LB Trucking & Transportation Newsletter

In transportation and logistics, risk doesn’t just come from accidents; it often comes from how your operations, contracts, and public-facing business model are viewed after the fact. This month’s edition focuses on how courts are drawing those lines, and what that means for carriers, brokers, and transportation providers operating in an increasingly scrutinized environment.

Our featured article examines a recent California federal decision that further narrows federal preemption defenses and challenges the independent contractor structures relied on by many logistics companies. Combined with recent rulings on broker indemnity, railroad and highway vehicle liability, and third-party causation in catastrophic crashes, the message is consistent: courts are looking past labels and technical defenses and focusing on control, contracts, and real-world operations.

At Lucosky Brookman, we focus on translating these developments into practical guidance, helping companies structure relationships, manage exposure, and defend claims before they escalate. This month’s updates are designed to help you stay ahead of where the law is going, not just where it’s been.

Article of the Month

California Federal Court Deals Further Damage to Federal Pre-emption for Logistics Companies

By Steven Saal, Partner

As states continue to challenge traditional independent contractor structures, logistics and transportation companies face growing uncertainty around liability and compliance. This month’s article explores a key federal ruling that further narrows preemption defenses and signals how courts are evaluating contractor relationships in real-world operations, not just on paper. Understanding these trends is critical to managing risk before disputes arise.

Click here to view the article.

Case Summaries

Real cases, real rulings, real takeaways. These summaries show how courts are treating the issues transportation companies face every day, giving you the clarity you need to reduce risk and respond strategically.

Click here to view the case summaries.

See below for the full newsletter.

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