Marc Blubaugh, co-chair of Benesch’s Transportation & Logistics Practice Group, was quoted in the February newsletter of the National Home Delivery Association (NHDA) in its Advocacy Council Update section.
The feature highlights the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case Montgomery v. Caribe, which presents significant implications for freight brokers and final-mile logistics providers. At issue is whether the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (FAAAA) preempts state-law negligence claims against brokers based solely on arranging transportation with an FMCSA-authorized motor carrier.
In the newsletter, Blubaugh explains that many final-mile home delivery companies operate under a brokerage model, arranging loads to small motor carriers utilizing lightweight vehicles. While these vehicles differ from traditional tractor-trailers, he notes that accidents can still be catastrophic and result in substantial exposure, including so-called “nuclear verdicts.” As a result, the Supreme Court’s decision could have profound consequences for the home delivery sector.
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