CRST California Truck Driver Settlement: Who Gets Paid Automatically

Who is included in the class and the PAGA group?

• The class covers current and former employees who had a California residential address, worked as truck drivers for CRST Expedited, were paid by piece-rate during the stated class period, and did not participate in the Montoya settlement.
• The PAGA group has the same basic requirements but begins on August 9, 2020. PAGA is a California law that permits civil penalties for certain Labor Code violations.

What do I need to do to receive a payment?

• No claim form is required.
• If final approval is granted, the administrator will mail checks to the last known address for class participants and PAGA group members. Keeping contact information current is important.
• The notice does not give a current estimated dollar amount for any individual.

How is a class payment determined?

• A class participant’s payment comes from the Net Settlement Amount, not directly from the full $14.5 million fund.
• It is a proportional share based on qualifying class workweeks compared with those of other participating class members.
• The available amount is reduced by court-approved fees, costs, administration expenses, the service award, and the PAGA allocation. The notice also says an individual payment may be reduced if more class members are identified.

Can someone receive both a class payment and a PAGA payment?

• The total PAGA allocation is $725,000. Of that amount, $543,750 goes to the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), and $181,250 is allocated to PAGA group members.
• A PAGA group member’s share is proportional to qualifying PAGA pay periods compared with those of other PAGA group members.
• For a person who remains in the class settlement, the PAGA payment is in addition to the class payment. A PAGA group member who opts out of the class settlement still receives the PAGA payment.

What happens if I opt out of the class settlement?

• To leave the class settlement, mail a written opt-out request to the settlement administrator and have it postmarked by October 5, 2026.
• The request must include your name, the last four digits of your Social Security number, a statement that you want to opt out of this class action and settlement, and your signature or that of your lawful representative.
• A valid opt-out means no class payment and no release of the class claims. It does not remove a PAGA group member from the PAGA release or prevent that person from receiving an individual PAGA amount.

Can a PAGA group member opt out of the PAGA claims release?

• PAGA group members cannot opt out of the release of PAGA claims.
• That release applies when the settlement becomes effective, even if a PAGA group member opts out of the class settlement or does not cash the PAGA check.

What if the workweek or pay-period count on my postcard is wrong?

• You may submit a written challenge to the settlement administrator by October 5, 2026.
• Include your name, the last four digits of your Social Security number, your signature or a lawful representative’s signature, and documents or other evidence supporting the challenge.
• CRST’s count is presumed correct unless clear and compelling documentary evidence shows an error. Evidence of engagement dates alone is not enough if you also held other jobs or positions with CRST.

How does the notice describe taxes on payments?

• One-third of an individual class payment is allocated to wages and one-third each to interest and penalties/liquidated damages. The administrator will issue W-2 and 1099 forms as stated in the notice.
• No taxes will be deducted from an individual PAGA amount.
• The notice says it is not tax advice.

When could checks be mailed, and how long can they be cashed?

• The court must grant final approval, and any appeals must be resolved, before the settlement becomes effective.
• CRST then has 30 days to deposit the gross settlement amount into the settlement fund. Court-approved checks are to be mailed within 15 days after the fund is funded.
• Checks not cashed within 180 days will be cancelled, and those funds will go to the cy pres recipient identified under the settlement. The notice says the person remains bound by the settlement.

How can I object to the proposed settlement?

• You may object only if you do not opt out.
• A written objection must be filed or delivered to the court and copies must be served on class counsel and defense counsel by October 5, 2026.
• The objection must identify the case, give your name and last four Social Security number digits, explain the reasons and supporting arguments, and be signed. To speak at the hearing, you must also file a notice of intent to appear with the objection.