The Los Angeles Harbor Commission approved a schedule for harbor trucking companies next year to begin phasing in employee drivers working the Port of Los Angeles.

Under the plan approved Sept. 28, 20 percent of trips to the port must be performed by employee drivers by Dec. 31, 2011. The share increases to 66 percent a year later and to 100 percent by Dec. 31, 2013.

Trucking companies represented by the Harbor Trucking Association oppose the plan, contending the move will drive cargo traffic away from the port. The HTA said the port is achieving its diesel emissions reduction goals under its Clean Truck Program, without imposing an employee-driver requirement.

American Trucking Associations filed notice Sept. 16 it is appealing an Aug. 26 federal ruling that said the port is a proprietary agency that could manage its property like a landlord. U.S. District Court Judge Christina Snyder is scheduled to hold a hearing Oct. 25 to decide ATA’s request for an injunction on the employee mandate until the appeal can be heard.