A group of port truckers in Long Beach, CA, convoyed on the 110 Freeway as planned Wednesday morning, June 27.

According to KABC-TV, the convoy appeared to involve about 20 trucks instead of the 100 that organizers had claimed as a goal. It’s not clear who the organizers were, although several groups laid claim to the protest.

It is clear that the truckers – who are independent owner-operators – participated in the convoy to call attention to their situation. They’ve been hauling freight out of the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles for years as independents. A new controversial proposal by the port officials will only allow company drivers in newer-model trucks to work there. Officials want the plan in place by Jan. 1, 2008. It is yet to be formally considered by either port’s commission.

The owner-operators want to make sure that if the proposal is approved and the switch happens later this summer, they’ll be hired by the approved trucking companies.