Openforce Blog

Paying Independent Contractors: Best Practices to Streamline Payment Processing and Ensure Compliance

Openforce — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Published on July 14, 2020, updated on June 17, 2026

The Supreme Court Just Put Last-Mile Arbitration Clauses on Notice

Openforce — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:56:32 GMT

The Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling in Flowers Foods Inc. v. Brock is getting attention across transportation, logistics, courier, delivery, and last-mile businesses that rely on independent contractor drivers. The decision focused on a narrow but important question under the Federal Arbitration Act, also known as the FAA: can a worker who makes only in-state deliveries still qualify as a transportation worker engaged in interstate commerce if the goods being delivered originated out of state? The Supreme Court said yes.

Independent Contractor (1099) vs W2: Key Differences and Common Misconceptions

Openforce — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Published on February 22, 2021, updated on June 3, 2026

The Hidden Risks of DIY AI in Independent Contractor Management

Openforce — Wed, 27 May 2026 21:04:21 GMT

Artificial intelligence (AI) has changed how companies think about building software. Tools that once required months of engineering work can now help teams create dashboards, forms, workflows, and internal applications much faster. For businesses trying to reduce costs and move quickly, it is easy to ask: why buy independent contractor management software when we can build it ourselves with AI?

Openforce Wins 2026 National Home Delivery Association Pinnacle Award for Industry Impact, Marking 25 Years of Excellence in Independent Contractor Infrastructure

Openforce — Tue, 19 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The recognition celebrates 25 years of protecting independent contractors and the final-mile delivery companies that rely on them.

The Supreme Court Just Raised the Stakes for Broker’s and Their Carrier Vetting

Openforce — Mon, 18 May 2026 18:15:47 GMT

The Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II rang loudly for freight brokers, logistics providers, shippers, and any business that relies on motor carriers or independent contractor drivers.

Openforce Earns Great Place To Work Certification for the 5th Year

Openforce — Wed, 13 May 2026 21:52:00 GMT

Openforce has once again been recognized as a Great Place To Work^®, earning the 2026 Great Place To Work Certification™ for the fifth consecutive year. The recognition reflects what continues to make Openforce special: its people, culture, and commitment to creating an environment where employees can thrive. Based entirely on employee feedback, the certification highlights organizations that prioritize trust, collaboration, growth, and workplace experience.

Independent Contractor Legal Updates: Key Developments So Far in 2026 & What It Means for Your Business

Doug Grawe, General Counsel at Openforce — Thu, 07 May 2026 02:58:43 GMT

The independent contractor landscape continues to evolve in 2026, with regulatory activity accelerating in recent months. While litigation remains active, the most meaningful developments are coming from regulators rather than the courts. In particular, actions by the U.S. Department of Labor and the New York City Council are shaping how companies should evaluate and structure independent contractor relationships. These developments reinforce a consistent theme that strong programs must be both operationally sound and supported by clear, defensible documentation.

The Independent Contractor Lifecycle: Building Control, Compliance, and Scale

Openforce — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:36:19 GMT

Managing independent contractors can feel straightforward at first. You bring someone on, assign work, and expect results. But as programs grow, small gaps in process can quickly turn into larger issues that affect compliance, efficiency, and overall performance.

5 Red Flags That Signal Independent Contractor Misclassification Risk

Openforce — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:10:18 GMT

Independent contractor programs are expanding across many industries, but growth can introduce real risk when relationships are not structured thoughtfully. Many organizations assume classification is settled once an agreement is signed. In reality, classification depends on the full working relationship, not just the contract.

Regulators evaluate how independent contractors are engaged in practice, including day to day expectations, workflows, and business dynamics. This means misclassification risk often builds gradually through operational decisions rather than a single misstep. Together, these patterns create the conditions where independent contractor misclassification risk can take hold.