Universal Intermodal Faces Class Action Over Illinois Fingerprint Scanning Since 2016
ULH•An Illinois judge approved class action status for a 2021 lawsuit against Universal Intermodal over fingerprint scanning at its Harvey facility since March 2016. Plaintiffs claim the company collected and stored drivers’ biometric data without written notice or consent, violating the Illinois Biometric Privacy Act.
1. Lawsuit Origins
In 2021, driver Brandon Willis filed suit against Universal Intermodal Services, a subsidiary of Universal Logistics, alleging its Harvey, Illinois facility used fingerprint scanners to clock workers without necessary consent under Illinois law. The lawsuit was initially limited to Willis but targeted scanner use dating back more than a decade.
2. Class Status Expansion
In June 2026, Judge Elaine E. Bucklo granted the case class action status, extending it to all workers and contractors who clocked in with fingerprint scanners at Illinois facilities from March 30, 2016, through the present. The ruling focuses solely on the scope of the class and does not address the merits of the biometric collection claims.
3. Allegations and BIPA Violations
The suit argues defendants violated the Illinois Biometric Privacy Act by failing to provide written notice and obtain signed releases before collecting and retaining biometric data. Defendants include Universal Intermodal, HR-1 LLC, Universal Management Services, and Data System Services, with alleged joint and vicarious liability.
4. Potential Financial Implications
If successful, plaintiffs could seek statutory damages of $1,000 to $5,000 per violation per individual, potentially exposing Universal Logistics to millions in liabilities. The expanded class action increases legal risk and could pressure the company to negotiate a settlement or revise its biometric practices.
