Transportation & Logistics

By air, land, sea, and even by rail, Adams & Reese represents businesses across the transportation and logistics industry, including airlines, trucking companies, shippers, port operators, logistics providers, railroads, and other intermodal transportation companies. It is an industry that drives the U.S. economy as the transportation and logistics industry contributes close to $2 trillion annually to our nation’s GDP.

Adams & Reese’s footprint is positioned across the Southeast – the epicenter of multi-region interstate highways, major ports, airports, railways, and vital freight corridors – enabling our deep bench of attorneys to counsel transportation companies wherever they need representation. We assist our clients in navigating logistical challenges, while meeting rigorous regulatory requirements. Our attorneys understand the full breadth of regulatory settings and commercial complexities impacting the multimodal transportation of domestic and international cargo.

INDUSTRY CLIENTS

Adams & Reese represents a diverse range of transportation and logistics companies, as well as the shippers who use their services, and the equipment vendors and manufacturers who play major roles throughout the supply chain. Our clients include, but are not limited to:

• Airlines, airline manufacturers, trade associations, and additional aviation industry players
• Distributors
• Fleet operators
• Freight barge operations
• Logistics providers (warehousing, freight forwarding, and supply chain management companies)
• Motor carriers
• Moving companies
• Port operators
• Railroads and commuter rail providers, including shortline railroads
• Ride-hailing companies
• Shipping companies, including ocean and inland waterway carriers
• TL (Truckload) carriers, LTL (less-than-truckload) carriers and FTL (full truckload) operators
• Towing companies
• Transportation industry associations
• Trucking companies, including interstate carriers and local, regional, and national companies 
• Vehicle rental companies

Adams & Reese attorneys partner with peers and clients in legal and industry associations to advocate for the sector. We hold leadership positions in the Transportation Lawyers Association, Conference of Freight Counsel, Trucking Industry Defense Association, Customs and International Trade Bar Association, Shipbuilders Council of America, American Trucking Association, Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Alabama Port Authority, Port NOLA, World Trade Center of New Orleans, Memphis World Trade Club, Tennessee Trucking Association, Mississippi Trucking Association, International Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association, among others.

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

From contract analysis to crisis management and labor and employment to cargo liability and litigation, Adams & Reese addresses the full array of legal services. We draft and review transportation, logistics, leasing, and operating agreements. We represent clients in dispute resolution and litigious matters concerning cargo loss, casualty claims, and environmental disputes. Cargo claims can be complex, and they can involve numerous parties and multiple jurisdictions. Adams & Reese attorneys are therefore well-versed in the federal rules and regulations related to the transportation of cargo, including the Carmack Amendment, the federal law that governs the liability of carriers for the loss or damage of goods during interstate transportation. We have handled hundreds of cargo subrogation claims.

We have a multi-jurisdictional, crisis rapid response team that assists companies following incidents. We assist in casualty defense, accident investigations, and anything needed in the aftermath of incidents. The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) allows injured railroad workers to bring claims against railroads. We defend those railway providers, including shortline railroads, against FELA claims. We have worked with the National Transportation and Safety Board on investigations and loss/injury questions.

On the regulatory front, we guide clients through interactions with federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, EPA, OSHA, and state and local transportation agencies and departments. On the labor and employment side, we resolve wage and hour disputes and overtime matters, advise on workplace safety compliance, immigration laws, the avoidance of unions, and address Fair Labor Standards Act provisions.