Transportation & Maritime Practice Group
Our Transportation Practice Group offers clients a unique combination of operational, regulatory and litigation expertise to assist in handling not only day-to-day issues, but also those emergencies where timely guidance is most critical. We represent businesses involved in the interstate and international transportation of goods and passengers. We provide our transportation industry clients comprehensive legal representation throughout the New England region. Our office has an Emergency Response Team available 24/7 to assist clients with highway, maritime and rail emergencies of any type or size. A substantial part of our practice includes the defense of trucking companies, freight forwarders, brokers and ocean carriers, directly and on behalf of their insurers, in defense of personal injury and cargo loss and damage claims and lawsuits; analyzing coverage of inland and ocean marine and cargo insurance policies; tariff and bill of lading analysis and drafting; drafting of shipper/carrier and carrier/intermediary contracts and independent contractor agreements; assisting clients in maintaining regulatory compliance and defending all defending all types of litigation related to these topics.
Carriers, freight forwarders, 3-PLs, warehousemen, ship owners, tug and barge operators, vessel managers, charterers, protection and indemnity associations and terminal operators rely on our expertise in matters ranging from casualty investigations, inspections, cargo claims, contract disputes, Jones Act and Longshore litigation, charter party litigation and arbitration, environmental/oil spill incidents, and maritime lien disputes. We also advise transportation clients regarding compliance with U.S. and international laws and conventions, and concerning dealings with various state and federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (including Coast Guard, Customs, and INS), Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Maritime Commission, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Our transactional expertise includes preparation of charter party agreements, bills of lading, sales agreements, terminal lease agreements, service agreements, salvage agreements and wreck removal contracts.
- Defense of personal injury lawsuits (against trucking companies in particular, which typically involves one or more FMSCA safety regulations);
- Defense of cargo loss and damage claims which are subject to unique federal laws and regulations;
- Drafting of transportation contracts, including carrier/shipper and carrier/owner-operator (independent contractor) agreements;
- Representation of insurance company interests in defense of both truck accident liability cases and cargo loss and damage lawsuits;
- Insurance policy and coverage analysis;
- Representation of maritime interests in defense of personal injury and cargo claims;
- Defense of Fair Labor Standards Act lawsuits against interstate carriers;
- Defense of transporters against claims of criminal violations; and
- Defense of U.S. DOT safety audits.
In every area of practice, our attorneys are dedicated to excellence and committed to our clients’ success. Please review our other practices listed.
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