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Martha J. Payne

Of Counsel
T.
541.961.7802
liamE

“Martha is driven to provide the highest level of client service: with her extensive knowledge of the transportation and logistics industry, from all levels, she provides simple, economic solutions to complex issues.”
“Martha is the expert on contracts.”
- Benesch Clients

“Martha is driven to provide the highest level of client service: with her extensive knowledge of the transportation and logistics industry, from all levels, she provides simple, economic solutions to complex issues.”
“Martha is the expert on contracts.”
- Benesch Clients

Martha represents and assists North American transportation and logistics providers and users on a wide variety of transportation issues.

Martha focuses her practice on risk analysis and contract drafting and negotiation.  She is fully aware that risk cannot be eliminated, but it should be understood.

She has extensive experience in drafting and negotiating domestic and international transportation, logistics, and supply chain management contracts. She advises shippers, carriers, and logistics companies of all sizes regarding cargo liability, risk management, contracting, and collection issues. Martha represented U.S. carriers on the National Law Center for Inter-American Free Trade’s Sub-Committee on Uniform Liability Regime, which involved negotiations with representatives of Canadian, Mexican, and U.S. shippers, carriers, and government representatives.

Prior to joining Benesch, Martha had experience in operations and administration in the transportation industry, including terminal operations, accounting, pricing, collections, cargo claims management, and finally Senior Attorney for Consolidated Freightways. In the position of Senior Attorney, she was responsible for all transportation related legal issues, including contracts, cargo claims, regulatory matters, and litigation management.

Martha is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Transportation Lawyers Association for her additions to transportation law and the Dick Hyman Love of Music Award from Siletz Bay Music Festival for her success in bringing world class music to the Oregon Coast.

  • Litigation
  • Global Transactions
  • International Trade & Supply Chain Management
  • Transportation & Logistics
  • Air Transportation
  • International Trade & Supply Chain Management
  • Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College, 1985, J.D.
  • Portland State University, 1981, B.S., Business Administration
  • Oregon
  • 2025 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award, Women in Trucking 
  • AV®Rated, Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review

  • Transportation Lawyers Association Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Oregon State Bar Association
  • Lincoln County Bar Association
  • Transportation Lawyers Association

  • Intermodal Association of North America

  • Air Forwarder Association

  • Conference of Freight Counsel

  • Transportation Intermediaries Association

  • Transportation Logistics Council

  • Transportation Loss Prevention and Security Council

  • American Trucking Association

  • Oregon Trucking Association

  • Canadian Transport Lawyers Association

  • Women In Trucking

  • Advisory Board Member, Siletz Bay Music Festival

  • Board Member, Fields of Peace


     

Highlights

Martindale AV Rating

Martindale AV Rating

Martindale AV Rating
Articles and Presentations
February 20, 2025
BREAKING: FMCSA Extends Comment Period for “Transparency in Property Broker Transactions” Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
November 21, 2024
When “No Comment” Isn’t an Option: FMCSA Publishes Proposed “Broker Transparency” Regulation
May 1-3, 2023
Preventing and Mitigating Loss & Tariffs and Carrier Liability | Martha J. Payne

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News
April 14, 2025
International Transport Journal Features Of Counsel Martha Payne
April 10, 2025
Benesch’s Martha Payne Wins 2025 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award
January 25, 2023
Martha J. Payne mentioned in Material Handling Wholesaler | "Women in Trucking Association announces 2023 Content Advisory Council"

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Beyond the Office
Did you know?
Before becoming an attorney, Ms. Payne was a concert violinist. Now, she feeds her musical needs by chairing the Siletz Bay Music Festival each summer on the Oregon coast.
Favorite Vacation
Costa Rica
Hobbies
Traveling, hiking, creating mosaics, and spending time with family.
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