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Teamsters Local 399: Meaning & Definition in Film

Teamsters Local 399 is the Hollywood labor union representing studio transportation drivers, location managers, casting directors, and other specific crafts.

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The Union That Moves Hollywood

Teamsters Local 399 is the Hollywood-based local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, one of the largest and most powerful labor unions in North America. Local 399’s identity is fundamentally tied to transportation; its members are the captains and drivers who operate the vast fleet of specialized trucks, trailers, and vehicles that are the logistical lifeblood of any film or television production. If equipment, props, wardrobe, or actors can’t get to the set, production stops—a fact that gives the Teamsters immense leverage within the industry.

A Diverse and Crucial Jurisdiction

While they are most famous for their iconic studio drivers, the jurisdiction of Local 399 has expanded over the years to include a surprisingly diverse array of key production personnel. The union represents several crafts that are essential to a film’s creation:

  • Studio Transportation Drivers: The operators of all production vehicles, from the massive camera and lighting trucks to the personal trailers for the stars.
  • Location Managers: The highly skilled professionals responsible for finding, securing, and managing all off-lot filming locations.
  • Casting Directors: The creative executives who work with the director to select the cast for a film or television show. This includes both principal and background casting.
  • Animal Handlers and Wranglers: The trainers and specialists responsible for the performance and welfare of all animal actors on set.
  • Dispatchers, Mechanics, and Warehousemen who support the transportation infrastructure.

A Key Player in Labor Relations

Because of its critical role in production logistics, Teamsters Local 399 is a central player in Hollywood’s labor landscape. They are a key member of the Hollywood Basic Crafts, an alliance of unions that includes plumbers, electricians, and laborers, which negotiates its contracts alongside the larger IATSE union. The solidarity between the Teamsters and other below-the-line unions is a powerful force during industry-wide labor negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

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