Motor Carrier

The motor carrier industry is vital to the U.S. economy, transporting more than 70% of the nation’s freight tonnage. Given the demands and volatility of the industry, commercial transportation companies benefit from counsel who understands both the legal challenges they face and the practical effects on their daily operations.

Dickinson Wright’s transportation attorneys provide comprehensive services to motor carriers and take a proactive approach to protecting their interests. In the event of an accident, our team responds quickly—day or night—and can visit the scene during the critical hours that follow to preserve evidence, guide investigators, and communicate with authorities.

Our Services

Members of our motor carrier team understand the initiatives and rulemakings of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA), and the Carmack Amendment. We also advise clients on regulatory matters and IRS inquiries involving the classification of owner-operators as employees or independent contractors. Our services include:

Representative Matters

• Represented shippers, carriers, transportation brokers, and warehouse operators in cargo claims, including matters brought under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) and the Carmack Amendment.
• Defended matters involving Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requirements, including driver qualifications, hours-of-service rules, drug testing, driver logs, and related compliance issues.
• Defended catastrophic accident and severe personal injury claims involving multiple fatalities, working with accident reconstructionists, economists, vocational experts, psychologists, medical professionals, and other expert witnesses.
• Represented clients in cargo claims arising under the Carmack Amendment to the Interstate Commerce Act.
• Defended major trucking companies in wage and hour litigation, including collective and class actions.
• Negotiated sidetrack agreements between manufacturing and transportation companies.
• Defended interstate trucking and logistics companies, intrastate carriers, and owner-operators.
• Handled the sale of a major logistics subsidiary involving lease assignments, broker and carrier agreements, and outsourcing arrangements in the United States and Mexico.