CLAIMANT DELIVERY DRIVER WAS AN EMPLOYEE OF A BUSINESS LOGISTICS COMPANY WHICH ARRANGED DELIVERIES FOR ITS CLIENTS; CLAIMANT WAS THEREFORE ENTITLED TO UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS (THIRD DEPT).

The Third Department determined claimant delivery driver was an employee of TN Couriers (TNC) entitled to unemployment insurance benefits:

TN Couriers LLC (hereinafter TNC) is a business logistics company that acts as a broker between delivery drivers and clients seeking to have products transported from one location to another. Claimant was retained by TNC to deliver auto parts for The Radiator Store, one of TNC’s clients. * * *

Although the daily delivery activities of claimant and other drivers were directed by TNC’s client, TNC retained control over other important aspects of the work. These included screening driver applicants, assigning drivers to clients, setting the rate of pay, partially reimbursing expenses, establishing performance standards, requiring valid licenses and insurance, and handling client complaints. In view of this, we find that substantial evidence supports the Board’s finding that TNC exercised a sufficient indicia of control over claimant to be deemed his employer and liable for additional contributions … . Matter of Murray (TN Couriers LLC–Commissioner of Labor), 2020 NY Slip Op 05269, Third Dept 10-1-20