Martha J. Payne

Martha J. Payne

Of Counsel

Overview

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.

Featured endorsements

Credentials

Education

Lewis & Clark Law School, 1985, J.D.
Portland State University, 1981, B.S.
  • Business Administration

Clerkships and Bar Admissions

Oregon

More

  • 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

     

  • 2025 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award, Women in Trucking 
  • AV®Rated, Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review

  • Transportation Lawyers Association Lifetime Achievement Award

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.