The Firm is among the few larger firms that have substantial experience with the complex statutes, regulations, and administrative rules that govern the transportation industry.  The Firm and is an active member of the California Trucking Association (“CTA”), and one of its partners serves as a Board Member for the CTA.  The Firm regularly presents seminars to members of the transportation industry, both privately and through the CTA, on handling claims for lost or damaged freight, personnel practices for the trucking industry, and the impact of environmental laws on the industry.  The Firm’s knowledge of the industry and its customary practices allows it to efficiently and effectively focus its efforts towards achieving its clients’ goals.

The Firm regularly represents trucking companies in federal and state court civil actions, including those involving claims for damaged, lost, or stolen freight; challenges to limitations of liability; employee relations including harassment, discrimination, and the unique hour and wage regulations applicable to the transportation industry; fee disputes between carriers and between carriers and customers; and challenges to warehouseman’s liens. 

The Firm also assists trucking companies in obtaining and protecting the necessary licenses and permits to operate in California. The Firm is qualified to advise trucking companies on the proper preparation of driver logs, maintenance records, drug testing records, and statutory vehicle inspections.  The Firm’s attorneys monitor the policies and procedures of the California Highway Patrol in conducting BIT Inspections and have protected companies that have failed such inspections in actions brought by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”) and the Department of Transportation.  As an example, the Firm represented a waste hauling business in an administrative case brought by the DMV attempting to revoke the company’s Motor Carrier Permit after it received an “Unsatisfactory” rating by the California Highway Patrol.  Through a companion Superior Court proceeding initiated by the Firm, we obtained a temporary restraining order against the DMV, preventing it from revoking the permit during the proceedings. Through cross-examination of the CHP inspector and expert testimony, we established that the vehicle inspections had not been done properly, that the waste hauler did not present a danger to the public, and that the permit should not be revoked.