A Texas resident has taken legal action against a major logistics company, alleging unlawful employment practices. On February 26, 2026, Ryan Codina filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas against Penske Logistics, LLC. The case brings to light serious accusations of retaliation and wage violations under federal laws.
Ryan Codina, who began working as a driver for Penske Logistics in February 2023, claims that his termination on September 18, 2025, was not due to “aggressive driving” as stated by the company but rather a retaliatory act for exercising his rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Codina asserts that after taking intermittent leave starting July 15, 2024, to care for his wife battling cancer, he faced increasing hostility from his employer. “Penske’s retaliation against Mr. Codina culminated in his termination,” states the complaint. Furthermore, Codina accuses Penske of misclassifying him as an exempt employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), denying him rightful overtime pay.
The complaint details how Penske allegedly engaged in deceptive practices by informing the Texas Workforce Commission that Codina was terminated for aggressive driving. This claim prevented him from receiving unemployment benefits. In addition to seeking damages for lost wages and emotional distress caused by these actions, Codina is pursuing statutory damages under both FMLA and FLSA provisions. He demands compensation equal to lost wages and benefits, interest on these amounts, liquidated damages matching unpaid wages plus interest, and equitable relief such as reinstatement or promotion.
Codina’s legal representation argues that Penske acted with malice or reckless indifference towards federally protected rights. The lawsuit seeks collective action status for similarly affected employees who were also denied overtime pay due to improper classification by Penske Logistics. Through this action, Codina aims to secure unpaid overtime wages along with liquidated damages equivalent to those wages.
In terms of relief sought from the court, Codina requests notice issuance to all similarly situated assistant managers about their right to join this FLSA action; award of unpaid overtime rates; liquidated damages; reasonable attorneys’ fees; pre-judgment and post-judgment interest; costs associated with prosecuting claims; and any other just relief deemed appropriate by law.
Representing Ryan Codina is attorney Andrew L. Mintz from Andrew L. Mintz PLLC based in Houston. The case is presided over by judges within the jurisdiction of Case ID: 4:26-cv-01603.
Source: 426cv01603_Ryan_Codina_v_Penske_Logistics_Complaint_Southern_District_of_Texas.pdf