The trucking industry is the backbone of domestic commerce, moving the vast majority of freight in the United States and serving as the connective tissue between ports, rail terminals, warehouses, and end users. From long-haul carriers and regional fleets to last-mile delivery providers and third-party logistics companies, trucking businesses operate in a dynamic environment shaped by federal regulation, labor considerations, insurance exposure, and evolving supply chain demands.
At Flaster Greenberg, our Transportation, Logistics, and Supply Chain Practice Group advises trucking companies, brokers, shippers, and logistics providers on the legal, regulatory, and commercial challenges that define this industry. Our attorneys provide strategic, business-minded counsel designed to protect operations, manage risk, and support growth.
Regulatory Compliance and Federal Oversight
The trucking industry is subject to comprehensive federal and state regulation, including oversight by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). We counsel clients on:
- Safety compliance and audits
- Carrier authority and registration
- Hours-of-service requirements
- Drug and alcohol testing programs
- CSA compliance and enforcement matters
- Hazardous materials transportation
Our team helps clients implement compliance programs that minimize enforcement exposure and keep fleets on the road.
Commercial Contracts and Supply Chain Integration
Trucking operations are driven by contracts—with shippers, brokers, owner-operators, warehouses, private fleets, and insurers. We represent clients in negotiating and drafting:
- Master service agreements
- Broker-carrier, co-broker, shipper-broker, and shipper-carrier agreements, among others
- Standard terms and conditions
- Household goods tariffs
- Dedicated fleet and capacity agreements
- Owner-operator and independent contractor agreements
- Intermodal transportation contracts
- Indemnification and insurance provisions
We focus on clear risk allocation, enforceability, and alignment with our clients’ operational realities.
Risk Management and Litigation Strategy
Motor carrier operations carry significant exposure, including catastrophic injury claims, cargo disputes, and regulatory investigations. When disputes arise, we provide proactive and strategic counsel on:
- Cargo loss and damage claims
- Insurance coverage disputes
- Contract and indemnity litigation
- Vendor and subcontractor dispute resolution
- Vendor dispute resolution
- Serving as external coordinating counsel for carriers that do not have a dedicated law department
We understand the importance of rapid response following serious incidents and work closely with insurers, claims professionals, and in-house teams to manage risk effectively.
Labor, Workforce, and Independent Contractor Issues
The trucking industry continues to face evolving legal standards regarding workforce classification and employment practices. We advise on:
- Independent contractor compliance
- Wage and hour matters
- Employee classification and misclassification risks
- Employment agreements, including non-competition/non-solicitation
- Responding to investigations by government regulators
- Workforce policies and best practices
- Regulatory developments affecting driver status
Our goal is to help clients maintain operational flexibility while mitigating labor-related exposure.
Growth, Transactions, and Strategic Expansion
We represent trucking companies and logistics providers in transactions that drive expansion and long-term stability, including:
- Asset and stock acquisitions
- Assisting with acquiring and transferring necessary permits, licenses, and operating authorities as part of corporate acquisitions
- Target due diligence
- Fleet financing and equipment leasing
- Corporate restructurings
- Succession planning for family-owned businesses
- Strategic partnerships and joint ventures
Our attorneys bring practical deal experience and industry insight to ensure transactions are structured efficiently and aligned with regulatory requirements.
Technology, Automation, and Artificial Intelligence
The trucking industry is experiencing rapid technological transformation, driven by AI-enabled telematics, predictive routing software, advanced driver assistance systems, and emerging autonomous vehicle technologies. These tools enhance efficiency, safety, and real-time fleet management—but also introduce new layers of legal and regulatory complexity.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly used to monitor driver performance, optimize routes, forecast maintenance needs, and evaluate risk exposure. At the same time, AI-driven systems generate substantial operational data that may become central in accident investigations, regulatory audits, and litigation.
We advise motor carriers, fleet operators, and logistics providers on:
- Autonomous and AI-assisted vehicle technology agreements
- Telematics, driver monitoring, and fleet analytics contracts
- Data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance
- Risk allocation related to automated decision-making systems
- Insurance and liability considerations arising from advanced vehicle technologies
Our team works proactively to ensure innovation strengthens operational performance while mitigating litigation and regulatory exposure.
For more information about our Trucking Industry capabilities within the Transportation, Logistics, and Supply Chain Practice Group, please contact Practice Group Leads Chris Merrick or Eric Palombo.
