-finding or ‘mini-trials,’ then a class action is inappropriate.” Marcus, 687 F.3d at 593.
“However, a plaintiff need not ‘be able to identify all class members at class certification – instead,
a plaintiff need only show that class members can be identified.’” Hargrove v. Sleepy’s LLC, 974
F.3d 467, 470 (3d Cir. 2020) (quoting Byrd, 784 F.3d at 163 (internal quotation omitted)). The
class here consists of all drivers that entered into the Lease as of April 20, 2007. Thus, Plaintiffs
contend that the mechanism for identifying class members consists only an examination of
Defendant’s business records during the class period. Pl. Br. at 38. The Court agrees; the proposed
class is ascertainable.

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E. Class Definition
Rule 23(c)(1)(B) requires that the class-certification order or incorporated opinion indicate
“(1) a readily discernible, clear, and precise statement of the parameters defining the class or
classes to be certified, and (2) a readily discernible, clear, and complete list of the claims, issues
or defenses to be treated on a class basis.” Byrd, 784 F.3d at 163 (citing Wachtel ex rel. Jesse v.
Guardian Life Ins. Co. of Am., 453 F.3d 179, 187-88 (3d Cir. 2006)). Therefore, the Court certifies
the following:
a Rule 23(b)(3) liability class as to Plaintiffs’ breach of contract
claims regarding detention time and parking space rental, and as to
Defendant’s alleged violations of the Truth-In-Leasing regulations
consisting of all independent owner-operators who entered into a
regulated lease with Defendant, directly or indirectly through
Defendant’s agents, and whose regulated lease was in effect at any
time between April 20, 2007 through the pendency of this action.
Excluded from this class are Plaintiffs’ counsel, officers and
directors of Defendant, judicial officers assigned to this case, and
staff and immediate relatives of judicial officers assigned to this
case.
In addition, the Court has already certified the following class:
a Rule 23(b)(2) class for declaratory and injunctive relief regarding
Plaintiffs’ alleged Truth-in-Leasing violations:
All independent owner-operators who entered into a regulated lease
with Defendant, directly or indirectly through Defendant’s agents,
and whose regulated lease was in effect at any time between April
20, 2007 through the pendency of this action.
Excluded from this class are Plaintiffs’ counsel, officers and
directors of Defendant, judicial officers assigned to this case, and
staff and immediate relatives of judicial officers assigned to this
case.

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Case 2:11-cv-02224-JMV-JBC Document 331 Filed 01/27/21 Page 30 of 30 PageID: 7366

V.

CONLUSION
For the reasons stated above, and for good cause shown, Plaintiffs’ motion for class

certification (D.E. 245) is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part. The Court certifies the
above-described Rule 23(b)(3) liability class. Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification is otherwise
denied. However, after Plaintiffs have taken discovery as to damages, they may reassert their
position that some or all of the claimed damages are appropriate for class treatment. An
appropriate Order accompanies this Opinion.
Dated: January 27, 2021

__________________________
John Michael Vazquez, U.S.D.J.

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