Corporate Structure

Transportation and logistics companies often pursue growth through joint ventures, strategic alliances, and the purchase or sale of business entities. These transactions require more than standard corporate deal work. They demand advisors who understand how operating models, regulatory pressure points, asset use and risk allocation function across the transportation continuum.

The Benesch Transportation & Logistics Group brings that perspective. Drawing on decades of direct industry experience, including attorneys who previously served inside major carriers, freight forwarders and logistics providers, we help clients structure relationships that advance strategic goals, protect enterprise value and support long-term scalability.

Strategic Alignment With Your Business Model

Because our practice represents entities across all modes and roles in the supply chain, we understand how decisions in one part of the chain impact another. We advise on partnerships designed to:

• Expand market reach and customer offerings

• Integrate value-added warehousing and fulfillment capabilities

• Combine technology platforms for enhanced visibility and efficiency

• Support cross-border or global trade strategy

• Scale capacity while managing cost and labor considerations

Our recommendations consider commercial objectives, regulatory requirements, risk-tolerance profiles and the practical realities of day-to-day operations.

Purpose-Built Structures That Work in Practice

We assist with the design and negotiation of corporate structures that are durable, efficient and aligned with management’s objectives. Examples include:

• Joint ventures and co-investment vehicles supporting dedicated capacity or service line expansion

• Strategic alliances between shippers, intermediaries and carriers integrating network capabilities

• Acquisitions or divestitures of transportation and logistics businesses, including domestic and international platforms

• Ownership structures that balance governance control with capital needs

• Operating agreements that reflect the unique operational rhythms of transportation enterprises

We also routinely coordinate with Benesch’s Corporate, Labor & Employment, Tax, Executive Compensation, Regulatory and Real Estate professionals to ensure that organizational design supports every dimension of the business.

End-to-End Transaction Support

Benesch provides full lifecycle support throughout strategic transactions. We:

• Conduct industry-specific due diligence focused on operating authorities, safety profiles, regulatory risk, customer and carrier relationships, and commercial contract structures

• Evaluate operational and compliance integration needs

• Develop transaction documents that reflect practical realities of transportation operations

• Advise management and boards on governance, risk and strategic execution

Our goal is to help clients build platforms that grow efficiently, compliantly and competitively.