Robert Pleines, Jr.

Bob is experienced in representing clients in several transportation modes, including truckload, less-than-truckload, refrigerated, and final mile delivery, and he regularly provides strategic legal and operations guidance to clients who engage independent contractor owner-operators. He often serves as outside general counsel to clients, advising on formation, acquisitions and various operations-related matters, and negotiating supplier/distributor agreements and other transactions.

Exceptionally well-versed in a variety of transportation-related rules and regulations, including the Federal Leasing Regulations (FLRs), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), regulations set forth by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), Bob is go-to counsel on regulatory compliance matters. 

In addition to being a lawyer, Bob is a logistics officer in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and currently serves as a Detachment Officer-in-Charge. He is a commissioned officer with almost 11 years of experience in collaborative project development and leadership-driven unit cohesion. This dual experience has given Bob a unique insight and perspective. He readily understands the issues and challenges transportation sector clients face from both legal and business perspectives. 

Bob was also a litigator at a regional insurance defense firm before joining Benesch. He represented commercial motor carriers and their drivers in complex pre-suit claims and lawsuits involving wrongful death, personal injury, cargo, and other property damage. Bob brings that experience to bear in conducting deal due diligence, assessing his client's insurance needs, conducting claims assessments, resolving personal injury and property damage claims, and devising strategies to secure cost recovery from insurers.